{"product_id":"sleek-unicorn-fish","title":"Sleek Unicorn Fish | Naso hexacanthus","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Sleek Unicorn Fish is a large, streamlined member of the surgeonfish family, built for open-water swimming and constant motion. Unlike many of its relatives it lacks a prominent horn, instead showing a smooth profile and the ability to flush from grey-brown to striking blues when displaying. Reaching an impressive 75 cm, this is a fish for very large aquariums only.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eNaso hexacanthus ranges widely across the Indo-Pacific, typically along steep outer reef slopes and drop-offs where it gathers in schools to feed on drifting plankton. It is a strong, tireless swimmer that spends its days in the water column rather than picking over rockwork. Recreating this in captivity demands a very large aquarium with long, open swimming lanes and powerful, well-oxygenated water flow. This is not a species suited to standard reef tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe body is elongated and torpedo-shaped, usually olive to grey-brown, but capable of flushing into vivid electric blues and purples across the face and fins when excited or displaying. Adults develop a distinctive shape and carry the characteristic surgeonfish scalpels at the base of the tail, which are sharp and should be respected when handling. Its considerable adult size of around 75 cm must be factored in before purchase. Healthy fish are full-bodied, active and feed strongly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eGenerally peaceful towards unrelated species, the Sleek Unicorn Fish can be semi-aggressive towards its own kind and other unicornfish, particularly in confined spaces. In a large enough system it mixes well with tangs, angelfish, larger wrasses, groupers and other robust fish. Its size and speed mean tank mates should be chosen to match. Provide ample swimming room to keep aggression to a minimum.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the wild this species is primarily a zooplankton feeder, supplemented with some algae, so its diet in captivity should reflect both. Offer meaty foods such as mysis and enriched brine alongside marine algae, nori and quality herbivore and omnivore preparations. Frequent feeding supports its fast metabolism and active lifestyle. A varied diet keeps it in good colour and condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause of its adult size, a minimum of around 900 L is required, with 1500 L or more strongly recommended for long-term health. Maintain 24–27°C, pH 8.1–8.4 and salinity around 1.020–1.026. Strong water movement, excellent oxygenation and powerful filtration are essential for this active, large-bodied fish. Long, open tanks are far more suitable than tall or heavily aquascaped systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eNaso unicornfish are open-water, pair or group spawners that release eggs into the water column, and their larvae have an extended planktonic phase. Captive breeding is not achievable in home aquariums. For keepers the goal is providing enough space, water quality and food for this large fish to thrive.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNaso hexacanthus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSleek Unicornfish (Blacktongue Unicornfish)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIndo-Pacific outer reef slopes and drop-offs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e75 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10–20 years with good care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful, semi-aggressive to its own kind\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntermediate to advanced (very large tank required)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e900 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1500 L or larger\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZooplankton feeder and omnivore; meaty foods plus marine algae and nori\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24–27°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.1–8.4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable for marine fish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.020–1.026\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVery large reef and fish-only systems with open swimming room\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef safe (generally leaves corals alone)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include tangs, angelfish, larger wrasses, groupers, snappers and other large, robust fish that suit a spacious system.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid keeping with other unicornfish in cramped quarters, very small or timid fish that may be overwhelmed, and any setup lacking the swimming space this large species demands.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm) \/ Australian Caught","offer_id":55234143158563,"sku":"AA3667-S","price":105.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm) \/ Australian Caught","offer_id":55234143191331,"sku":"AA3667","price":120.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm) \/ Australian Caught","offer_id":55234143224099,"sku":"AA3667-L","price":140.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large (15-60cm) \/ Australian Caught","offer_id":55351942152483,"sku":"AA3667-XL","price":160.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Small (1-5cm) \/ Imported","offer_id":55562742268195,"sku":"AA3667-S-IMP","price":105.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm) \/ Imported","offer_id":55562742300963,"sku":"AA3667-M-IMP","price":120.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm) \/ Imported","offer_id":55562742333731,"sku":"AA3667-L-IMP","price":140.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large (15-60cm) \/ Imported","offer_id":55562742366499,"sku":"AA3667-XL-IMP","price":160.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/sleek-unicorn-fish-43090656166179.webp?v=1790306129","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/sleek-unicorn-fish","provider":"Nicks AOT","version":"1.0","type":"link"}