Sohal Tang

🐠 Identity & Appearance Common names: Sohal Tang, Arabian Surgeonfish Scientific name: Acanthurus sohal Coloration: Striking horizontal blue and white stripes across the body. Dark dorsal and anal fins edged in electric blue. Orange highlights near the pectoral fin and tail base. Size: Up to 16 inches (40 cm) in the wild; typically 8–10 inches in aquariums. Distinctive feature: Crescent-shaped tail with vivid blue edging and orange base. 🌍 Natural Habitat Range: Red Sea and western Indian Ocean, especially around the Arabian Peninsula. Environment: Coral-rich reefs and rocky slopes, usually in shallow coastal zones. Depth: Commonly found between 1–30 meters. Behavior in the wild: Territorial grazer, often patrolling defined areas of reef. 🧠 Temperament & Behavior Temperament: Highly territorial and aggressive, especially toward other tangs. Activity: Constant swimmer; requires ample open space and strong water flow. Reef-safe: Yes — does not harm corals, but may chase tankmates. 🏡 Aquarium Care Minimum tank size: 180 gallons (680 liters) or larger. Aquascape: Open swimming lanes. Plenty of live rock for grazing. Water parameters: Temp: 75–82°F Salinity: 1.023–1.026 pH: 8.0–8.4 Hardiness: Moderate — sensitive to poor water quality and crowding. 🍽️ Diet Primary diet: Herbivorous — feeds on filamentous algae and diatoms. In captivity: Dried seaweed (nori) Spirulina-based foods Occasional mysis or brine shrimp for variety Feeding frequency: 2–3 times daily to mimic natural grazing. 🧬 Lifespan & Health Lifespan: Up to 25 years in optimal conditions. Common issues: Prone to marine ich and head and lateral line erosion (HLLE) if stressed or undernourished. Preventive care: Stable water quality, varied diet, and UV sterilization help reduce disease risk. 🪸 Compatibility Good with: Peaceful, non-tang species such as wrasses, anthias, and gobies. Avoid: Other tangs or similarly shaped fish — especially Acanthurus species. Best practice: Introduce last or as the dominant tang in large systems.