Naso annulatus

Datasheet

General Description:

The Whitemargin unicornfish, scientifically known as Naso annulatus, belongs to the Acanthuridae family. These fish are commonly referred to as Unicornfish and are recognized for their striking appearance with white margins on their bodies. They can grow up to 100cm in size and are primarily found in the waters of the East Indian Ocean, West Indian Ocean, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, East Pacific, and the Central/West Pacific. Their distribution ranges from East Africa to the Hawaiian, Marquesan, and Tuamoto islands.

Aquarium Suitability:

The Whitemargin unicornfish is not suitable for a home aquarium due to their demanding nature for ample swimming space and specific dietary requirements. They prefer a well-established aquarium with abundant algae on rocks and stones for grazing. Tank size recommendations are vague due to their large size when fully grown, indicating a necessity for a tank size beyond the capacity of an average home setup.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness:

These Unicornfish require a large aquarium due to their size and need for swimming space. They mainly feed on algae and require more algae-based food compared to other Surgeonfish species to maintain their health properly. They are peaceful towards other fish species. Naso Surgeonfish can take some time to start eating in a new environment but generally adapt within a week.

Reef Suitability:

Whitemargin unicornfish are always considered reef safe and generally do not pose a threat to corals or invertebrates. They spend most of their time swimming and nibbling algae from rocks, contributing positively to the reef environment.

Aquarium Setup:

For the setup of an aquarium housing Whitemargin unicornfish, it is crucial to provide ample swimming space and sufficient hiding places, such as between live rocks. A well-run aquarium with abundant algae growth on rocks and stones is essential. Maintaining proper water parameters with a pH ranging from 8.1 to 8.4, a temperature of 22.2-25.6°C, and a specific gravity between 1.020-1.025 is necessary for their well-being.

Behaviour:

These Unicornfish are predominantly peaceful towards other fish but may display aggression towards similar species. It is advisable to introduce them into the aquarium carefully, particularly if housing multiple Surgeonfish species, ensuring that there are enough hiding spots for individual territories.

Feeding and Diet:

Whitemargin unicornfish primarily feed on macroalgae like seaweed or nori and microalgae such as spirulina. While they enjoy a variety of frozen foods, it is crucial to prioritize algae-based nutrition to maintain their immune system and overall health.

Habitat and Distribution:

Whitemargin unicornfish are native to the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from East Africa to the Hawaiian Islands, southern Japan, and Lord Howe Island. They inhabit areas with abundant algae growth, including rocky substrates where they can graze and thrive in their natural habitat.