Among the many inhabitants of coral reefs, there is one that impresses with its beauty, grace and temperament – arab surgeon (Acanthurus sohal). This is one of the most striking and well-known surgeon fish that lives exclusively in the sea. The Red Sea and adjacent areas of the Indian Ocean. He contrasting striped color schemeits aggressive nature and ability to maneuver quickly in the water make it a true master of reefs.
✔ Stunning color scheme-blue and black stripes on a silver body
✔ One of the most aggressive surgical fish
✔ It is able to swim and maneuver quickly, protecting its territory
✔ A popular but difficult to maintain marine aquarium species
Let's take a closer look at all the features of this incredible fish!
Scientific classification
✔ The Kingdom: Animals (Animalia)
✔ Type: Chordal (Chordata)
✔ Class: Lucheperi pisces (Actinopterygii)
✔ Row: Perch-like (Perciformes)
✔ Family: To the surgeon (Acanthuridae)
✔ Gender: Acanthurus
✔ View: Acanthurus sohal (Forsskål, 1775)
📌 Interesting!
The name "Sohal" comes from the Arabic language, where it means ”zebra", which highlights the characteristic coloration of this fish.
Appearance and features
🔹 Body shape:
✔ Elongated, spindly body
✔ Flattened on the sides, allowing quick maneuvering
🔹 Color scheme:
✔ Main color-silver-white
✔ Along the body pass black and blue horizontal stripes
✔ The dorsal and caudal fins have bright blue border
✔ Near the caudal stem are bright orange "surgical blades"
🔹 Sizes:
✔ Average length: 30-35 cm
✔ Maximum length: up to 40 cm
✔ Weight: up to 1 kg
🔹 Protective mechanism:
✔ Has sharp blade spikes at the tail
✔ Uses them for self-defense and fighting for territory
📌 Interesting!
Because of the aggressive nature Acanthurus sohal sometimes called the "Red Sea robber".
Range and habitat
🌍 Where does the Arab surgeon live?
✅ Red Sea - From Egypt to Sudan and Saudi Arabia
✅ Gulf of Aden and the Persian Gulf
🔹 Living environment:
✔ Mostly coral reefs
✔ Depths from 1 to 20 meters
✔ Prefers places with strong currents and rich in algae
📌 Interesting!
This view not found outside the Red Seawhich makes him a unique member of his family.
Lifestyle and behavior
🔹 Social behavior:
✔ Very much territorial and aggressive
✔ Live alone or as a couple
✔ Drives away other fish even larger
🔹 Defense mechanisms:
✔ Uses sharp "scalpels" at the tail
✔ It can quickly change direction in case of a threat
🔹 Life span:
✔ In nature: up to 10 years old
✔ In captivity: up to 15 years old
📌 Interesting!
Arab Surgeon it is able to drive away even predatory fish that encroach on its territory.
Nutrition and role in nature
🥗 What does an Arab surgeon eat?
, Seaweed
✅ Small phytoplankton
✅ Organic residues
🔹 Environmental role:
✔ Reef Cleaner - regulates the amount of algae
✔ Prevents excessive coral fouling
📌 Interesting!
Because of its aggressive nature, the Arab surgeon often drives other surgical fish away from the reef.
Reproduction and development
🔹 Method of reproduction:
✔ Spawning takes place in the open sea
✔ The female lays eggs, which the males fertilize
🔹 Development:
✔ Larvae drifting in plankton
✔ Juveniles settle on reefs after metamorphosis
📌 Interesting!
Unlike many surgical fish, Acanthurus sohal it does not form large spawning flocks.
The Arab surgeon and the man
🔹 Popularity in aquariums:
✅ Often found in marine aquariums
✅ Needs minimum of 800 liters water
Известен Known for his aggressive behavior
🔹 Industrial value:
✅ Caught for aquarium trade
✅ Not used in food
📌 Interesting!
Because of its aggressiveness, the Arab surgeon is not recommended for beginners in marine aquariums.
Species conservation and environmental threats
🔹 Population status:
✅ Considered to be not under threat, but its population is gradually decreasing
🔹 Main threats:
Ruinuvannya coral reef destruction
Zabrudnennya Red Sea pollution
Supramir overfishing for aquariums
🔹 Security measures:
✔ Protected in marine reserves
📌 Interesting!
Pollution of the Red Sea can lead to a reduction in the population of this unique species.
Conclusion
🐠 The Arab surgeon (Acanthurus sohal) is a true owner of the coral reefs of the Red Sea. Its vibrant coloration, temperament, and role in nature make it one of the most interesting inhabitants of reef ecosystems.
💡 Would you like to see this handsome man in the wild? 🌊✨
