The Sohal Tang (Acanthurus sohal) is a visually stunning and highly active species native to the Red Sea and western Indian Ocean. Recognisable by its bold blue and white horizontal stripes and sharp scalpel-like spines on the caudal peduncle, this tang is a popular choice for large marine aquariums.
Care Level: Moderate to advanced. Sohal Tangs require stable water conditions and ample swimming space.
Temperament: Territorial and aggressive, especially towards conspecifics and similar-shaped tangs. Best kept singly or in very large tanks with plenty of hiding spaces.
Diet: Primarily herbivorous. Provide a varied diet rich in marine algae, seaweed sheets (nori), and high-quality herbivore pellets or flakes. Occasional meaty foods can be offered but should not dominate the diet.
Minimum Tank Size: At least 180 litres (approximately 50 gallons) to accommodate their active swimming and territorial behaviour.
Reef Compatibility: With Caution. May nip at soft corals and clam mantles; not recommended for delicate reef setups.
Lighting & Water Flow: Standard reef lighting and moderate to strong water flow to mimic natural habitat conditions.
Placement: Provide ample rockwork for grazing and hiding. Ensure the tank is well established with stable water parameters.
Origin: Red Sea and western Indian Ocean.
Maximum Size: Up to 40 cm (16 inches) in length.
