Bluespine unicornfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bluespine unicornfish |
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The bluespine unicornfish (Naso unicornis) is a cool ocean fish. It's also known as the short-nose unicornfish. This fish belongs to the Acanthuridae family. This family includes surgeonfishes, unicornfishes, and tangs.
You can find this fish in the Indo-Pacific region. Sometimes, people keep them in aquariums. These fish can grow quite large, up to 70 centimeters (about 27 inches) long! In Hawaii, it's called kala, which means 'thorn'. In New Caledonia, it's dawa, and in Fiji, it's ta or tā.
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What is a Bluespine Unicornfish?
How Was It Discovered?
The bluespine unicornfish was first described in 1775. A Swedish-Finnish explorer named Peter Forsskål gave it the scientific name Chaetodon unicornis. He found it near Jeddah. Later, in 1801, a French zoologist named Bernard Germain de Lacépède gave it the name Naso fronticornis. This is where the genus name Naso comes from.
What Does It Look Like?
The bluespine unicornfish has a bluish-gray body. It has two blue spines on each side near its tail. These spines look a bit like thorns. It also has a short, bony horn on its forehead. This horn is what gives it the name "unicornfish"!
Younger fish don't have this horn yet. Male fish also have long streamers on their tails. Instead of scales, these fish have tough, leather-like skin. They can grow up to 70 centimeters (27 inches) long. The heaviest one ever caught weighed about 5.8 kilograms (12.8 pounds).
Where Do Bluespine Unicornfish Live?
Ocean Home and Temperature
The bluespine unicornfish is very common in the tropical Indo-Pacific region. This area includes parts of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. They usually live in warm waters, between 25 and 29 degrees Celsius (77 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit).
Preferred Hangouts
These fish live close to the shore. Young fish often stay very near the coast. Adult fish live in shallow waters, but also go into the beginning of deeper areas. They usually stay within the top 40 feet (12 meters) of water. They really like places with waves or strong currents.
Bluespine unicornfish often live alone on coral reefs. But you might also see them in small groups with other unicornfish. Sometimes, they even join larger schools with many different kinds of fish!
What Do Bluespine Unicornfish Eat?
Their Plant-Based Diet
Bluespine unicornfish are herbivores. This means they only eat plants. Their favorite foods are brown and red algae. They especially like algae that have thick or leafy parts.
How Do People Use Bluespine Unicornfish?
Food and Culture
Because they are so common, bluespine unicornfish are often eaten. They have a strong taste and smell because of the algae they eat. When the skin is removed, their meat is white with a slight pinkish-red color. It has a firm but moist texture. People usually eat them raw, boiled, grilled, baked, or sautéed.
In old Hawaii, the bluespine unicornfish, or kala, was a very important food source. The tough skin of the kala was sometimes used to make small knee drums. Hawaiians also used kala in special ceremonies. Today, kala is still a common food for people in Hawaii and other Pacific Islands.
