Sohal Tang - Acanthurus sohal

Sohal Tang (Acanthurus sohal)

The Sohal Tang, Acanthurus sohal, is one of the most striking and powerful marine surgeonfish, instantly recognised by its silver-white body, bold horizontal black striping, vivid blue edging and bright orange caudal spine area. Also known as the Sohal Surgeonfish or Red Sea Clown Surgeonfish, this is a fast, dominant and highly active tang that becomes a true centrepiece in large marine aquariums. However, it is also one of the more territorial tangs and should only be kept by experienced marine fishkeepers with large, mature systems and carefully selected tank mates.

Common Name:
Sohal Tang, Sohal Surgeonfish, Red Sea Clown Surgeonfish, Arabian Tang.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Acanthurus sohal

Maximum Size:
Up to around 40 cm, making it a large and powerful surgeonfish that requires substantial swimming space.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Found in the north-western Indian Ocean, especially the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and surrounding Arabian reef regions. In the wild, Sohal Tangs are associated with clear seaward reef edges, surge zones and high-energy reef habitats. They are active grazers that spend much of the day moving across reef surfaces and defending feeding territories.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–27°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Hardness or Salinity: SG 1.020–1.025

Temperament:
Aggressive and territorial. Sohal Tangs are best suited to large aquariums with robust, compatible marine fish. They can become especially aggressive towards other tangs, surgeonfish, rabbitfish and similarly shaped algae grazers. This species should usually be added after more peaceful fish have settled, and it is not recommended for cramped systems or peaceful community aquariums.

Diet:
Primarily herbivorous grazer. In the wild, Sohal Tangs feed heavily on algae, including filamentous algae and larger macroalgae. In the aquarium, offer frequent feeds of marine algae sheets, nori, spirulina flakes, herbivore pellets, algae-based frozen foods and high-quality marine grazing foods. Small amounts of frozen mysis, enriched brineshrimp and finely chopped marine foods can also be offered, but the diet should remain strongly algae-focused.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of around 800 litres is recommended for a single specimen, with larger aquariums strongly preferred for long-term adult care. This species needs a long aquarium with open swimming lanes, strong water movement, mature rockwork and high oxygen levels.

Behaviour & Activity:
A very active daytime swimmer and constant grazer that spends much of its time patrolling the aquarium. Sohal Tangs are naturally bold, fast-moving and territorial, often claiming large areas of the tank once established. They require open swimming space as well as strong rockwork for grazing and territory breaks. Like other surgeonfish, they have a sharp caudal peduncle spine near the tail, which can be used defensively. A secure lid is recommended, as startled marine fish can jump.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe
Sohal Tangs are considered reef safe and do not normally nip corals or clam mantles. They can be excellent algae grazers in large mature reef aquariums, but their size, speed and territorial behaviour mean they are only suitable for systems that can provide enough space and stability.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best suited to experienced marine fishkeepers. Sohal Tangs need excellent water quality, strong oxygenation, powerful flow and a large mature aquarium. They should not be mixed casually with other tangs, and keeping more than one Sohal Tang is not recommended in normal home aquariums. Careful stocking order, quarantine and a strong algae-based diet are strongly advised. Due to their adult size and aggressive nature, they should be planned as a long-term centrepiece fish rather than an impulse tang purchase.

Suitable for:
Experienced fishkeepers

Availability:
Premium marine species / Availability can vary depending on collection, import, size and supplier

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.