Regal Angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus)

The Regal Angelfish Pygoplites diacanthus is one of the most striking angelfish to behold. It has seveal variants in its color form, depending on its orign, but all are distinguished. These fish are wonderful to photograph, but they are difficult to keep in the home aquarium.

All Regal Angelfish have alternating bars, one being a bluish white bar with a dark edge and the other being yellowish orange. They all also have a rear portion of the dorsal fin that is black with blue spots and an ###### fin striped in blue and orange. But those from the Indian Ocean will have a yellow-orange head and breast while those from the Pacific will have a blue-gray in those areas.

This is a very solitary species, they are rarely found in pairs. In the aquarium they are very shy and reclusive. The aquarium needs to be very large with lots of rockwork for hiding places, and its tank mates need to be passive. It is also a finicky eater, needing sponges to survive.

Because of these challenges, this a fish that will not be seen in many community aquariums. Its temperament could make it ideal for a reef environment, except it will pick as soft and stony corals, as well as zooanthids. Very difficult to keep, but it is a beautiful fish!