The regal angelfish is an unmistakable resident of coral reefs across the Indo-Pacific, recognizable by its striking vertical stripes of blue and orange-yellow that wrap around a flattened, disc-shaped body. This small angelfish, growing to around 25 cm, favors the shelter of steep drop-offs and coral-rich slopes, typically found between 10 and 60 metres. It feeds on sponges and tunicates, moving deliberately among the branches and crevices. Regal angelfish are notably solitary or seen in pairs and are less adaptable to captivity than many other pomacanthids.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Teleostei
- Order
- Acanthuriformes
- Family
- Pomacanthidae
- Genus
- Pygoplites
Most likely to be seen at
Sites where its range and habitat make it likely — not yet confirmed by a logged sighting.