Horseface unicornfish
📖 Overview
Horseface unicornfish (Naso fageni), first described by Morrow, 1954 is a large fish in the family Acanthuridae (order Acanthuriformes). Adults typically reach 80.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 3 to 35 metres. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds primarily on plankton, plant material, and detritus. The species largely solitary in behaviour. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish. As a member of the Acanthuridae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 5; Dorsal soft rays (total): 24 - 26; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 23 - 25. Olivaceous grey in color; adults with small dusky spots and large specimens with a short protuberance above upper lip . Body ovate and compressed . : fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Horseface unicornfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 3 - 35 m . Tropical West Pacific: Kenya south to Bazaruto Islands (Mozambique), Aldabra and Seychelles, and east to the Philippines (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Naso Fageni 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 | 18.7 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 107 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Horseface 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 Horseface unicornfish.
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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