Gray unicornfish
📖 Overview
Benthopelagic over coral and rock . Occurs singly or in aggregations along clear seaward and outer lagoon reefs and channels . Feeds in midwater on zooplankton .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 6 - 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 27 - 30; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 28 - 31. Bluish grey to grey-brown, capable of displaying a colour pattern of vertically elongate blotches (lighter or darker than ground colour) on side and upper part of body. Opercular and preopercular margins not dark brown. Caudal fin uniform in colour. Gill rakers on lower limb of gill arches entirely pale. Edge of lower lip not white (Ref 9808). : fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Gray unicornfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 15 - 50 m . Tropical Pacific Ocean: Northern Marianas, Marshall Islands, Hawaiian Islands, Pitcairn group, Society Islands (French Polynesia), Australia and New Caledonia.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Naso Caesius 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 | 18.6 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 123 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Gray 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Gray unicornfish.
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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