Latin name

Acanthurus sohal

Other name

Sohal tang

Identification

The body of the Sohal surgeonfish is flattened at the sides.  

Features of fish fins

The tail fin is crescent shaped. The dorsal fin has 9 hard and 30-31 soft rays, the anal fin has 3 hard and 28-29 soft rays and the pectoral fins have 17 soft rays each.

Fish colouring

The colouration is light grey, gradually fading to white on the belly. There are narrow black vertical stripes on the head above the eyes and on the sides. There are orange spots under the pectoral fins, and a short orange or red longitudinal stripe around the spike on the caudal peduncle. Pectoral fins black with narrow blue edge, pectoral fins yellow above and white below with black edge. 

Distribution

Widespread in the tropical waters of the western Indian Ocean from the Red Sea to the Persian Gulf. 

Habitat

Tropical marine species, depth range from 0 to 20 m. Inhabits the outer slopes of coastal reefs exposed to sea waves. Inhabits waters with a temperature of +24...+30°C.

Size

Fish of this species can reach a total length of up to 40 cm. 

Behavior

A very territorial and aggressive species.

Food and feeding habits

It feeds on various species of algae, mainly Sargassum and small filamentous green algae.

Reproduction

Pairs of these fish release their gametes into the current, the eggs drift along with the plankton and after several metamorphoses the small individuals sink to the reef.

Fishing

Fished with nets, traps and sometimes trawls.

Relationship with a person

Harmless. Used in the aquarium trade.