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Surgeonfish

Fish · Least Concern

Surgeonfish

Acanthurus sohal

About

The sohal surgeonfish, also called the sohal tang, is a marine ray-finned fish in the family Acanthuridae, the group that contains surgeonfishes, unicornfishes and tangs. It is native to the northwestern Indian Ocean.

Family
Acanthuridae
Avg size
30-40 cm
Habitat
This surgeonfish is endemic to the northwestern Indian Ocean, occurring in the Red Sea and eastward along the Arabian Peninsula to the Persian Gulf. It was recorded in the Mediterranean in 2017 and 2018, having arrived either as a released aquarium fish or via the Suez Canal from the Red Sea. It typically lives along the outer margins of fringing reefs that are exposed to wave surge, generally down to around 20 m (66 ft).
Behaviour
The sohal surgeonfish may be found alone or in small schools and is notably territorial; the spine on its tail base is reported to carry venom. It grazes on algae attached to hard surfaces, and although it is largely solitary, individuals will band together to feed within the territories of other fish. A holder defends its territory to protect food resources and may spend considerable time patrolling or sheltering beyond its boundaries.

Where & when

Where & When to See It

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