Description
The Sohal surgeonfish (Acanthurus sohal), also known as the Sohal tang, is a large, brightly patterned marine fish native to the coral reefs of the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf.
Physical Description
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Size: Grows up to 40 cm (16 inches) in total length.
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Body Shape: Strongly compressed, flattened, and oval-shaped with a steep, rounded head profile.
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Coloration: Features a pale grey, blue, or silver background covered in bold, thin horizontal black and blue stripes. The dorsal, anal, and caudal (tail) fins are dark with bright blue margins.
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Tail Spine: Features a razor-sharp, retractable spine (scalpel) on the caudal peduncle (base of the tail) edged with an orange sheath and blotch.
Habitat and Ecology
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Range: Endemic to the Western Indian Ocean, specifically from the Red Sea down to the Arabian and Persian Gulf.
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Depth: Typically found in shallow waters from 0 to 20 meters (frequently 1 to 10 meters) on seaward reef edges and flats exposed to strong wave action and surge.
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Diet: Herbivorous, feeding primarily on Sargassum and fine filamentous green algae.
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Behavior: Highly active, fast-swimming, and notoriously aggressive and territorial.
Aquarium and Safety Notes
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Defense: The tail scalpel can deliver deep, painful defensive wounds that are prone to infection.
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Care Requirements: Due to its large size and intense aggression, it requires a massive aquarium (often recommended at 250+ gallons with an 8-foot footprint) and is best kept as a single specimen or with very resilient tankmates.
