Regal Angelfish

The royal angelfish, also known as the regal angelfish, is a marine ray-finned fish belonging to the Pomacanthidae family and the monotypic genus Pygoplites. It can be found in the tropical undefineds and has the ability to grow up to 25 cm in length.

In terms of its physical characteristics, the royal angelfish has a moderately elongate and compressed body. It has a convex preorbital bone with no strong spines, and a prominent spine at an angle at the preopercal. The ventral edge of the interopercle is smooth, and its eyes and mouth are moderately small, with a protractile mouth. This species possesses 14 dorsal spines, 17-19 soft dorsal rays, 3 anal spines, 17-19 anal soft rays, and 16-17 pectoral fin rays. Its caudal fin is rounded. The precise coloration of the royal angelfish can vary depending on the region, but a common feature is a body edged in narrow blue-white and orange stripes. The posterior portion of its dorsal fin is black or blue with blue dots, and the posterior portion of the anal fin has alternating yellow and blue bands. The caudal fin is yellow. Juveniles of this species display a large dark spot on the basal portion of the soft dorsal fin. The maximum reported lifespan for the royal angelfish is 15 years. Recent research has suggested that the Pygoplites genus encompasses two morphs, which may potentially hybridize at Christmas Island.

The distribution of the royal angelfish spans widely across the Indo-Pacific region. It can be found in the 🌊 Red Sea and 🌊 Indian Ocean around East Africa and the 🇲🇻 Maldives, stretching to the Tuamoto Islands (🇵🇫 French Polynesia), 🇳🇨 New Caledonia (🇫🇷 Overseas France), and Great Barrier Reef. In the northernmost part of its range, it can be found in the southern 🌊 East China Sea around 🇹🇼 Taiwan, as well as the Ryukyu Islands (🇯🇵 Japan) and Ogasawara Islands of 🇯🇵 Japan.

Ecologically, the royal angelfish inhabits coral-rich areas of lagoons and reefs, often near caves, at depths ranging from 0 to 80m. As a carnivorous species, it feeds on sponges and tunicates found in reefs and underwater caves. The royal angelfish is non-migratory and can be found solitary, in pairs, or in groups. Juveniles typically seek shelter in cracks and crevices.

First described by Pieter Boddaert, a Dutch naturalist, in 1772, the royal angelfish has been the subject of zoological art during the 18th and 19th centuries.

In terms of human uses, the royal angelfish is considered harmless to humans and has minor commercial value in the aquarium industry. It is valued by aquarium hobbyists for being one of the few "reef safe" angelfish, as its diet primarily consists of sponges and does not involve corals.

The royal angelfish reproduces through spawning, which usually occurs during dusk or at night. They engage in a spiraling dance before releasing their eggs and sperm into the upper water column.