Sohal tang (Acanthurus sohal) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Sohal surgeonfish
Family
Acanthuridae (surgeonfishes, tangs and unicornfishes)
Origin
North-western Indian Ocean, Red Sea and Arabian coasts to the Persian Gulf; surge-swept outer edges of fringing reefs to about 20 m.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
40 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
1200 litres
Care level
expert
Temperament
aggressive
Reef safe
yes

Care

Tank: a very large tank with strong water movement and lots of open swimming space. an estimated minimum of about 1200 litres (our estimate from the adult size and habits, with extra room for its aggression). Water: our sources give no species-specific figures, so the values shown (24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, SG 1.023–1.026) are general marine aquarium guidance, not species-specific. Like other surgeonfish it needs well-oxygenated water with strong flow and stable quality. Behaviour: the list calls it one of the larger, more aggressive tangs. In the wild it is very territorial, guarding its algae patch and patrolling the boundaries. Tangs are prone to marine white spot (Cryptocaryon irritans) and velvet, so quarantine new arrivals. Safety: the tail spine is reported to carry venom. Never handle it; move it in a container, and seek medical advice after a cut. Trade and status: traded for aquariums. Assessed by the IUCN (2012; Persian Gulf 2015). Not CITES-listed. Occasional Mediterranean records are probably aquarium releases or Suez Canal migrants. Selling: our policies require the adult size and long-term tank needs to be stated clearly in the listing. Large fish must travel by a specialist live-animal courier (see the Livestock shipping guide). Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acanthurussohal). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Grazes algae from hard surfaces. Give plenty of marine algae, nori and spirulina-based foods several times a day, with some meaty foods.

Breeding

Our sources give no breeding information; not bred in home aquaria.

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe with corals and invertebrates, but very aggressive towards other tangs and fish of similar shape; often best as the only tang, added last.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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