Sohul Tang

The Sohal Tang, also known as the Red Sea Clown Tang, is a stunning and highly aggressive surgeonfish recognized by its bold blue and white horizontal stripes, striking black outlines, and vibrant orange highlights near the tail. Native to the Red Sea and western Indian Ocean, it is one of the largest and most aggressive tang species, requiring a large tank and careful stocking. This fish is best suited for experienced aquarists with spacious reef or fish-only systems.

Care Guide:

• Tank Size: Minimum 180 gallons, but 250+ gallons is ideal due to its size and activity level.
• Temperament: Highly aggressive, especially towards other tangs and similarly shaped fish. It is often the dominant fish in a system.
• Diet: Herbivorous – requires a diet rich in marine algae, seaweed (nori), spirulina, and high-quality herbivore pellets.
  • Occasional treats of mysis shrimp or brine shrimp can be provided.
  • Constant grazing on live rock and macroalgae is beneficial.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C)
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Salinity: 1.023-1.025
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: <10 ppm preferred
• Flow: High – enjoys strong, well-oxygenated water to simulate natural surge conditions.
• Reef Safe? Yes, does not harm corals but may pick at fleshy invertebrates if underfed.
• Tank Setup:
  • Requires plenty of open swimming space and rockwork for grazing.
  • Strong water movement helps replicate its natural habitat.
  • Ensure secure rock structures, as it is an active and powerful swimmer.
• Compatibility:
  • Best kept with larger, semi-aggressive to aggressive tank mates such as large angelfish, triggerfish, and groupers.
  • Avoid keeping with other Acanthurus tangs, as it will aggressively defend its territory.
  • May be compatible with different-shaped tangs (e.g., Zebrasoma species) if introduced carefully in a large tank.

Special Considerations:

• Extremely Territorial: One of the most aggressive tangs—will dominate smaller or similar fish and attack new tank mates.
• Ich-Prone: Like all tangs, it is susceptible to marine ich; quarantine is strongly recommended before introduction.
• Needs High Oxygen Levels: Prefers strong flow and high dissolved oxygen levels, similar to its natural reef surge environment.

Summary:

The Sohal Tang is a stunning, powerful, and aggressive herbivore that requires a large, well-maintained aquarium with plenty of space and carefully selected tank mates. Due to its dominant nature, fast swimming behavior, and need for a strong diet, it is best suited for experienced aquarists with large reef or fish-only systems.