Common name: Bluebanded angelfish

General information

The Regal Angelfish, Pygoplites diacanthus, is a stunning marine fish known for its vibrant coloration and elegant fins. It has a distinctive pattern of alternating yellow and black-edged white stripes on the body, with a deep blue or purple hue on the edges of its dorsal and anal fins. This species is a member of the family Pomacanthidae and is sought after by aquarists for its beauty and grace.

Care

Regal Angelfish require a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. They can be sensitive to water quality, so maintaining pristine conditions is crucial. A varied diet of marine sponges, algae, and meaty foods is essential for their health. Due to their potential to nip at stony and soft corals, they are best kept in a fish-only or a reef tank with caution.

Reproduction

In the wild, Regal Angelfish are broadcast spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs. In the home aquarium, breeding is rare, but providing a large, peaceful environment with a mature pair may encourage spawning behavior.

Habitat

Regal Angelfish are found in coral-rich areas of the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Tuamotu Archipelago, north to southern Japan, and south to New Caledonia. They typically inhabit lagoon and seaward reefs, often in areas with abundant coral growth and clear waters, at depths ranging from 1 to 48 meters.