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Regal angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus)

Photo of Regal angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus)

Key facts

Scientific name
Pygoplites diacanthus
Common name
Regal angelfish
Category
Fish
Family
Pomacanthidae
Genus
Pygoplites
Size
15–25 cm
Depth
1–80 m
IUCN status
Least concern (LC)
Danger level
Harmless
Habitats
coral-reef, cave
Behaviours
solitary, pair
Ocean zones
Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea

Description

Pygoplites diacanthus reaches 25 cm. One of the most iconic and photographed angelfish worldwide. Orange-yellow body with 7-9 vertical white bands bordered with electric blue, blue snout with yellow forehead, yellow tail. Juveniles similar but with dorsal ocellus. Lives from 1 to 80 m on coral reefs rich in caves, drop-offs and shelter-rich bottoms, Red Sea to Polynesia. Solitary or in pair, shy. Essential photo subject for anyone diving Indo-Pacific.

Photo of Regal angelfish

Photo of Regal angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus)Photo of Regal angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus)

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Regal angelfish?
Regal angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus) reaches 15–25 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Regal angelfish?
Regal angelfish is found between 1–80 m deep.
Is the Regal angelfish dangerous to divers?
Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Regal angelfish?
IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Regal angelfish?
Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Other species in the family Pomacanthidae

  • Holacanthus ciliaris - Queen angelfish
  • Centropyge aurantonotus - Flameback angelfish
  • Holacanthus tricolor - Rock beauty
  • Pomacanthus paru - French angelfish
  • Pomacanthus arcuatus - Gray angelfish
  • Pomacanthus xanthometopon - Yellowmask angelfish

Sources

  • Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 211773)
  • Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
  • Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2396596)
  • Conservation: IUCN Red List
  • Encyclopedia: Wikipedia