Naso vlamingii is a very common inhabitant of Maldivian reefs, and it feeds on zooplankton, but it also readily takes bread from divers and snorkellers. It often plays in divers' bubbles.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 60 cm
color
Dark purple brown with vertical blue lines on sides, and blue dots above and below. A broad irregular deep violet band extending forward from the eye. Colour can change dramatically with mood.
This species is commonly encountered in a range of reef environments, but is most often spotted in outer reef areas in open water close to drop-offs at depths of up to 50 m. Its diet consists mainly of midwater zooplankton.
distinctive characters
This species has a dorsal fin with 6 spines and 26-27 rays, an anal fin with 2 spines and 26-29 rays, and 17-19 pectoral rays. The body depth of young individuals is 2.1 in standard length, while adults have a body depth of 2.6. Additionally, both the dorsal and anal fins are elevated, and adults have a bump on their snout overhanging the mouth, as well as filaments extending from the corners of the caudal fin.