Sohal Tang EXPERT (Acanthurus Sohal)

Also Known As: Red Sea Clown Surgeonfish, Sohal Surgeonfish

Compatibility and Behavior
If there is a surgeonfish that earns the word "showpiece," the Sohal Tang (Acanthurus sohal) is it. Crisp horizontal stripes of inky black and bright white run the length of a long, streamlined body, accented by bold electric-blue fin edges and a vivid orange patch near the tail scalpel, the whole effect reading like racing stripes as the fish powers through open water. Under strong lighting that blue trim on the dorsal and anal fins genuinely glows. Just know going in that the personality matches the looks. Sohals are bold, confident, and frequently downright territorial, particularly toward other tangs and similarly shaped swimmers, and a established adult can dominate a display. It is reef safe where corals are concerned, grazing film and filamentous algae off the rockwork rather than bothering polyps or inverts, but its temperament is the real planning constraint: house it with robust, equally assertive tankmates, and add it last so it cannot establish the whole tank as its turf before anyone else moves in.

Aquarium Requirements
This is a powerful, fast-swimming fish that needs serious horizontal space and strong, turbulent flow, which puts it firmly in large-system territory. For medium to large specimens in the 3 to 6 inch range, a long aquarium of roughly 180 gallons or more is the realistic starting point, with bigger preferred as the fish approaches adult size. Aquascape with broad open swimming lanes and sturdy rockwork that creates arches, ledges, and deep retreats where other fish can break line of sight and get out of the Sohal's way, while still leaving surface area for algae. High-capacity filtration, excellent oxygenation, and rock-stable water quality are essential to keep up with its activity level and waste output. A secure lid or mesh top matters more than usual here, since this fish's speed and startle response can send it into the rim hard. Keep it well fed with frequent nori, marine algae, and varied herbivore foods, which supports its color and takes at least a little of the edge off the attitude.

Specifications
Approximate Size: Md: 3–4", Lg: 4–5", XL: 5–6"
Diet: Herbivore; marine algae, nori, spirulina-based prepared foods, with supplemental quality pellets and frozen fare
Origin: Red Sea and nearby western Indian Ocean
Care Level: Expert
Reef Safe: Yes
Temperament: Aggressive
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Special Considerations: Strongly territorial and best reserved for large systems with robust, assertive tankmates; add last to reduce bullying, and provide a secure lid given its speed and hard startle response