The Regal Angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus) is a tropical marine (saltwater) fish. It is also known as the Royal Angelfish.
The Regal Angelfish is thin and compressed. It varies in colour, but is usually black-blue edged with blue-white and orange stripes that are narrow and angle backwards. Its dorsal (back) fin is black or blue with blue dots. The anal (bottom) fin has yellow and blue bands parallel to its body. Its caudal (tail) fin is yellow.
Regal Angelfish
It measures about 25 centimetres (10 inches) long.
The Regal Angelfish is native to the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean – called the Indo-Pacific. It can be found in the Red Sea, and the Indian Ocean around east Africa and the Maldives, as well as the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia. It is also found in the waters near Taiwan and Japan.
It likes shallow coral reefs and lagoons, and also caves underwater.
The Regal Angelfish is carnivorous, feeding on sponges.
It is seen alone, in pairs, or in small groups.
It lives, on average, for 15 years.
Regal Angelfish
Regal Angelfish (top) and Regal Tang (bottom)
Regal Angelfish
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM