Description
Pygoplites diacanthus, commonly known as the Regal Angelfish, is one of the most elegant and sought-after angelfish in the marine aquarium trade. It features striking vertical bands of yellow, white, and blue outlined in black, complemented by a vivid blue facial mask and subtle orange accents. Its refined patterning and graceful swimming behavior make it a true showpiece in mature marine systems.
Native to the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea, the Regal Angelfish inhabits reef slopes and lagoons, feeding primarily on sponges and tunicates. Specimen origin plays a significant role in hardiness, with Red Sea individuals generally adapting more reliably to aquarium conditions.
Lighting: Moderate; adapts well to standard reef lighting
Flow: Moderate; prefers stable, well-oxygenated water movement
Placement: Midwater swimmer with access to rockwork for grazing and shelter
Temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C)
Salinity: 1.0265 SG (35 PPT)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH
Diet: Omnivorous with sponge-based requirements; requires a varied diet including angelfish preparations, marine algae, and frozen foods
Aggression: Semi-aggressive; generally peaceful but may show territorial behavior toward similar species
Adult Size: Up to 25 cm
Care Level: Advanced – requires careful acclimation, stable parameters, and consistent feeding
Compatibility: Reef-safe with caution; may nip at LPS corals, soft corals, and clam mantles
