Unicornfishes
Bony fishes

UnicornfishesNasinae

Subfamily5 species

Unicornfishes are large surgeonfishes, with an elongated, laterally compressed body and a small, terminal mouth. All species bear two fixed, bladed spines on each side of the caudal peduncle, used for defence. While body colouration is typically shades of grey, olive, or brown, it can rapidly change in response to surroundings or behaviour. Several species develop a prominent horn-like protuberance or a distinct hump on the forehead, giving the group its common name. These fish grow up to 70 cm (2.3 ft) in length.

They inhabit exposed reef slopes, drop-offs, and outer reef channels, observed between 5 and 100 metres (16-330 ft) depth. Unicornfishes primarily graze on benthic macroalgae; some species also feed on zooplankton in the water column. Adults are often found singly or in pairs, though juveniles and subadults may form small schools, and large aggregations can occur.

How to recognise unicornfishes
OvalEgg-shaped body, deeper than it is thick - damselfishes, surgeonfishes.
  • laterally compressed, oval body
  • horn-like projection or bony bump on the forehead in several species
  • two fixed bladed spines on each side of caudal peduncle
  • large body size, up to 70 cm
  • adults often solitary or in pairs

5 species in Unicornfishes

Other oval-bodied groups

Similar silhouette underwater - worth a look if this was not your animal.

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Last Update: August 8, 2026