Who are you calling big nose? The bizarre 'unicorn fish' that looks almost human

By MARK PRIGG

The spotted unicorn fish has a long horn that protrudes from the top of its head, just like the re-fuelling tube on the front of the RAF spy planes. It recently arrived at the Sealife Centre in Weymouth, Dorset.

One of the most unique looking fish on the planet, the 'unicorn fish' has a very human feature - an unusually large nose.
In fact, its entire head looks uncannily like a disgruntled human face.
However, the fish also has another amazing ability - it can change colour.
The spotted unicorn - Naso brevirostris in Latin - has recently arrived at the SeaLife Centre in Weymouth, Dorset.
The 'nose' is actually horn, which can appear in different places in different animals.

'Nimrod', a unicorn fish which has recently arrived at an aquatic centre in Weymouth, is being used by staff as an early warning system. The strange fish change colour if the water quality of the tanks is not up to scratch.

Another of the fish has even been named ‘Nimrod’ after the military plane to which it bears an uncanny resemblance.
The spotted unicorn fish has a long horn that protrudes from the top of its head, just like the re-fuelling tube on the front of the RAF spy planes.
And although the seven inch long tropical fish has an amazing ability to change colour, it takes on a shade of ‘Nimrod’ grey most of the time.
Matthew Fuller, display supervisor at the attraction, said: 'Nimrod does look quite like the plane with his unusual appearance.
'No one knows why they have the long horn at the front of their heads.
'It isn’t used as a weapon or swimming aid, I suspect it might be used during courtship as a way to attract other fish.'

An RAF Nimrod patrols above the waves, with its refuelling nozzle clearly visible.

Even other unicorn fish don't have the unique looks of Nimrod.
'Not all of the spotted unicorn fish have the horn shape and it makes no difference if they are male or female.
'We have had Nimrod for a few months now.
They are microscopic when they are born, but Nimrod is currently seven inches long and his horn is two inches long.
Keepers have been using his talents to keep check on the quality of water in their tanks.
'He changes colour and goes a much darker shade to show anger or environment changes such as stress against other fish and when the water needs to be changed.'

source: dailymail