Humpback unicornfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Humpback unicornfish |
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| In the Maldives | |
| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Acanthuriformes |
| Family: | Acanthuridae |
| Genus: | Naso |
| Subgenus: | Naso |
| Species: |
N. brachycentron
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| Binomial name | |
| Naso brachycentron (Valenciennes, 1835)
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| Synonyms | |
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The humpback unicornfish, also known as Naso brachycentron, is a cool fish that lives in the ocean. It's part of a group of fish called surgeonfish, unicornfish, and tangs. You can find this unique fish swimming in the warm waters of the Indian and western Pacific Oceans.
What's in a Name?
Scientists give every living thing a special name. This helps them organize and study different species. The humpback unicornfish was first officially described in 1835. A French scientist named Achille Valenciennes gave it the name Naseus brachycentron.
This fish is part of the Naso group. The Naso group is the only one in the subfamily called Nasinae. All of these fish belong to the larger family called Acanthuridae.
Why 'Humpback Unicornfish'?
The scientific name Naso brachycentron has a special meaning. "Brachy" means "short," and "centron" means "thorn" or "spine." This name points to the shorter spines on its dorsal fin. These spines are shorter compared to another type of Naso fish, the N. fronticornis.
The common name "humpback unicornfish" also makes sense. It refers to the hump that grows on its back. It also refers to the horn-like bump that sticks out from its head.
What Does It Look Like?
The humpback unicornfish has some interesting features. Its dorsal fin has 4 or 5 strong spines. It also has between 28 and 30 soft rays. The anal fin has 2 spines and 27 or 28 soft rays.
When these fish grow bigger than about 20 centimeters (8 inches), a hump starts to form on their back. This makes their back look curved inward. The front of its head, called the snout, slopes steeply.
Adult male fish have a long, pointy bone sticking out in front of their eyes. This "horn" can even go past their mouth! Females have a much smaller bump instead. Each side of its tail base, called the caudal peduncle, has two sharp, blade-like plates.
The top of its body and head are usually grey. The lower part of its body is lighter, often yellowish or whitish. These colors often have an uneven line between them. You might see blue spots behind its eyes. Larger males can even have dark stripes on their lower sides. This is a pretty big fish! It can grow up to 90 centimeters (35 inches) long.
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A male humpback unicornfish.
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A female humpback unicornfish.
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Where Does It Live?
The humpback unicornfish lives in a large area of the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean. You won't find it in the Red Sea or the Persian Gulf. It lives along the eastern coast of Africa, from Kenya down to South Africa. It's also found around many islands in the Indian Ocean.
In the Pacific Ocean, it reaches as far east as French Polynesia and the Mariana Islands. It goes north to the Ryukyu Islands and south to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. These fish usually live alone. Sometimes, you might see them in small groups. They prefer shallow areas around coral reefs.
