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Regal Angelfish

Regal Angelfish

Pygoplites Diacanthus

Quick Facts

Scientific name Pygoplites Diacanthus

Other names Bluebanded Angelfish, Empress Angelfish, Royal Angelfish, Royal Empress Angelfish

Size Up to 25 cm (9.8 in)

Weight Under a kilo (2.2lb)

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Clear lagoons, reefs, and surge channels.

Depth Range

Interesting Info

The Regal Angelfish are non-migratory, semi-aggressive fish and mostly solitary but can be found in pairs. Young fish stay in the shallows whilst adults can be found in up to 48 m (157 ft).
Regal Angelfish like many other angelfish are broadcast spawners, releasing their eggs and sperm towards the top of the water column right before sunset. The fertilised eggs then float with the current and eventually settle on the bottom.
Juveniles have a spot towards the back part of their dorsal fin that looks like a fake eye. It fades away once the fish reaches the length of 6 to 7 cm (2.25 to 2.75 in).
These fish are omnivores and primarily feed on algae and sponges, but also eat small invertebrates, zooplankton and plants.
Estimates on lifespan have them reaching up to 15 years of age.
Those that are born female do have the ability to change gender to male
The main predators of angelfish include sharks, larger predatory fish and marine mammals.

Species Interaction

Aquarium & Reef

The Regal Angelfish also known as the Bluebanded Angelfish is a popular reef species known for their vibrant orange and blue vertical stripes. Juvenile fish typically stay in the shallows of inner reefs and lagoons whilst adults can be found on the outer reef in caves or crevices.

The fish has a large range across the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, East Africa and the Maldives – stretching all the wat to the Great Barrier Reef and up to parts of Japan.