Introduction
Acanthurus sohal, commonly known as sohal surgeonfish, is a common fish endemic to the Persian Gulf.
A population is present on the Greek coasts in the Mediterranean Sea, likely as a result of fish being released by aquarium enthusiasts. This fish, with challenging maintenance requirements, can easily live over 30 years, and any potential acquisition should be carefully considered beforehand. The developing population could be invasive and have a negative impact on native species.
Who is it?
Morphology
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Type
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Average size35 cm
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Maximum size40 cm
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Longevity40 year
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ShapeOvoid
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Patternhorizontal stripes
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Type
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Average size35 cm
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Maximum size40 cm
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Longevity40 year
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ShapeOvoid
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Patternhorizontal stripes
How to recognize This fish ?
This common fish is easily identifiable. It is covered with distinct dark horizontal stripes as an adult. It also has orange spots on the abdomen and near the scalpel.
The dorsal and pelvic fins are black, edged with a bluish border. The caudal fin is initially yellow, then black, ending with whitish blue hues.
Sexual dimorphism
No known dimorphism.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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dietherbivorous
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Sociabilitysolitary
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territorialYes
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Way of livingdiurnal
The sohal surgeonfish is a territorial fish that usually lives solitarily, although small groups are sometimes observed. It navigates through outer reefs in search of fine algae and sargassum.
This fast-swimming fish can be aggressive towards other territorial species and occasionally engages in intense fights. It is more tolerant towards non-territorial fish. It also shows aggression towards its own kind. Displays or even fierce fights may occur between group members.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovipare qui pond en eau libre
The sohal surgeonfish spawns in open water. Mating appears to be monogamous. Like other surgeonfish, the eggs are carried away by currents after spawning, and the larvae develop on the ocean floor before joining the reefs as juveniles.
Harmless species
This species does not pose a particular danger to humans in case of encounters in its natural habitat.
Origin and distribution
Geographic distribution & Conservation
The species is endemic to the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. It has recently been observed on the Mediterranean Greek coasts, where it could quickly become invasive.
Conservation status of populations (IUCN)
Where to see this species?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature23 - 27 °C
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Depth1 - 25 m
Biotope presentation
The sohal surgeonfish is generally found at shallow depths in rocky areas and seagrass beds. It prefers outer reefs exposed to currents.
Fishkeeping
Not recommended
We do not recommend keeping this species in an aquarium. It has unpredictable needs which, if not met, generate significant stress, potentially leading to a shorter life expectancy, an interruption of its growth or the development of pathogens.
To go further
Species of the same family
Espèces du même genre
To read on the web
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Benoit Chartrer
Adrien Falzon
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Marine Kassel
Bibliographic references
- - GBIF
- - APPORTS ONTOGENIQUES ALA PHYLOGENIE DES POISSONS CHIRURGIENS (Famille: Aca.nthuridae) - Brice QUENOUILLE - MNHM - 1996. MÉMOIRES DE STAGE SCIENCES DE LA MER BIOLOGIE MARINE, Michel KULBICK, Nouméa: ORSTOM. Mai 1996. 38 p
- - First records of the fish Abudefduf sexfasciatus (Lacepède, 1801) and Acanthurus sohal (Forsskål, 1775) in the Mediterranean Sea - I. Giovos - G. Bernardi - - 2018.
Where to see this species?
Scientific partners
Species of the same family
Same genus
