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Angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus) — Pomacanthidae

Angelfish

Pygoplites diacanthus
Family: Pomacanthidae
LC · Least Concern

The Angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacanthidae that grows up to 25 cm.

Length
25 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–110.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Indo-Pacific; coral-rich lagoon and seaward reefs.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The regal angelfish is a beautifully coloured angelfish of the family Pomacanthidae from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a deep body with conspicuous, oblique orange and white bands edged in black, and a blue anal fin. It inhabits coral-rich parts of lagoon and seaward reefs to about 48 metres, often near caves and overhangs. As an omnivore it feeds mainly on sponges and tunicates. The regal angelfish is one of the most photographed reef fishes and is popular, though difficult to keep in the aquarium. It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Angelfish?

The Angelfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Striking oblique orange-and-white, black-edged bands; sponge eater and popular reef dweller.

Where does the Angelfish live?

The Angelfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; coral-rich lagoon and seaward reefs.

How big does the Angelfish get?

The Angelfish grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.

Is the Angelfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Angelfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Angelfish edible?

The Angelfish is not usually eaten.

More photos

Angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus) — Pomacanthidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) shierandrulist, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus) — Pomacanthidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Albert kok (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus) — Pomacanthidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) David Roche, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus) — Pomacanthidae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — Kora27 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Angelfish verified
Scientific name
Pygoplites diacanthus
Family
Pomacanthidae
Other names
Angelfish; Bluebanded angelfish; Blue-banded angelfish; Regal angelfish; Royal angelfish; Empress angelfish; Regal angelfish pasific; Royal empress angel; Royal empress angelfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
25.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange inferred
Pattern
Vertical bars inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
110.0 verified
Natural range
Indo-Pacific; coral-rich lagoon and seaward reefs. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Mainly sponges and tunicates sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
14.5 verified
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Striking oblique orange-and-white, black-edged bands; sponge eater and popular reef dweller. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Pomacanthidae

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