The Regal Angelfish or Royal Angelfish Pygoplites diacanthus is one of the angel fish in the genus Pygoplites. With its vivid coloration it is a striking fish. They stand out underwater even when the visibility is low. They can be easily spotted from a distance with their bright coloring. It has to be a contender for one of the most beautiful fishes in the ocean.

APPEARANCE

Regal Angelfish can be instantly recognized by the vivid alternating vertical yellow and black-edged white bars on the body. The dorsal fin is blue with black scribbles and the anal fin has yellow and blue stripes. The tail fin is yellow. Juveniles are similar in coloration to the adults but are more of an orange color. Small color differences occur between the various areas the fish is found in.

IN THE WILD

The adult regal angelfish are difficult to approach closely. If they are near a safe deep hiding spot they sometimes appear curious of a diver and will initially dart into the hiding spot. If one remains still they will often come out and observe the diver. Sometimes appearing to display its self in front of the diver once it has accepted his presence. This seems to happen more often with a single fish than with a pair who will generally just disappear.

The juveniles are extremely difficult to approach and indeed even to find. They are extremely reclusive and seldom seem to stray more than a few inches from cover. You really have to be looking under overhangs and in crevices to spot them. Adults are most often seen singly but pairs are seen fairly regularly. On rare occasions groups of three or four are seen. These are haremic groups, comprising of one male and two or possibly more females.

HABITAT

The Regal Angelfish occur across the Indian ocean into the west and central pacific oceans. They inhabit coral reefs and lagoons that have abundant coral growth and in Tanzania are generally found in areas which have a good mix of hard and soft corals, with plenty of sponges around. They are found in depths from 1 to 48 meters.

DIET

Sponges, sea squirts and marine tunicates make up their natural diet.

REPRODUCTION

Not a lot is known about the breeding habits of the regal angel, but they are known to form haremic groups and to scatter the eggs.

AQUARIUMS

As an aquarium fish the regal angelfish should only be kept in large tanks. Only experienced aquarist’s should keep them. They will not eat unless they are in the right surroundings and many starve to death in aquariums. As a prerequisite they have to have a suitable deep hiding spots, as in their natural surroundings. Because of this only after extensive research and with considerable experience should an aquarist attempt to keep one of these fish. The chances of the fish slowly starving its self to death are great. They are extremely difficult to wean onto the usual prepared foods and as a consequence are not recommended for beginners.

REGAL ANGELFISH CLASSIFICATION

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Perciformes

Family: Pomacanthidae

Genus: Pygoplites

Species: P. diacanthus

LITERATURE CITED

http://australianmuseum.net.au/regal-angelfish-pygoplites-diacanthus-boddaert-1772

Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 220. – See more at: http://australianmuseum.net.au/regal-angelfish-pygoplites-diacanthus-boddaert-1772#sthash.zLsx1Ol6.dpuf

http://www.fishbase.org/summary/6572

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/8/fish

The Reef Guide

Denis King and Valda Fraser

EQUIPMENT USED

Canon 7D

Ikelite 7D Housing

Twin Ikelite DS 161 Strobes

Flat Ikelite Lens Port

Ikelite Dual Synch Cord

Ikelite 5.1 inch Port body