TAXONOMY

Kingdom:   Animalia

Phylum:     Chordata

Class:         Actinopterygii

Order:        Perciformes

Family:      Acanthuridae

Genus/Species    Naso vlamingii

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

Length to 60 cm (23 in). Adults develop a convexly rounded prominent snout and extremely tall dorsal and anal fins. Gray ovate compressed body with bright blue markings. Tips of the tail fin are unusually long. Courting males are able to instantaneously turn iridescent blue.

DISTRIBUTIN/HABITAT


Indo-Pacific in deep lagoon and seaward reefs from 4–50 m (12-150 ft). Diurnally in conspecific groups midwater off steep slopes.

DIET IN THE WILD


Zooplankton.

REPRODUCTION


External fertilization. Egg scatterers, non-guarding. Remarks: Courting males are able to instantaneously turn iridescent blue.

Main Coral Reef Exhibit PR04

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