The Red Sea Clown Surgeon, Red Sea Surgeonfish, Sohal Surgeonfish (Acanthurus sohal) is a captivating and vibrant fish species found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. Known for its striking coloration and distinctive features, this surgeonfish is a popular addition to home aquariums and a fascinating subject of study for marine biologists.
Description & Characteristics
Acanthurus sohal showcases a striking color combination of a deep blue body with bright yellow to orange vertical stripes running along its flanks. The head is characterized by a prominent black “mask” extending from the eye to the snout. This striking pattern makes the Red Sea Clown Surgeon, Red Sea Surgeonfish, Sohal Surgeonfish easily recognizable and sets it apart from other surgeonfish species. The body shape is typically elongated and compressed, with a slightly rounded dorsal fin. The most distinctive feature of this fish is the presence of a scalpel-like spine located on each side of its tail, which is a common trait among surgeonfish. The spines are sharp and can be used for defense, but also serve as a tool for scraping algae off rocks and coral. Adult Acanthurus sohal can reach a maximum size of 40.0 cm, making them a considerable presence in their habitat.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Red Sea Clown Surgeon, Red Sea Surgeonfish, Sohal Surgeonfish (Acanthurus sohal) thrives in a wide range of marine habitats, typically inhabiting the Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zones of the oceans, extending from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. This makes it a prevalent presence in neritic ecosystems, where it can be found among coral reefs, rocky outcrops, and seagrass beds. They often prefer areas with strong currents and abundant algae growth, which provides both food and shelter. Their distribution encompasses a vast region, ranging from the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden to the Indian Ocean, extending eastward to the Pacific Ocean, including the islands of Indonesia and the Philippines.
Taxonomy
Acanthurus sohal belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Acanthuriformes, and Family: Acanthuridae. This classification places them among the bony fishes, specifically within the surgeonfish order, which is characterized by their scalpel-like spines on the tail. The Acanthuridae family further identifies them as belonging to a group of fish known for their herbivorous diet and distinct physical characteristics, including their compressed body shapes and bright coloration.
Feeding
The Red Sea Clown Surgeon, Red Sea Surgeonfish, Sohal Surgeonfish (Acanthurus sohal) is primarily herbivorous, relying on a diet consisting mainly of algae. Their strong teeth and powerful jaws are perfectly adapted for scraping algae off rocks and coral. They are also known to consume a variety of other foods in captivity, including brine shrimps, clam meat, dandelion, flakes, frozen food (large sort), krill, lettuce, mysis, and nori-algae. Their feeding habits are essential for maintaining the health of the coral reef ecosystems, as they help to control algae growth and promote biodiversity.
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