Onespine unicornfish
📖 Overview
Generally uncommon species found in steep outer lagoon and seaward reef slopes . Maximum depth reported at 40m Occurs singly or in large schools . Usually seen swimming steadily along upper edges of drop-offs in pursuit of plankton . A semi-pelagic fish that feeds on zooplankton, but remains over or near reefs. Also feeds on algae . It is cleaned by Labroides and sleeps on reefs at night, taking on a disruptive mottled pattern . Caught with nets .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 28 - 30; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 27 - 29. Body elongate-ovate. Dorsal and anal profiles nearly even. Forehead without rostral prominence when in adults. Peduncular plate single, with a semicircular, retrorsely curved keel. Reaches 35 cm SL. : fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Onespine unicornfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 40 m , usually 10 - ? m. Tropical East Africa to Micronesia (excluding the Marshall Islands), north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to the Solomon Islands and the Great Barrier Reef.
🌿 Ecology
zooplankton, but remains over or near reefs
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Onespine 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 | 19 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 139 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Onespine 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
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Barred Unicornfish · Barred Unicornfish, Oneknife unicornfish · One-spine Unicorn · Singlespine Unicornfish · Thunny Unicornfish · oneknife unicorn · oneknife unicornfish |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Enkeltbladet Næsehornsfisk |
| 🇫🇷French | Nason à rayures |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Bozuhagi · ボウズハギ |
| 🌍MSA | Dengkis |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Rufia Quilhada |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Axinurus thynnoides | Cuvier | 1829 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Onespine unicornfish.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 6 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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