Acanthurus sohal

Datasheet

General Description

The Sohal Tang, scientifically known as Acanthurus sohal, is a striking member of the Acanthuridae family. These fish are known for their vibrant coloration and unique markings, with a distinctive contrast of white and dark blue stripes along their bodies. As juveniles, some species in the Acanthurus genus mimic Angelfish to evade predators, making them challenging to identify from adult fish based on appearance alone.

Aquarium Suitability

Considered suitable for aquariums with caution, the Sohal Tang demands meticulous care and attention. These fish can exhibit extreme aggression towards other species, particularly docile or peaceful ones. To mitigate aggressive behavior, providing regular feedings, ample hiding spots, and sufficient space in the tank is paramount. Additionally, they require a high standard of water quality, including proper oxygenation.

Care and Hardiness

The Sohal Tang boasts an average level of hardiness. It is crucial to provide them with a well-established aquarium offering plenty of space for swimming and numerous hiding places, especially when introducing them to a new environment. Maintaining a pristine water quality is essential to their well-being, as they thrive on algae-based diets to bolster their immune systems.

Reef Suitability

The Sohal Tang is deemed reef-safe, as they rarely pose a threat to corals or invertebrates within a reef setup. However, caution is advised when housing them with large Palettes or Blue tangs, as exceptions to their typically non-aggressive nature may arise. These fish primarily feed on various types of algae, making them beneficial additions to coral aquariums for algae control.

Aquarium Setup

Establishing an aquarium for Sohal Tangs should prioritize ample swimming space, numerous hiding spots, and a well-maintained algae-rich environment. The tank should be large enough, with a minimum capacity of 800 liters, to accommodate their active swimming behavior. Providing a variety of frozen and algae-based foods, along with supplements like Spirulina, is crucial for their nutritional needs.

Behaviour

Sohal Tangs are known for their aggressive behavior towards potential food competitors. When kept in groups, they establish a hierarchy among themselves. Introducing the most aggressive individuals last and ensuring an adequate number of hiding places can help reduce aggression levels in the tank.

Feeding and Diet

These fish have a diet primarily consisting of small crustaceans such as krill, mysis, and artemia. To maintain their health and well-being, their diet should be algae-based, supplemented with macroalgae like seaweed or Nori and microalgae such as Spirulina. Ensuring a well-balanced diet is crucial to support their immune systems and overall vitality.

Dimorphism

Male and female Sohal Tangs do not exhibit significant dimorphic characteristics. In a captive setting, these fish can reproduce under optimal conditions. However, detailed information on captive reproduction techniques for this species may vary and require specific attention to breeding behaviors.

Habitat and Distribution

Originating from the Western Indian Ocean, specifically from the Red Sea to the Persian Gulf, Sohal Tangs inhabit rocky and coral-rich environments. Their natural habitats are characterized by abundant algae growth, reflecting their diet in the wild. When recreating their environment in an aquarium, mimicking a well-established reef with ample algae for grazing is crucial for their health and overall well-being.