English Name: Orange spine unicornfish
Family: ACANTHURIDAE
Local Name: Ran geri
Order: Perciformes
Size: Max. 45 cm
Specimen: MRS/0096/87
Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with 6 spines and 27-30 rays. Anal fin with 2 spines and 28-30 rays. Pectoral rays 16-17. Body depth 2.0-2.4 in standard length (subadults deeper-bodied). No bumps or protuberances on snout or forehead. Two pairs of sharp keels on slender caudal peduncle.
Colour: Brown with a curved yellow band on snout, bright orange caudal spines and a large orange-yellow dorsal fin.
Habitat and Biology: Occurs in shallow water and is closely tied to coral reefs. Usually solitary.Feeds primarily on benthic algae.
Distribution: Indo-Pacific.
Remarks: Naso lituratus is one of the most beautiful of Maldivian reef fishes, with its very smart grey and orange colouration. The presence of a large orange-yellow dorsal fin and a black band in caudal fin is typical for Indian Ocean specimens. Of great interest among aquarists and divers.