Variation in Sohal Colouration

[mattsilvester]

Hi All,

I have no seen many sohal tangs, and have even less experience with them.

I saw a little 2" juv. specimen today. I really had to look twice, as it looked like no sohal I had ever seen. See image below. Do all small sohal's look like this? As they grow, is there such a thing as a "nice" specimen (like the reef central picture) or are they pretty consistent, developing similar and stronger colouring as they grow?

 

[nonimmigrant]

Matt, must be an Asia thing this month as HK has about 100 of these in about the same size. They've been coming in steady for the last 4 weeks. Every one that I've seen under 4" have all been muted colors. Remember tangs change color on a whim, so it's not unexpected. Cute little tank terror to be that one is.

 

[SDguy]

Yes, small ones, especially newly imported ones, have more subdued/pale coloration. Once they settle in, though, they can get the bold colors pretty quickly. A local friend has one that's not even 6 inches. Not only does it have the bold adult pattern, but it has the biggest splash of orange on it's flanks that i have ever seen on any sohal of any size. I need to get a pic of it next time I'm at his house.

 

[mattsilvester]

Thanks guys - jut curious really, not actually gonna buy it - I reckon he'd outgrow my 150 very quickly (probably wthin 1-2 years, they are fast growers, no?) and besides, red sea imports are pretty dammed expensive here in Bangkok (relatively - to put it in perspective I could get an adult 8"+ emporer angel for the same price!!!).

 

[geaux xman]

My LFS just had to remove his adult emp and sailfin out of the tank b/c the Sohal tore those fish up. That was not a big sohal either, probably about 5".

Pretty fish,but just way aggressive and hyper active.

 

[mattsilvester]

My LFS just had to remove his adult emp and sailfin out of the tank b/c the Sohal tore those fish up. That was not a big sohal either, probably about 5".

Pretty fish,but just way aggressive and hyper active.

I have a plan that one day one will share a tank with a lunare wrasse, passer angel and undulated or clown trigger...... otherwise, putting mike tyson into a ballet class is just asking for something elegent to get torn up!!!