Regal Angelfish Profile

Scientific Name:

Pygoplites diacanthus (Boddaert, 1772)

Other Common Names:

None known.

Distribution:

Indo-Pacific, with Indian Ocean and Red Sea specimens having an orange rather than a blue "chest".

Maximum Size:

To 9.8 inches.

Habitat:

Best kept in a well established live rock aquarium, and provided with plenty of shelter for hiding.

Minimum Tank Size Suggested:

100 gallons.

Reef Tank Suitability:

Will nip at clam mantles, large-polyped stony and some soft corals, such as Xenia, but can usually be kept with the more noxious as well as small-polyped stony corals.

Characteristics & Compatibility:

The Regal Angel is categorized as a medium-sized Angelfish species that is best kept singly, or as a mated pair. Perhaps due to how this fish is handled when collected from the Indo-Pacific region, Indian Ocean and Red Sea specimens are more likely to be hardier, and therefore adapt more readily to aquarium life. A rather shy and touchy fish when it comes to acclimation, be sure it is fully acclimated before introducing it into an aquarium where aggressive species are present, and that it has lots of places where it can hide to keep away from its tankmates.

Diet & Feeding:

Primarily a carnivore that feeds on sponges and tunicates in nature, individual specimens will vary in their interest in wanting to eat aquarium fares. Fresh chopped meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, marine fish flesh, scallops, and frozen preparations suitable for herbivores and angelfishes with this type of specialized diet should be offered. Feed 2 to 3 times per day.

Guides Fish Care Rating:

Guide Care Rating: 3 Stars