How to Identify Sohal Tang

To identify Sohal Tang (Acanthurus sohal), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Striking black body with prominent, elongated horizontal blue stripes running along the flanks. The dorsal and anal fins are edged in bright blue, and the caudal fin is black with a white posterior margin. A distinctive orange-red patch is present at the base of the caudal spine.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Two prominent, elongated horizontal blue stripes on a black body., Bright blue fin margins on dorsal and anal fins., Orange-red patch surrounding the caudal peduncle spine (scalpel)., Elongated, pointed snout., Large adult size, up to 40 cm (16 inches) in total length.

Dorsal fin

Single, long dorsal fin with IX spines and 30-31 soft rays, edged in bright blue.

Tail fin

Lunate (crescent-shaped) caudal fin, black with a white posterior margin.

Pectoral fin

Relatively small, translucent pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Possesses a sharp, retractable scalpel-like spine on each side of the caudal peduncle, which is surrounded by an orange-red patch.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Coloration and Pattern

   The unique combination of a black body with two prominent horizontal blue stripes and bright blue fin margins is unmistakable. The orange-red caudal spine patch is also a key identifier.

2. 2

   Body Shape

   Its elongated, compressed body and pointed snout distinguish it from many other surgeonfish species.

3. 3

   Caudal Spine

   The presence of the sharp, retractable caudal spine (scalpel) is characteristic of all surgeonfish, but its prominent orange-red base in A. sohal is a specific diagnostic feature.

4. 4

   Size

   Adults can reach a considerable size (up to 40 cm), making them one of the larger surgeonfish species in their range.

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