Description:

Dorsal spines: 6; Dorsal rays: 26-30; Anal spines: 2; Anal rays: 27-30.
An anteriorly deep-bodied unicorn fish which becomes more elongate with growth. Posterior body tapers equally dorsally and ventrally to peduncle. No rostral prominence on 
forehead. Adults’ snout nearly straight. Adults have incisiform teeth, 30 to 35 in both jaws. Two peduncular plates each with a large, sharp, forward projecting keel. 
Caudal fin emarginate. Compared with females, males have larger caudal spines, and longer filaments on the caudal fin.
Colour. A grey-brown body. A narrow curved yellow band from corner of mouth to below the eye. Black snout and orange lips. A broad yellow bar above and behind the eyes 
continuous with dorsal fin origin. Lips orange. Dorsal and anal fins yellow-orange with a narrow blue margin and black submarginal line. Dark greyish brown peduncular 
plates with brilliant orange keels. Anal and pelvic fins dark brown. Caudal fin yellowish with black upper and lower margins and a submarginal black band posteriorly.

Size:

Maturity: Lm unknown. Range unknown. Max Length: 45.0 cm SL. Commonly to 35cm TL. 
 

Habitat and Ecology:

Inhabits coastal, sheltered reef flats and rocky bottoms (depth 5-30m). Typically in small groups. Feeds on benthic algae. Evidence of sexual dimorphism in the caudal 
keels which are relatively larger and longer caudal filaments in males.
 

Fishery Status:

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is caught in the fish trap fishery, but is a rare component of the catch. 
 

Notes:

 

 

References:

Anam, R. & Mostarda, E. (2012). FIELD IDENTIFICATION GUIDE TO THE LIVING MARINE RESOURCES OF KENYA. UNFAO Rome, 2012. ISBN 978-92-5-107239-4
Bray, D.J. Naso elegans in Fishes of Australia, http://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/4961 (09/06/19)
Choat, J.H. et al. (2012). Naso elegans. The IUCN Red List 2012: e.T178004A1518077. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T178004A1518077.en. (09/06/19).
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. Eds. (2019). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/60074 (09/06/19).
Randall, J.E. (2001). Surgeonfishes of Hawaii and the World. ISBN: 1-56647-561-9

Citation:

Nevill, J.E.G. (2019). Naso elegans, Elegant unicornfish. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/naso-elegans-ruppell-1829/ (Revised 16/06/22).