Sohal Tang : Guide to keeping Acanthurus Sohal

The Sohal Tang (Acanthurus Sohal) is one of the most beautiful tangs in the family. It has black lines stretching across its white/cream body while its pectoral and tail fins are yellow.

It is also known as the majestic tang, arabian tang and the zebra tang.

They are collected from the Red Sea and near Sri Lanka. Among hobbyists the sohal tang is highly prized, it is not a cheap fish. Smaller sohals go for between $110 to $150 while adults fetch more than $200. Very large show quality sohal tangs can fetch up to $350.

Like their cousins they are susceptible to lateral line erosion and marine ich so exercise care when buying one.

Not the most peaceful tangs on the market, sohal tangs are reputed to be highly aggressive. This tang fears nothing and no one. Not even scuba divers are exempt from their aggressive behaviour.

Assuming everyone knows their place, sohal tangs can get along with other species of fish. However, it is aggressive towards other tangs. It is especially hostile towards members of its own genus, acanthurus (Powder Blue Tang, Achilles Tang). Lastly, unless you want a severely injured (or dead) fish, do not put two sohals in a small aquarium.

Sohal tangs are commonly seen living alone in the wild, unlike most of their cousins. Perhaps this has something to do with their aggressive disposition.

They are very hardy but like most tangs they are prone to parasite attacks (ich) and lateral line erosion.

Topping out at 18 inches, the sohal tang isn’t just bad to the bone, its huge. Thankfully, it only reaches lengths of up to 10 to 11 inches in captivity. The minimum size tank for this beast is 100 gallons. Larger tanks are recommended as they require ample swimming room.

They do not eat corals, making them reef safe. They are algae eaters in the wild so ensure a large part of their diet in captivity has enough algae.

Despite the fact that they’re primarily herbivores in the wild, they are open to just about anything offered once acclimated. They will eat brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, krill and whatever else you offer.

We should ensure that a large part of their diet is algae based, since they eat so much of it in the wild.

A good form of algae to feed tangs would be nori sheets.Prices vary greatly depending on the brand. Julian Sprungs Sea Veggies may be a little too pricey for some. Its good stuff though. They’re also available as flakes, which is very convenient since there’s very little work involved during feeding.

Most nori sheets are produced for human consumption, primariy as sushi wrappers. High quality sheets can cost quite a bit while the regular stuff is very affordable.

You will need a clip of some sort to secure the nori sheet. You could DIY a clip yourself and spend a couple of bucks on a commercial type. The sheets are sometimes rolled up and cut beforehand, most however, feed it as is. Use the suction cup to attach it to your aquarium and you’re done, you can enjoy the show.

Formula Two is a good quality algae based mix for herbivores. It has an extra amount of algae in it along with a good mix of seafood, trace minerals, vitamins and more. It is available as a flake food, pellet or frozen cube.

The best flake for surgeonfish are those produced by two little fishes, Sea Veggie mixed flakes, Formula Two comes in second. It you’re looking a great all rounder with balanced ingredients then you can’t go wrong with New Life Spectrum pellets.

Do not feed your tangs lettuce of any kind (romaine or iceberg). Pet stores that are trying to save a few bucks normally feed their tangs lettuce. Lettuce doesn’t have a place in this hobby as nutritionally its rubbish.