Regal Angel EXPERT (Pygoplites Diacanthus)

Compatibility and Behavior
The Regal Angel is one of the more visually refined fish in the hobby. Alternating vertical bands of golden yellow and white run the length of the body, each finely edged in royal blue, with a soft blue-gray breast, intricate blue scribbling across the dorsal and anal fins, and a bright yellow tail that glows under reef lighting. This variant is the Indo variant, which is distinguished from Red Sea and Indian Ocean Regals by that cooler, bluish-gray belly rather than the rich orange those forms display. The overall effect is almost painted, and a healthy, settled specimen cruising a mature reef is genuinely hard to look away from.
Personality-wise, Regal Angels tend to be peaceful but can be quite shy, especially in the first weeks after introduction. They often hug rockwork and caves rather than swimming in the open until they're fully comfortable, and very aggressive tankmates like large triggers or dominant Pomacanthus angels can set that acclimation process back significantly, especially since they are more timid eaters. Given time and a calm environment, they generally coexist well with medium to large community fish like tangs and fairy or flasher wrasses. Reef safety is best approached as "with great caution." Their natural diet centers on sponges and tunicates, and many individuals will sample LPS, some soft corals, and clam mantles in captivity.

Aquarium Requirements
The Regal Angel is an expert-level fish, and the setup needs to reflect that. A tank of 150 to 180 gallons with a long, wide footprint is the practical minimum for an adult, and the system should be mature and stable before this fish is even considered. Sponge-rich live rock arranged into arches, caves, and deep crevices is important, both for natural grazing opportunities and for providing the secure retreats this naturally cautious species needs to settle in and gain confidence. Strong biological filtration, efficient protein skimming, and high, well-oxygenated flow round out the environmental requirements.
Diet is where most keepers run into trouble with this species. Regal Angels can be slow to accept prepared foods, and patient, varied feeding from the start is critical. Sponge-based angelfish preparations should anchor the diet, supplemented with finely chopped clam and shrimp, mysis, enriched brine, and quality pellets. Many keepers find that clipping marine algae or sponge-containing foods directly to rockwork encourages natural grazing behavior and helps newly-arrived Regals begin eating with more confidence.

Specifications
Approximate Size: Smd: 2-3", Md: 3-4", Lg: 4-5"
Diet: Carnivore; sponge-based angelfish formulas, chopped clam and seafood, mysis, enriched brine, quality pellets
Origin: Indo-Pacific, including Indonesia and the Philippines
Care Level: Difficult; expert-level species
Reef Safe: With great caution; may nip at LPS, some soft corals, and clam mantles
Temperament: Peaceful but shy; can be stressed by aggressive tankmates
Minimum Tank Size: 150–180 gallons
Special Considerations: Can be slow to accept prepared foods; patient acclimation, peaceful environment and frequent varied feeding are critical to long-term success; add only to well-established systems