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September 30, 2023  |  By Ben Ivers

Bluespine Unicornfish

Bluespine Unicornfish Live

Bluespine Unicornfish - IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

In Hawai'i the bluespine unicornfish is known as "kala"

The bluespine unicornfish can be found in the Indo-Pacific. Here it is pictured in the calm water off Poipu Beach on the island of Kauai in Hawai’i. It is also known by the common name, short-nose unicornfish. It goes by many names in the various localities it is found throughout the world. In Hawai’i, it is called “kala”, which mean thorn. In New Caledonia, it is called “dawa”. In Fiji, it is called “ta” or “tā”. Its closest relatives include other unicornfishes, tangs, and surgeonfishes.

Sergeant Major

Bluespine unicornfishes are ray-finned fish in the family Acanthuridae. Its scientific name is Naso unicornis. This fish can be easily identified by the two blue spines on each side at the base of its tail. It also has its eponymically short rostrum or bony horn on its forehead. On smaller specimens, the horn might not appear. Males have a characteristic set of streamers coming off of the caudal, aka tail, fin. The caudal fin on this species of fish is homocercal, which means that it is superficially symmetric on top and bottom. The bluespine unicornfish has a blueish-gray body. They can grow to be 28 inches long, and the largest one ever caught weighed 13 pounds. This one here was only about 12 inches long.

Bluespine Unicornfish Full Body Live

The bluespine unicornfish is a near shore fish. Where I was snorkeling, I was only about 100 feet from shore and in water less than six feet deep. They seem to enjoy locations that have waves and strong surges. This fish is an herbivore and feeds on brown and red algae. They tend to be solitary, but can be found in small schools of bluespine unicornfish or as a member of a larger school that includes many other species.

Hawaiian Sea Cucumber

I took this photo while snorkeling in the aquarium-like waters at Poipu Beach. There were dozens of species of fish swimming about in the placid waters. They were co-existing with the people who were swimming about. As people stepped against the rock and coral rubble, algae would get scraped off and would float in the water. The schools of fish would then swarm in and eat the loose algae. This symbiotic relationship was enjoyed by all the snorkelers who were lazily floating about in the water looking at all the colorful, tropical fish.

This fish has a leather-like skin instead of scales

Did you know?

  • The bluespine unicornfish has leather-like skin instead of scales.
  • They are a common food source for humans. It was an important food and cultural source for the Hawaiians. The tough skin was stretched over a half coconut shell to make a small knee drum.
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Article by Ben Ivers

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Matt Hamas and Ben Ivers here. We are focused on fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the environment. We endeavor to bring you a unique perspective of the wild. Our photos are being placed here for you to enjoy. Please feel free to download any of the photos for your personal use. We are currently seeking partners for printing and developing photos.

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