Sohal Tang

The Sohal Tang (Acanthurus sohal) is widely regarded as the king of the surgeonfish family — and for good reason. Endemic to the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, this stunning species features a silver-blue body adorned with horizontal black pinstripes, bold orange and electric blue accents along its fins, and a vivid orange caudal spine that gives the entire tang family its scientific name. Adult Sohals are show-stopping centerpiece fish that command attention in any large reef system.

This is not a beginner tang. Sohals are powerful, intelligent, and famously aggressive — they will dominate any aquarium they're placed in and should always be added last to an established community. They have been known to bully or kill tankmates in undersized systems, including other tangs, large angelfish, and even triggerfish. A minimum of 250 gallons with plenty of open swimming space is essential, and 300+ gallons is strongly recommended for long-term success.

Despite their temperament, Sohal Tangs are reef safe with corals and inverts and are surprisingly hardy once established. Diet should be heavily herbivorous — offer dried marine algae (nori) multiple times daily, along with herbivore pellets, spirulina, and occasional meaty foods. They require pristine water quality, very strong flow to simulate their high-energy reef crest habitat, and excellent oxygenation. Healthy specimens display jaw-dropping color saturation that intensifies as they mature.

At Ocean To You, every fish is quarantined and observed before sale. We don't sell sick fish.