Bignose Unicornfish (Naso vlamingi)

This fish is found in deep lagoons and seaward reefs. It likes to school mid-water just off steep slopes during the day to feed on zooplankton. Its blue markings allow it to blend into several different environments. It makes it’s home in the Indo-Pacific from East Africa to the Line, Marquesan and Tuamoto islands, north to southern Japan and south to the southern Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia.

Tangs are members of the surgeonfish family. Surgeonfish are usually colorful, thin bodied, and have an oval shape. These fish have long continuous dorsal and anal fins and crescent tailfins. The scalpel at the base of their tailfin is very sharp and is used by the fish for protection from predators as well as a way of establishing itself with other fish. These fish are usually seen along reefs grazing on algae throughout the day.