Royal Angelfish (Pygoplytes diacanthus)
Other Names: Bluebanded angelfish, Regal angelfish, Royal empress
angelfish
Maximum Size: 10 in (25.0 cm)
Environment: Reef-associated; non-migratory; marine ; depth range
3.3 - 65.6 ft (1 –20 m)
Climate: Tropical; ranges from 30°N to 24°S latitude
Distribution: Red Sea and East Africa to the Tuamotu Islands, north to
Ryukyu and Ogasawara islands, south to the Great Barrier Reef and
New Caledonia
Appearance: Sides with alternating dark-edged bluish white and orange
stripes which narrow and angle backward in dorsal fin; posterior portion
of dorsal fin black with close-set blue dots; posterior portion of anal fin
with alternating yellow and blue bands running parallel to body contour;
caudal fin yellow; juveniles have a large ocellated dark spot on the basal
portion of the soft dorsal fin
Biology: Occurs in coral rich areas of lagoon and seaward reefs; often
found in the vicinity of caves and feeds on sponges, algae, and tunicates;
solitary or in pairs, or in groups
Habitat: One of the more common Pomacanthids on the Great Barrier Reef;
prefer rich coral areas with lots of holes and crevices with currents and
moderate wave action
Social Behavior: Generally a solitary fish but can occasionally be found in
pairs
Factoid: Juveniles have the same coloration as adults except for a spot on
the dorsal fin, which disappears with age
Photo Credit: NOAA
Information Source: Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2004. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication.
www.fishbase.org, version 04/2004.
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