The regal angelfish or royal angelfish, Pygoplites diacanthus, It is found in tropical Indo-Pacific oceans. Regal angelfish can grow as long as 25 cm. Regal angelfish is one of the most wanted in the aquarium with vivid vertical striations of blue, white, yellow, or orange on the body and pelvic fin. This coloration is more prevalent in specimens that are more mature and are at least 4″ in length.
Regal Angelfish
Scientific Name: Pygoplites diacanthus
Family: Pomacanthidae
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Care Level: Difficult
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Temperature: 72-78° F
pH: 8.1-8.4
Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 10 inches
Diet: Omnivore, fresh shrimp, chopped seafood, Spirulina, and marine algae
Origin: Fiji, Indonesia, Maldives, Red Sea, Vanuatu
Coral Safe: No
Invertebrate Safe: No
The Regal Angelfish is more difficult to maintain than other species of angels so it should be introduced first so that it may stake out its territory in advance of other fish. A minimum of a 125-gallon tank with plenty of hiding places and live rock for grazing will offer a good environment that Big Tank is more stable water conditions, and more comfort and security in the form of hiding spaces. The Regal Angelfish may nip at large-polyped stony corals, an occasional soft coral, and clam mantles, but may be kept with small-polyped stony corals and somewhat noxious soft corals. Regal angelfish don’t adapt easily to captive life. It’s one fish that almost requires a quarantine period in order to become used to aquarium conditions and be treated medicinally if necessary. After 4 to 6 weeks, the fish is eating well and shows no signs of bacterial infections or parasites, it can be released into the display aquarium.
