Bluespine Unicorn Tang

Bluespine Unicorn Tangs, Naso unicornis, also go by the name Bluespine Unicornfish.

These Unicornfish are a type of ray finned fish that belong to the Acanthuridae family. This family also includes Sawtails and Surgeonfish. The defining characteristic for the Acanthuridae family, is the presence of scalpels or spines on both sides of the caudal peduncle. These are used for defence and are usually brightly coloured to act as a deterrent. As the name might suggest, Bluespine Unicorn Tangs own blue spines.

Bluespine Unicorn Tangs also belong to the subfamily Nasinae. This group is made up exclusively of members of the genus Naso. These fish are own up to two forward hooked spines on each side of their caudal peduncle. The number depends on the age of the fish. Sawtails also develop their keels with age. As the name might hint, they can have up to seven. The Weapons’ of these two groups are fixed in positions. Only members of the Acanthurinae Subfamily own retractable spines. These Tangs own a single pair that they erect by curving their tail.

Bluespine Unicorn Tang, Naso unicornis, Ecology.

These fish live alone or in small groups in the Indo Pacific Ocean. They range around: the Hawaiian, Rapa, Marquesas and Tuamoto islands. They can also be found in the red sea and from Japan and East Africa. Adult fish can be found in a variety of areas such as: lagoons, moats, channels  or exposed seaward reefs. Young fish prefer sheltered areas.

On the reef, Bluespine Unicorn Tangs graze on coarse algae. Like many Tangs, these fish can be helpful for controlling algae growth. Left unchecked, algae could outcompete slower growing coral species for space and light. Their help can be more pronounced on shallower reefs that capture more sunlight.

Bluespine Unicornfish In the Aquarium.

It is important to have plenty of nooks or crannies in order to imitate the natural environment. This will help your Bluespine Unicorn Tang establish its own territory. Aquaroche and Aquaroche shelves can be helpful for this. Hobbyists should also think about using a jump guard to stop any loses.

Bluespine Unicorn Tangs do best when fed a varied diet. Here they are eating a good quality pellet and flake food, such as Jbl Maris. Our Tangs are also offered ocean nutrition seaweed, that can be secured to the side of the tank with clips.

They will happily eat enriched frozen: mysis shrimp and brine shrimp and krill, in the case of the larger fish. We enrich all our frozen food with seachem garlic guard and Atvitol vitamins. These are imperative for keeping fish healthy and increasing longevity. By providing the fish with the nutrition that is otherwise lost in frozen food, these additives support the tangs immune system and helps ward off white spot.

In addition, Tangs will also eat live foods, such as copepods and amphipods, that can be cultivated in attached refugium. Our Tangs are adapted to aquarium life before being offered for sale. So they are eating dry food and/or frozen food when they leave us.

Tangs can be kept alone or in groups. If considering the latter, feel free to give us a call to discuss further. Hobbyists can keep multiple tangs together, although we encourage you seek advice if you are unsure or have questions.