The Sohal Tang (Acanthurus sohal), also known as the Sohal surgeonfish or Red Sea clown surgeonfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae. It is endemic to the Red Sea and the northwestern Indian Ocean and is one of the most striking and aggressive tang species available in the marine aquarium trade.

Physical Description

The Sohal Tang has an oval-shaped, laterally compressed body. The overall coloration is striking with alternating horizontal bands of dark grey and pale blue, with bright yellow-orange edges on the dorsal and anal fins. The caudal fin is dark with a yellow margin. The dorsal fin has 9 spines and 28-32 soft rays while the anal fin has 3 spines and 26-29 soft rays. This species reaches a maximum total length of 40 cm (15.7 in).

Distribution and Habitat

The Sohal Tang is endemic to the Red Sea and the northwestern Indian Ocean, from the Gulf of Aden to the Persian Gulf. It inhabits shallow coral reefs and seaward slopes at depths between 2 and 30 meters.

Diet and Feeding

The Sohal Tang is herbivorous, grazing on benthic algae and filamentous algae. In captivity, it should be offered a varied diet including marine algae, spirulina, and high-quality vegetable-based preparations.

Aquarium Care

The Sohal Tang requires a very large aquarium of at least 200 gallons with excellent water quality and strong water flow. It is highly aggressive and territorial, particularly toward other tangs. Generally considered reef-safe but may nip at some corals.

Conservation Status

Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.