The Sohal Tang (Acanthurus sohal), also known as the Red Sea Clown Tang, is a striking and highly territorial surgeonfish native to the Red Sea and western Indian Ocean. It is famous for its bold blue and white horizontal stripes and its aggressive nature, making it a dominant species on the reef.
Key Facts About the Sohal Tang:
Habitat: Found in coral reefs and rocky coastal areas at depths of 1–20 meters.
Size: Can grow up to 40 cm (16 inches) in length.
Diet: Herbivorous, primarily feeding on algae and seaweed, which helps maintain reef health.
Behavior: Highly territorial and aggressive, especially toward other tangs and similarly shaped fish.
Defense Mechanism: Like all surgeonfish, it has sharp scalpel-like spines near its tail for defense.
Aquarium Care:
Requires a large tank (250+ gallons) with plenty of swimming space.
Best kept as the only tang unless in a massive tank.
Needs a high-fiber diet rich in marine algae and seaweed.
Specimen was quarantined in copper and is now in a reef, 4"