Sohal tang

The sohal tang is a large, powerful surgeonfish in the family Acanthuridae, native to the Red Sea and surrounding waters of the western Indian Ocean. It has an oval, laterally compressed body marked with fine horizontal blue-grey lines and a bright orange bar across the pectoral region, with prominent scalpel-like spines at the base of the tail. Sohal tangs are notably aggressive and territorial, dominating tankmates and defending large areas. They are best kept singly and only with robust companions in very large systems. This fish demands a spacious aquarium of several hundred liters with strong flow, ample live rock, and abundant swimming room. It is primarily herbivorous, grazing on algae, and should be offered dried seaweed and vegetable-based foods alongside occasional meaty items. Its size and temperament make it suited to experienced keepers.