Family : Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes, tangs, unicornfishes) , subfamily: Nasinae
Order : Perciformes  (perch-likes)
Class : Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Fishbase Name : Bignose unicornfish
Fish Name : Naso vlamingii
Max size : 60.0 cm TL (male/unsexed; Ref. 3145)
Environment : reef-associated ; depth range 1 - 50 m
Climate : tropical; 24 - 28°C; 30°N - 30°S
Global Importance : fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (K=0.264; Tmax=45)Distribution : Indo-pan-Pacific: East Africa to the Galapagos Is. north to southern Japan, south to the southern Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia, Tuamotus, throughout Micronesia
Diagnosis : Dorsal spines (total): 6-6; Dorsal soft rays (total): 26-27; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 27-29. Adults develop a convexly rounded prominent snout and unusually tall dorsal and anal fins. Side of body with vertical blue lines which break up into small blue spots dorsally and ventrally. A broad blue band extending from eye to front of rostral protuberance (Ref 9808).
Biology : Occurs in deep lagoon and seaward reefs. Found forming loose schools along upper regions of deep drop-offs (Ref. 48637). Forms mid-water aggregations off steep slopes during the day to feed on zooplankton. Usually found alone or in pairs. Omnivorous. Has the ability to show or hide its blue markings (Ref. 9710). Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 27115
Threatened : Dangerous:  
Dangerous : harmless
Coordinator : Randall, John E.
Main Ref : Myers, R.F.. 1991. (Ref. 1602)

India country information
Common Names : കറുക്കന്, കറൂക്കന്, Ammas, Karukkan
Status : native
Salinity : marine
Uses : no uses