Regal Angelfish

Regal Angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus)

Adorned with vivid vertical striations in blue, white, yellow, or orange, the Regal Angelfish lives up to its distinctive name. Those from the Maldives and the Red Sea feature a unique yellow breast, while counterparts from the Indo-Pacific, Coral Sea, New Caledonia, and Tahiti typically sport a blue/gray breast. This coloration becomes more prominent in mature specimens measuring at least 4″ in length. Juveniles exhibit a “False Eye Spot” on their dorsal fins, which fades as they mature.

Regal Angelfish from the Red Sea, Maldives, Coral Sea, Fiji, and Tahiti are resilient shippers, adapting more easily to home aquariums than their Indo-Pacific counterparts. Due to their higher maintenance requirements, it’s advisable to introduce the Regal Angelfish first to establish its territory in a minimum 125-gallon tank with ample hiding spots and live rock for grazing. While they may nip at large-polyped stony corals, occasional soft corals, and clam mantles, they can coexist with small-polyped stony corals and less noxious soft corals.

To encourage feeding, offer a diet of fresh shrimp, chopped seafood, and herbivore preparations containing Spirulina and marine algae. Additionally, include angelfish preparations with sponges.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1″ to 2-1/4″; Small/Medium: 2-1/4″ to 3-1/4″; Medium: 3-1/4″ to 4-1/4″; Medium/Large: 4-1/4″ to 5-1/4″; Large: 5-1/4″ to 6-1/4″.