Sohal Tang – Acanthurus sohal
Care Level: Difficult
Diet: Herbivore
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Safe: Yes
Minimum Tank Size: 250 gallons
The Sohal Tang is one of the most desirable fish in the hobby today. Their blue highlights on their fins along with their blue horizontal stripes is a stunning site and will become a showpiece inhabitant for a large tank. Like all tangs, they will eat meaty items, however they should be fed a high amount of vegetable matter as well. Plenty of natural algae should be provided via live rock. Nori Seaweed with garlic extract will help curb aggression and strengthen their immune systems. This species of tang is susceptible to hole in the head disease. A plant based diet rich in vitamins and beta-carotene can help reduce the risk of the Sohal Tang developing hole in the head disease.
THIS AGGRESSIVE MEMBER OF THE TANG FAMILY NEEDS A VERY LARGE AQUARIUM WITH AN AMPLE SUPPLY OF LIVE ROCK FOR HIDING AND GRAZING AS WELL AS A LARGE SWIMMING AREA. THE SOHAL TANG CAN GROW TO 16 INCHES. PUTTING THIS SPECIES IN A TANK THAT IS TOO SMALL WILL MOST LIKELY RESULT IN OVER AGGRESSIVENESS AND POOR HEALTH. A SYSTEM OF 250 GALLONS OR LARGER IS NECESSARY FOR LONG TERM HEALTH.
The Sohal Tang is a hardier tang and will do well in a very large reef tank environment. They are completely reef safe and will not bother corals or inverts. With that being said they are highly aggressive and one per tank is the rule. Because of their size, personality and striking features they will become the dominant fish in the home aquarium. They are peaceful with most fish that are of a different shape and color, however putting two Sohal Tangs in any home aquarium usually results in death for one of them. They also have been known to be hyper aggressive towards other species of tangs as well as wrasses.
Standard reef tank water parameters apply. A temperature of 74-78 degrees Fahrenheit along with a PH of 8.1-8.4 will help the Sohal Tang thrive. Specific Gravity should remain as close to 1.025 as possible with dkh hovering between 8-12. Nitrites and ammonia <0 ppm, while nitrates and phosphates should be as close to <0 ppm as possible. Overall, the sheer beauty and elegance of the Sohal Tang is well worth the price if a suitable environment is available.
related: if space and or tank mates is an issue a beautiful alternative is the Powder Blue Tang.
