Regal Angelfish

Common Name: Regal Angelfish

Scientific Name: Pygoplites diacanthus

Description

The Regal Angelfish can be recognised by the alternating yellow and black-edged white bars on the body. The soft part of the dorsal fin is blue with black scribbles. The anal fin has yellow and blue stripes. The caudal fin is yellow.

Characteristics

It has a strong preopercular spine that is characteristic of the Angelfish family Pomacanthidae.

Juvenile Regal Angelfish are similar to the adults, but are more orange than yellow, and have a distinct ocellus on the soft dorsal fin.

This species grows to 25 cm in length.

Diet

Regal Angelfish inhabit coral reefs and lagoons that have abundant coral growth. They are commonly found near caves and ledges. This fish is often seen in pairs or as solitary individuals and rarely in small groups. Juveniles are secretive, using coral crevices and cracks for shelter.

The Regal Angelfish feeds on sponges, sea squirts and salps.

Location or Region Found

It is found in depths from 1m to 48m.

It occurs in tropical marine waters of the Indo-West and Central Pacific, from East Africa and the Red Sea, north to Japan, south to Australia and east to the Tuamoto Islands.