Elegant unicornfish
📖 Overview
Inhabits coastal and sheltered reef flats in small groups and schools in oceanic locations . Also found in rocky bottoms in about 5-30 m . Feeds on benthic algae .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 6; Dorsal soft rays (total): 26 - 30; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 27 - 30. Dorsal fin yellow with a blue line at base and a black band above this; anal and pelvic fins dark brown; dorsal and anal fins with a narrow blue margin and black submarginal line; caudal fin yellowish with black upper and lower margins and a submarginal black band posteriorly . Caudal fin emarginate with adult males having trailing filaments from each corner . : short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Elegant unicornfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Elegant unicornfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Elegant unicornfish is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 5 - 30 m . Tropical; 30°N - 35°S, 30°E - 118°E south to Durban, South Africa and east through the islands of the western Indian Ocean to southwestern Indonesia, at least to Bali.
🌿 Ecology
benthic algae (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Naso Elegans 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 | 18.2 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 92 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Elegant unicornfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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