Regal Angelfish

The Regal Angelfish is widely considered one of the most beautiful marine fish in the world, featuring a dazzling pattern of alternating vertical stripes in orange, white, and blue-black that runs along its laterally compressed body. The dorsal fin is accented in bright blue and yellow, while the caudal fin displays a vibrant yellow hue. This exquisite coloration has made the Regal Angelfish an icon of tropical reef beauty, but its reputation as a challenging aquarium species has earned it both admiration and caution from hobbyists.

In the wild, Regal Angelfish are found across a vast range from the Red Sea to the central Pacific, inhabiting coral-rich lagoons and outer reef slopes. Notably, specimens from the Red Sea and Indian Ocean tend to display more vibrant coloration and adapt significantly better to captive life than those from the Pacific. This geographic variation is an important consideration when selecting a specimen, as Red Sea and Maldivian individuals are widely regarded as the best candidates for aquarium success.

Reaching approximately 10 inches, the Regal Angelfish requires a minimum tank of 125 gallons with abundant live rock providing caves, overhangs, and grazing surfaces. This species can be a delicate feeder, particularly during the acclimation period, and may require patient training onto prepared foods using sponge-based angelfish formulas and fresh marine sponge. While sometimes kept in reef systems with caution, it may pick at certain coral species, making it a reef-caution species. Successfully maintaining a Regal Angelfish is considered a badge of honor among experienced marine aquarists.