{"product_id":"sohal-tang","title":"Sohal Tang | Acanthurus sohal","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Sohal Tang is one of the most iconic and sought-after surgeonfish, instantly recognisable by its bold blue-and-white horizontal striping and electric-blue fin edges. A powerful, active swimmer reaching around 40 cm, it makes a stunning centrepiece for a large system. It is also among the most aggressive tangs, so it needs plenty of space and careful stocking.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAcanthurus sohal is native to the Red Sea and Arabian waters, where it patrols shallow, high-energy reef crests and surge zones grazing on algae. It is a strong swimmer that fiercely defends a feeding territory. In the aquarium it needs a large tank with vigorous flow, high oxygenation and open swimming length, plus mature rock for grazing. Matching its energetic natural setting is central to keeping it healthy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe silvery-grey body is marked with striking blue and dark horizontal lines and edged in vivid blue along the dorsal and anal fins. A bright orange-based scalpel sits at the base of the tail and is extremely sharp. The adult size of around 40 cm should be considered before purchase. Take care when handling, as the caudal spine can cause a serious cut. Healthy specimens are bold, active and full-bodied.\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 grows increasingly dominant with age. Keep only one per system, add it last, and pair it with robust tank mates such as large angelfish, groupers, larger wrasses and triggers. Smaller or timid fish are likely to be bullied. A large tank with generous swimming room is essential to manage its temperament.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA dedicated herbivore, the Sohal Tang thrives on a diet rich in marine algae: dried nori, spirulina and prepared herbivore foods, with occasional meaty items as a supplement. Regular vegetable-based feeding supports colour, health and immunity, and helps reduce aggression. Access to natural algae growth in the tank is also beneficial.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eGiven its size and temperament, provide a minimum of around 700 L, 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. Strong flow, excellent oxygenation and powerful filtration are important. Stable water and abundant open space keep this large, energetic fish thriving.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSurgeonfish are open-water spawners with a lengthy planktonic larval stage, and Acanthurus sohal is not bred in the home aquarium. For keepers the priority is 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\u003eLarge 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, 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 aquarium too small to absorb its aggression or provide adequate swimming room.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm) \/ Imported","offer_id":55234131001635,"sku":"AA1337-S","price":515.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm) \/ Imported","offer_id":55234131034403,"sku":"AA1337","price":595.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm) \/ Imported","offer_id":55234131067171,"sku":"AA1337-L","price":595.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large (15-40cm) \/ Imported","offer_id":55351932158243,"sku":"AA1337-XL","price":685.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/sohal-tang-43090656231715.webp?v=1790305846","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/sohal-tang","provider":"Nicks AOT","version":"1.0","type":"link"}