Bignose unicornfish

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Widely distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific: from East Africa to the Hawaiian Islands and French Polynesia. Inhabits deep seaward reefs and lagoon channels.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Part of the Acanthuridae family. Known for its tall, compressed body, large convex forehead hump in adults, and two sharp peduncle spines. Grows to 60 cm (24 inches).

Social Behavior: Highly active, constant swimmer. Forms loose schooling groups in nature. Generally peaceful in domestic tanks but requires a massive swimming track.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Body is purplish-grey with brilliant blue spots and vertical lines. The face is highlighted with an electric blue mask. Mature males develop longer tail filaments.

Aquarium Setup: Requires a giant tank of at least 1500 liters (400 gallons) to accommodate its large adult size and active swimming behavior. Arrange rocks on the back and sides.

Diet and Feeding: Herbivorous-leaning omnivore. Feed heavy amounts of dried nori sheets, spirulina pellets, and macroalgae, supplemented with frozen mysis and brine shrimp.

Water Quality: Keep marine parameters stable: temperature 24-28°C (75-82°F), pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025, and KH 8-12. High flow and strong skimming are critical.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Reef safe. Peaceful with non-surgeonfish species. Can show territoriality towards other large Acanthurids if tank space is limited.

Aquarium Breeding: Unrecorded in domestic systems due to broadcast spawning habits and massive vertical space requirements.

Risks and Diseases: High susceptibility to marine ich (Cryptocaryon) and HLLE (lateral line disease) if kept in cramped conditions. High jump risk.