Sohal surgeonfish (Acanthurus sohal)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Acanthurus sohal
- Common name
- Sohal surgeonfish
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Acanthuridae
- Genus
- Acanthurus
- Size
- 25–40 cm
- Depth
- 1–10 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Caution
- Habitats
- reef
- Behaviours
- solitary, territorial, aggressive
- Ocean zones
- Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Mediterranean
Description
Acanthurus sohal reaches 40 cm. Elongated grey-blue body with fine electric-blue longitudinal stripes, red-orange dorsal fin, blue caudal with yellow edge, tail base marked by a blue-black ocellus around a very sharp blade. Endemic to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Extremely territorial: charges and occasionally bites divers approaching its shallow coral territory. Red Sea icon. Dangerous blade.
Photo of Sohal surgeonfish
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Sohal surgeonfish?
- Sohal surgeonfish (Acanthurus sohal) reaches 25–40 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Sohal surgeonfish?
- Sohal surgeonfish is found between 1–10 m deep.
- Is the Sohal surgeonfish dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Caution.
- What is the conservation status of the Sohal surgeonfish?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Sohal surgeonfish?
- Found in: Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Mediterranean.
Other species in the genus Acanthurus
- Acanthurus chirurgus - Doctorfish
- Acanthurus tractus - Atlantic blue tang
- Acanthurus pyroferus - Mimic Surgeonfish
- Acanthurus lineatus - Striped Surgeonfish
- Acanthurus leucosternon - Powder Blue Surgeonfish
- Acanthurus japonicus - Japan Surgeonfish
Other species in the family Acanthuridae
- Prionurus punctatus - Yellowtail surgeonfish
- Naso lituratus - Orangespine unicornfish
- Naso vlamingii - Vlaming's unicornfish
- Prionurus laticlavius - Blackstriped Surgeon
- Zebrasoma xanthurum - Yellowtail tang
- Zebrasoma desjardinii - Sailfin tang
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 219649)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5209184)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia