Naso caeruleacauda

(Randall, 1994)

Vernacular names
English : Blue unicorn
French : Nason à queue bleue

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Acanthuriformes (sometimes still Perciformes)
Family : Acanthuridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a maximum length of 40 cm. Slender and laterally compressed body. Big round bluish eyes. Coloration is globally bluish-gray with clearer belly. Tail is usually bright blue with dark blue edges. No other markings.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the eastern Indian Ocean and Western Pacific from the Philippines to Indonesia and northern Great Barrier Reef. Lives in seaward reef slopes and outer reef walls, from 15 to 45 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is relatively common within its range and occurs in several protected areas. It’s not targeted for the aquarium trade.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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