With vivid vertical striations of blue, white, yellow, or orange on the body and pelvic fin, the Regal Angelfish deserves this distinctive name. Regal Angelfish from the Maldives and the Red Sea have a distinctive yellow breast, where their Indo-Pacific, Coral Sea, and Tahitian relatives normally have a blue/gray breast. This coloration is more prevalent in specimens that are more mature and are at least 4" in length.
Regal Angelfish from the Red Sea, Maldives, Coral Sea, Fiji and Tahiti are good shippers and are harvested and handled with care, and normally will adapt more easily than their Indo-Pacific counterparts to the home aquarium.
The Regal Angelfish is more difficult to maintain than other species of angels so it should be introduced first so that it may stake out its territory in advance of other fish. A minimum of a 125 gallon tank with plenty of hiding places and live rock for grazing will offer a good environment. The Regal Angelfish may nip at large-polyped stony corals, an occasional soft coral and clam mantles, but may be kept with small-polyped stony corals and somewhat noxious soft corals.
To entice a Regal Angelfish to eat, use a diet of fresh shrimp and chopped seafood. The diet should also include herbivore preparations which include Spirulina and marine algae, and angelfish preparations containing sponges.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 2" to 3-1/2"; Medium: 3-1/2" to 5"
Testimonial By:
Testimonial:
Jay Blumberg Wilmington, DE
Truly a regal Angel. Bright blue and yellow stripes will brighten your tank. Lives well with my two other large Angels (Asfur and Maculosus), but is somewhat shy. No problems with my large Tangs and Spanish Hog.
One of my nicest specimens. Somewhat timely on acclimation. Loves clams on a half shell and mussels from the store. Seems also shy and a bit bullied by my Hippo Tang. Must feed at separate times to make sure getting fed. Has nipped at LPS but only on occasions. A nice splash of color.
