{"product_id":"sohal-tang-xxl","title":"Sohal Tang XXL | Acanthurus sohal","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Sohal Tang XXL is a magnificent, large adult of one of the most iconic surgeonfish, prized for its bold blue-and-white horizontal striping and commanding presence. As a fully grown specimen reaching around 40 cm, it is a true centrepiece fish. It is also one of the most aggressive tangs, so it demands a very large system and careful stocking.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAcanthurus sohal is native to the Red Sea and adjacent Arabian waters, where it patrols high-energy reef crests and surge zones rich in algae. It is a powerful swimmer that defends a feeding territory vigorously against other fish. In the aquarium it needs a very large tank with strong flow, high oxygen levels and plenty of open swimming length, along with mature rock for grazing. Recreating its energetic natural environment is key to its long-term health.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe body is silvery to grey, overlaid with striking blue and dark horizontal lines and edged in vivid blue along the fins. At the base of the tail sits a bright orange-based scalpel that is razor-sharp and used in defence. This XXL specimen displays the full, developed adult colouration and size of around 40 cm. Handle with great care, as the caudal spine can inflict a serious cut. Healthy fish are bold, full-bodied and constantly active.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is an aggressive, highly territorial tang that will not tolerate other tangs or surgeonfish and will dominate a community as it matures. It is best kept as the only tang in the system, ideally added last, with robust tank mates such as large angelfish, groupers, larger wrasses and triggers that can stand up to it. Smaller or timid fish are likely to be harassed. A very large tank with abundant swimming room helps to spread its aggression.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA dedicated herbivore, the Sohal Tang should be offered a diet rich in marine algae: dried nori, spirulina and prepared herbivore foods, supplemented with occasional meaty items. Frequent feeding on vegetable matter supports its health, colour and immune system, and helps curb aggression. Grazing surfaces of natural algae in the tank are also beneficial.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eGiven its size and temperament, a minimum of around 700 L is required, with 1100 L or more strongly recommended and a long tank of well over two metres ideal. Maintain 24–27°C, pH 8.1–8.4 and salinity around 1.020–1.026. Provide vigorous flow, excellent oxygenation and powerful filtration. Stable water quality and plenty of open space are essential for this large, active fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSurgeonfish are open-water spawners with a long planktonic larval stage, and Acanthurus sohal is not bred in home aquariums. For keepers the focus should be on providing space, water quality, a strong herbivorous diet and careful compatibility rather than breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAcanthurus sohal\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSohal Tang (Sohal Surgeonfish)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRed Sea and Arabian Gulf reef crests and surge zones\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e40 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10–20 years with good care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAggressive and highly territorial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdvanced\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e700 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1100 L or larger\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHerbivore; marine algae, nori, spirulina and prepared greens\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24–27°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.1–8.4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable for marine fish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.020–1.026\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVery large reef and fish-only systems with robust tank mates\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef safe with caution (may graze coralline and nip corals)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include large angelfish, groupers, larger wrasses, triggerfish and other robust, similarly assertive fish able to cope with its temperament in a spacious system.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid keeping with other tangs and surgeonfish, small or timid fish that will be bullied, and any system too small to absorb its aggression and provide adequate swimming room.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55234138898723,"sku":null,"price":490.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55234138931491,"sku":null,"price":565.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm)","offer_id":55234138964259,"sku":null,"price":650.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large (15-40cm)","offer_id":55351941267747,"sku":null,"price":750.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/Sohal_Tang_XXL_Acanthurus_sohal_e030be70-db24-44ac-9ae0-7593aef22acb.jpg?v=1781681473","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/sohal-tang-xxl","provider":"Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}