Sohal Surgeonfish

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Acanthurus sohal - (Forsskål, 1775)
Sohal Surgeonfish

This very active fish needs plenty of swimming room. Scott W. Michael

[edit] Overview

This species is one of the true “bad boys” of the acanthurid family. Highly territorial, it will dash from one side of the tank to the other and violently harass other finned tankmates, especially congeners and food competitors.

Its caudal spines are very large and are reported to be venomous.

It feeds mostly on filamentous algae and fleshy macroalgae, usually off hard, flat substrates.

Family: Acanthuridae

Other common name(s):

  • Red Sea Clown Surgeon
  • Red Sea Surgeonfish

Native range:

Habitat: The is a common species that is found in seaward edges of reefs.

Maximum length: 40 cm (16 in)

Minimum aquarium size: 684 L (181 gal)

Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)

General swimming level: All levels.

[edit] Feeding

Feed a mixed diet, the bulk of which should consist of vegetable matter. Give it frozen foods that contain the blue-green algae Spirulina, slices of zucchini, broccoli, and dried algae flakes or sheets. Vegetable matter should be introduced, and frozen foods should also be presented several times a day.

[edit] Aquarium Compatibility

A lethal bully that will attack and wound any tankmate it perceives to be a competitor. Safe with corals and reef invertebrates.

[edit] Special Care

Adults must be kept in larger aquariums if they are going to be successfully acclimated to captivity.

[edit] Notes

The Lined Surgeonfish (Acanthurus lineatus) is a very similar fish that is less hardy.

Reference: A PocketExpert Guide to Reef Aquarium Fishes
Image credit: SWM
Text credit: SWM
Facts about Sohal SurgeonfishRDF feed
Common name Sohal Surgeonfish  +, Red Sea Clown Surgeon  +, and Red Sea Surgeonfish  +
Family Acanthuridae  +
Genus Acanthurus  +
Image credit SWM  +
Maximum length 16 in  +
Minimum aquarium size 181 gal  +
Native range Western Indian Ocean  +, Red Sea  +, and Persian Gulf  +
Reference A PocketExpert Guide to Reef Aquarium Fishes  +
Specific name sohal  +
Swimming level All levels.  +
Text credit SWM  +
Water max temp 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F)  +
Water min temp 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F)  +
Water type Marine  +
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