Search Dictionary
Definition of sohal tang
sohal tang
Plural:sohal tangs
sohal tang Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
11
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
A large, striking species of marine surgeonfish native to the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, and the Arabian Sea, distinguished by horizontal alternating blue and white stripes and known for its fiercely territorial behavior in reef aquariums.
Example
"Because of its highly aggressive and territorial nature, the sohal tang should only be introduced to a very large marine aquarium alongside robust tank mates."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for sohal tangWord Origin & Etymology
The name 'sohal' derives from the local Arabic word for the fish, which was adopted into its scientific name (Acanthurus sohal). The word 'tang' comes from the Middle English 'tange' and Old Norse 'tangi' (meaning a pointed projection), referring to the scalpel-like spines located at the base of the fish's tail.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sohal tang. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sohal tang