Home · Pomacanthidae · Angelfish
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
Edibility
Not eaten

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.

Where does the Angelfish live?

The Angelfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

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.

Is the Angelfish edible?

The Angelfish is not usually eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Keizersvis (regaal) sourced
English name
Angelfish verified
Scientific name
Pygoplites diacanthus
Family
Pomacanthidae
Other names
Angelfish; Bluebanded angelfish; Blue-banded 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
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore 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

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

More from the family Pomacanthidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →