The Short-Nosed Unicornfish (Naso brevirostris) is a marine (saltwater) fish in the Acanthuridae family of surgeonfish and tangs.

The Short-Nosed Unicornfish has a bluish-grey or brown oval-shaped body with a small mouth. It has one short, prominent horn, called a rostral protruberance, at the front of its head. It has many small dark spots on its head. Its tail is whitish with dark blotches. It has six dorsal (back) spines. 

It grows to 60 centimetres (24 inches) in length.

It is common in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It swims in mid-waters on the far (outer) edge of steeper lagoons and reefs. 

The Short-Nosed Unicornfish feeds on algae and zooplankton. 

It is found in small or large groups, called schools. 

The female lays eggs which hatch into young. The juvenile does not have the prominent horn. The horn grows as it gets older.

It can live up to 25 years. 

Location of photographs: Aquarium de Paris-Cinéaqua, France

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM