Humpback unicornfish
📖 Overview
Inhabits deep coastal, usually in small groups but occasionally in large schools . Sometimes solitary . An uncommon species found in seaward reef slopes , also along rocky shores . Feeds on benthic algae . Caught with nets .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 4 - 5; Dorsal soft rays (total): 28 - 30; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 27 - 28. Distinctive humped back; horn only in adult males. A few scattered small dark-edged pale spots on postorbital head and body above pectoral fins. No white margin posteriorly on caudal fin. Profile of snout from mouth to eye strongly sloping, forming an angle of about 40° to horizontal axis of body (Ref 9808). : fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Humpback unicornfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Spawn in pairs .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 8 - 30 m , usually 15 - 20 m . Tropical; 25°C - 28°C ; 33°N - 25°S East Africa to the Marquesan and Society islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to Vanuatu.
🌿 Ecology
benthic algae (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Humpback unicornfish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.8 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 107 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Humpback unicornfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naseus brachycentron | Valenciennes | 1835 | Synonym |
| Naso branchycentron | Valenciennes | 1835 | Synonym |
| Naso rigoletto | Smith | 1951 | Synonym |
| Prionolepis hewitti | Smith | 1931 | Heterotypic |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Humpback unicornfish.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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