Regal Angel
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Regal Angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus)
Overview
The Regal Angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus) is one of the most visually striking marine angelfish, recognized for its vivid coloration, including alternating vertical stripes of blue and orange, bright yellow fins, and intricate facial markings. Native to the Indo-Pacific, it inhabits coral-rich reefs from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific.
Highly sought after in the aquarium trade, the Regal Angelfish is considered challenging to maintain due to its sensitive dietary and environmental requirements, making it suitable only for experienced marine aquarists with mature reef systems.
Aquarium Requirements
Minimum Tank Size: 400–500 litres (105–130 US gallons)
Temperature: 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.020–1.025
Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: < 10 ppm
Aquascape:
Provide a mature reef environment with extensive live rock for grazing and hiding, as well as open mid-water swimming areas. Moderate water flow and stable water parameters are essential. Juveniles are naturally shy and benefit from shaded or overhung areas during acclimation.
Diet and Feeding
The Regal Angelfish is omnivorous but highly sponge-dependent. In the wild, it feeds primarily on sponges, tunicates, and small invertebrates, making diet the most critical factor in captive survival.
Recommended Foods:
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Sponge-enriched frozen angelfish formulas
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Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood (clam, scallop, squid)
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Spirulina- or algae-based flakes or pellets
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Encourage grazing on live rock to replicate natural feeding behavior
Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions. Proper nutrition is essential to maintain coloration and prevent stress-related disease. Juveniles often require gradual acclimation to prepared foods.
Temperament and Compatibility
The Regal Angelfish is peaceful and shy, generally avoiding confrontation.
Suitable Tankmates:
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Peaceful reef fish such as tangs, wrasses, clownfish, and butterflyfish
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Other non-aggressive angelfish in very large aquariums
Avoid:
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Aggressive or highly territorial species that may outcompete or stress this angelfish
Juveniles are secretive but will become more confident as they acclimate to the aquarium environment.
Reef Compatibility
✅ Reef Safe (with caution)
While generally reef compatible, the Regal Angelfish may occasionally nibble on sponges, soft corals, or sessile invertebrates if its dietary needs are not fully met.
Best Practices:
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Introduce into a mature reef aquarium
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Provide supplemental sponge-rich foods
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Ensure hiding spaces and live rock surfaces for grazing
Additional Information
Maximum Size: 20–25 cm (8–10 inches)
Lifespan: 15–20 years in well-maintained aquariums
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Natural Behavior: Peaceful, mid-water grazer; shy as juvenile, becoming more confident with age
Origin: Indo-Pacific – Red Sea, East Africa, Indian Ocean, central Pacific
Coloration: Bright orange and blue vertical stripes, yellow fins, intricate facial markings
Summary
The Regal Angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus) is a highly sought-after, reef-compatible angelfish suitable for experienced aquarists. Juveniles require ample hiding spaces, mature live rock, and a sponge-rich diet. With proper care, they grow into confident, vividly coloured adults that can thrive for over a decade in stable reef aquariums, maintaining their natural grazing behavior and reef-safe status with dietary supplementation.
| SKU | Regal Angel |
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