Regal (aka royal) golden angelfish Pygoplites diacanthus they are family members Pomacanthidae. There are 86 known species of marine angelfish belonging to 7 different genera. This species is native to the tropical regions of the Red Sea and the Indo-Pacific. Large populations of these half-shallow-water inhabitants exist off the coast of Guam. They are one of the most prominent angelfish of the Great Barrier Reef.

These angelfish got their names from the alternating royal color stripe pattern on their body. Although the coloration varies, they are generally within the same spectrum. Their heads are predominantly yellow with a subtle hint of orange for accentuation. Their bodies are yellow or orange with light blue or lavender vertical stripes outlined in darker variations of the same color. Their hind fins are usually blue and purple or yellow and purple with a solid colored tail fin. Whatever the variation, its colors emulate the look of European royalty of yesteryear.

Royal angelfish will reach an adult length of approximately 10 inches. This is a semi-aggressive fish. It is much less aggressive than many large angelfish. You will not tend to intimidate your tankmates. In fact, it will do better with smaller, more docile tankmates than larger, more aggressive species. Although they are classified as a large angelfish, they blend in better with dwarf angelfish than angels their own size. Keep this in mind when thinking about getting one for your community tank. Whether or not they are suitable for a marine reef aquarium depends on its inhabitants. It will nibble on stony corals with large polyps, soft corals, and clam blankets. However, it can be housed with stony corals of the small polyps variety and the most harmful soft coral species. Royals will exhibit territorial aggression towards members of their own species, but can remain a mated pair. A minimum tank size of 100 gallons is recommended.

This species requires a level of expert aquarist care to ensure its survival. Large angelfish are known for their mortality rate in home aquariums. Reports and fish forums indicate that royal angelfish from the Red Sea have a higher survival rate than those caught in Indonesia and the Philippines. This is most likely due to the techniques used in catching these fish and improper shipping and handling methods. Even the hardiest of large angelfish has trouble acclimating to a life of confinement. Most big angels, such as the real ones, are not covered by the “arrive alive” guarantees of many online retailers. Any species that cannot be guaranteed to arrive alive must be purchased locally.

This is an omnivorous species with definite carnivorous inclinations. In nature, their diet consists mainly of sponges and tunicates. Their high mortality rates are directly related to their reluctance to feed in captivity. It is highly recommended that you ask your local retailer to observe how this fish is eaten before making a purchase. A fish that you know is already used to feeding in captivity is much more likely to do so for you.

Once you bring your specimen home, it may not adjust easily to its new environment. An abundance of well-established live rock as a food source and many other hiding places will aid in the acclimatization process. As you would expect with royalty, these are infamous picky eaters. If your fish is reluctant to feed, try tempting it with live brine shrimp. If this is successful, begin mixing flake or freeze-dried foods with the brines to begin introducing them into non-living foods. Food preparations specially formulated for marine angelfish will ensure that your newcomer receives an adequate supply of fluffy matter in their diet. A varied diet will ensure shape and vigor and help protect against nutritional deficiencies. Fresh spinach mixed with finely chopped seafood makes a healthy and complete meal.