Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)
Names
Scientific name
Naso elegans
Aspisurus elegans
Cyphomycter eoume
Common name
Elegant unicornfish
Orangespine unicornfish
Indian orange-spine unicorn
Orange-spine unicorn
Smoothheaded unicornfish
Gelbklingendoktorfisch (D)
Origin
Origin: Indian Ocean and Red Sea
Natural habitat: it evolves in the coral reefs and the landslides of the lagoons, up to 30m (98 feet) deep
Dimorphism
None
Group
Acanthuridae
Volume
1,000 L / 220 imp gal / 265 US gal
Parameters
T°: 24 to 28°C or 75 to 82°F
pH: 7.8 to 8.5
Density: 1021 to 1026
Difficulty
Easy
Size
30 cm (12")
Longevity
15 to 20 years
Living zone
Middle and depth
Individuals
1
Food
How to feed the Elegant unicornfish?
Food
How to feed the Elegant unicornfish?
It is an omnivorous fish with vegetarian tendencies. In nature, it feeds on benthic algae, mainly brown algae such as Sargasso or Dictyota. They also eat small crustaceans.
Imitate this natural diet by offering a significant vegetable part in their meals. On the menu: salad, broccoli, spinach... Algae such as Sargasso, Dictyota or Caulerpes should also be distributed or made available in the aquarium.
Complement with meat food such as artemia or krill for example.
Behavior
What kind of behavior does the Elegant unicornfish have?
Behavior
What kind of behavior does the Elegant unicornfish have?
Despite its nonchalant swimming, the unicornfish is a fairly active and good swimmer. It therefore needs space to move freely.
It is calm and peaceful, but also curious! You will regularly see him approaching the surface to better see you when you approach your aquarium.
Cohabitation
Who can live with the Elegant unicornfish?
Cohabitation
Who can live with the Elegant unicornfish?
Sociable and peaceful, this fish maintains excellent relations with the other occupants of the aquarium. The only downside is for the other members of its species (or related species, with the same pattern) with whom it is less tolerant. Therefore, it is preferable to have only one unicornfish in its aquarium.
Finally, beware of cohabitation with small fish as they could well serve as an aperitif. Limit this risk by introducing the Naso last in the aquarium, and preferably quite young.
Breeding
How to breed the Elegant unicornfish?
Breeding
How to breed the Elegant unicornfish?
Unknown in aquarium.
Its aquarium
Which aquarium for the Elegant unicornfish?
Its aquarium
Which aquarium for the Elegant unicornfish?
This fish can be kept in a reef aquarium but the ideal is that there is a lot of algae (Sargasso, Dictyota or Caulerpes). Certainly they will be used as food, but they are indispensable for the well-being of your fish.
The Naso is a fairly tolerant fish as far as water parameters are concerned. Its only requirement is a filtration powerful enough to create a strong current.
Finally, it is imperative to cover your aquarium because the unicornfish is able to jump out of it.
Good To know
Find all additional information!
Good To know
Find all additional information!
Like many marine species, acclimatization is a difficult time for the Naso. Some specimens refuse to eat, sometimes for almost a month. The challenge is therefore to re-feed as quickly as possible. To do this, it must be placed in a quiet place, and the distribution of food must not be disturbed. You will probably have more success with finely chopped plants and live artemia.
After the cheering period, it is a robust fish that is not prone to disease. It is therefore a very good candidate for beginners in marine aquaristics who have a large aquarium. Moreover, he is able to recognize you! A charming asset...
The Naso elegans has a low tendency to make white spots. This problem is easily avoidable with good routine maintenance of the aquarium.
Not to be confused with Naso Lituratus. Both species are easily recognized: the dorsal fin is yellow in Naso elegans, and black in Naso lituratus. Note that the separation of the two species is quite recent (2001).
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