Whitemargin unicornfish

Biology

The whitemargin unicornfish can reach a length of one metre, making it one of the largest members of the family Acanthuridae. It has a brown body but it gets its name from the white margin on the black caudal fin and the extremely long horn in front of the eyes. It inhabits shallow reefs where it swims in small shoals. It feeds on zooplankton.

Conservation

It is targeted by commercial fishing throughout its range. It is highly appreciated in traditional Philippine cuisine.

Curiosities

The male and the female can be distinguished by the caudal fin. The male exhibits longer caudal filaments than the female.