Sohal Tang

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Endemic to the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf (up to the Arabian Sea). Undisputedly dominates the shallow coral reefs highly battered by wave motion (surge zones), rich in algal covers that it jealously guards from any intruder.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Sohal Tang (Acanthuridae family). Possesses a massive, tapered and hydrodynamic body structure. The scalpel on the caudal peduncle is exceptionally prominent, venomous and sharp. It can touch, or exceed, the colossal 40 cm (16 inches) in an adequate aquarium.

Social Behavior: The undisputed King and the worst nightmare of its tankmates. Having reached adulthood (over 15-20 cm), it turns into a real territorial sociopath. It will ferociously attack not only other grazing fish, but even the hands of the submerged aquarist.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Majestic and intimidating livery. Gray/silvery belly surmounted by a tangle of thick longitudinal black and dark blue lines ("pajamas"). The pectoral fins, the margins of the dorsal/anal fins and the scary caudal scalpel are painted in an alarming intense orange. No dimorphism.

Aquarium Setup: To contain the aggressiveness of an adult, marine aquariums with oceanic dimensions are needed (at least 800-1000 liters / 210-260 gallons, length 250+ cm / 8+ feet). Huge volumes of uninterrupted straight-line swimming are needed. Very robust rocky setup to withstand its impetuous hunting dashes and extreme current.

Diet and Feeding: Herbivore basically but markedly omnivorous. Endowed with a gargantuan appetite, consumes mountains of food. Sheets of Nori algae tied to the bottom, abundant Mysis, large Krill and pelleted feeds. The huge energy expenditure in patrolling the tank requires 3-4 substantial meals a day.

Water Quality: Exceptionally strong, robust and demanding at the same time. Able to tolerate small fluctuations better than its cousins (Leucosternon), but its gigantic biological load requires the exclusive use of top-of-the-range skimmers to keep the water crystal clear and oxygenation to the maximum. SG 1.023-1.026, pH 8.1-8.4.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Highly problematic. It is imperative to insert it as the very last fish (when the rest of the community is already master of the tank). It will systematically kill any other fish of similar shape or showing striped liveries. Tolerated only with giant triggerfish, groupers or huge angelfish.

Aquarium Reproduction: As for all the Acanthurus genus, reproduction in home aquariums is utopia, hindered by the inability to provide the necessary pelagic space and suitable food for the microscopic oceanic larva.

Risks and Diseases: The main risk is human: the adult Sohal attacks the hand that cleans the glass, tearing it seriously with poisonous blades. On the medical side, it is an extremely vigorous fish if fed massively, while remaining susceptible to classic marine Ich.