Revision as of 02:04, 11 October 2021 by Lilgingy(talk | contribs)(I added a description, Distribution, habitat, human use and a cultural significance section with information on each one about it.)
Naso unicornis from New CaledoniaA pair of bluespine unicornfish (Naso unicornis) found in shallow water coral reef area of Green Island, a coral reef ecosystem reserve in Taiwan
The bluespine unicornfishorshort-nose unicornfish (Naso unicornis) is a tang from the Indo-Pacific. It occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade. It grows to a size of 70 cm in length. It is called kala in Hawaiian, and dawainNew Caledonia.
Description
The Bluespine Unicorn fish is Indo-Pacific fish that is very common in the tropical water. They have a blueish-gray color to the body, with two blue spines on both sides at the base of the tail and a dorsal fin on each side of the body. There is also a rostrum or a bony horn on the forehead of the fish. These fish have a leather like skin instead of scales. The Bluespine Unicorn fish can grow up to 25 inches with the largest one caught to be 12.7 lbs. They tend to live in small groups or apart of a big school of other kala and fish. Unicorn fish also have a strong distinct odor to them.
Distribution
The Bluespine Unicorn fish is endemic to Hawaiian islands, very common, very numerous to the reef shores.
Habitat
The Bluespine Unicorn fish are a near shore fish. The juvenile tend to stay by the coastal shores while the adults tend to live more in the shallow water to the beginnings of the deep water. These Unicorn fish tend to stay within 40 feet of the surface
Diet
Bluespine Unicorn fish feed on brown and red Algae, with coarse or leafy leaves. They also feed on zooplankton and other small invertebrates.
Human Use
Bluespine Unicorn fish is eaten in an abundance due to how common they are. They have a strong favor or odor due to the kala's diet. When skinned of it leathery skin, the meat is white with a slight pink-red taint to the meat and a firm or moist texture to the meat.
Bluespine Unicorn fish are usually eaten raw, boiled, grilled, baked or Sauteed.
Cultural Significance
The Bluespine Unicorn fish or the Kala was a food source to the ancient hawaiians. Baked or boiled. Now the Kala is still are common food source to the people of Hawaii today.
