The Sohal Tang (Acanthurus sohal) is one of the most striking and commanding surgeonfish in the marine aquarium hobby. Native to the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean, this species is instantly recognizable by its bold vermiculated striping, alternating light and dark bands, and its dramatic jet-black fins lined with electric blue highlights. An unmistakable orange patch lies behind the gill plate and again at the caudal peduncle, where its sharp defensive “scalpel” is located.
Highly active, highly territorial, and full of personality, the Sohal Tang is a true centerpiece fish, best kept in large, established reef systems with strong water movement and abundant swimming room.
Sohal Tangs are known for their dominant and aggressive nature, especially toward other Tangs and Surgeonfish. This behavior is amplified in smaller spaces or when housed with similarly shaped species.
Extremely aggressive—one of the most territorial tangs
Should never be kept with other Tangs in typical home aquariums
Best added last to avoid harassment of new tankmates
Gets along best with robust, confident fish that can handle a dominant tankmate
Thrives in very large reef systems with long swimming lanes
Because of their spirited behavior, the Sohal Tang is suited only for advanced aquarists with large, stable systems.
Due to its size (up to 14–16 inches) and nonstop swimming behavior:
Minimum Recommended Tank Size: 250 gallons+
For optimal comfort, long-term success, and reduced aggression, larger is strongly preferred.
Provide:
Long, open swimming zones
Strong oxygenation and flow
High-quality biological filtration
Ample rockwork for structure and stability
Although Sohal Tangs will readily eat meaty foods such as enriched brine or mysis shrimp, their long-term health depends on a marine-based herbivore diet.
Marine algae sheets (nori)
Spirulina
Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad, Ocean Nutrition algae products
High-quality herbivore pellets and flakes
A diet rich in algae helps:
Strengthen immunity
Maintain color vibrancy
Reduce aggression
Support long-term vitality
Supplement with occasional meaty foods for balanced nutrition.
Sohal Tangs are hardy once established, but require:
Large aquarium volume
Stable, pristine water quality
Proper herbivore nutrition
Careful stocking choices
Their bold personality makes them thrilling to keep—but they are best suited for experienced marine aquarists.
Advanced hobbyists with very large reef systems
Display tanks seeking a dramatic, high-impact show fish
Aquariums without other Tangs
Systems with ample space and strong flow
The Sohal Tang (Acanthurus sohal) is one of the most striking and commanding surgeonfish in the marine aquarium hobby. Native to the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean, this species is instantly recognizable by its bold vermiculated striping, alternating light and dark bands, and its dramatic jet-black fins lined with electric blue highlights. An unmistakable orange patch lies behind the gill plate and again at the caudal peduncle, where its sharp defensive “scalpel” is located.
Highly active, highly territorial, and full of personality, the Sohal Tang is a true centerpiece fish, best kept in large, established reef systems with strong water movement and abundant swimming room.
Sohal Tangs are known for their dominant and aggressive nature, especially toward other Tangs and Surgeonfish. This behavior is amplified in smaller spaces or when housed with similarly shaped species.
Extremely aggressive—one of the most territorial tangs
Should never be kept with other Tangs in typical home aquariums
Best added last to avoid harassment of new tankmates
Gets along best with robust, confident fish that can handle a dominant tankmate
Thrives in very large reef systems with long swimming lanes
Because of their spirited behavior, the Sohal Tang is suited only for advanced aquarists with large, stable systems.
Due to its size (up to 14–16 inches) and nonstop swimming behavior:
Minimum Recommended Tank Size: 250 gallons+
For optimal comfort, long-term success, and reduced aggression, larger is strongly preferred.
Provide:
Long, open swimming zones
Strong oxygenation and flow
High-quality biological filtration
Ample rockwork for structure and stability
Although Sohal Tangs will readily eat meaty foods such as enriched brine or mysis shrimp, their long-term health depends on a marine-based herbivore diet.
Marine algae sheets (nori)
Spirulina
Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad, Ocean Nutrition algae products
High-quality herbivore pellets and flakes
A diet rich in algae helps:
Strengthen immunity
Maintain color vibrancy
Reduce aggression
Support long-term vitality
Supplement with occasional meaty foods for balanced nutrition.
Sohal Tangs are hardy once established, but require:
Large aquarium volume
Stable, pristine water quality
Proper herbivore nutrition
Careful stocking choices
Their bold personality makes them thrilling to keep—but they are best suited for experienced marine aquarists.
Advanced hobbyists with very large reef systems
Display tanks seeking a dramatic, high-impact show fish
Aquariums without other Tangs
Systems with ample space and strong flow
