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A boldly striped blue-and-white Red Sea surgeonfish with a brilliant orange flank patch and a razor-sharp scalpel at the base of its tail. Highly territorial and fast, it is the iconic surgeonfish of Egyptian reef flats and crests.
Surge zones, reef crests and shallow reef flats with strong water movement
Daytime over shallow reef crests with moderate surge and good visibility
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Light or light rig with small hooks; these are reef grazers, so fish small natural baits.
Bread, dough or algae on a small hook — these grazers won't chase lures.
Eating & safety
The scalpel-like spine at the tail base can inflict deep cuts, so grip the body away from the caudal peduncle.
Stung or poisoned? First-aid steps →Best conditions: Daytime over shallow reef crests with moderate surge and good visibility
Its name comes directly from the Arabic word 'sohal' used by Red Sea fishermen, later adopted as its scientific species name.