Pygoplites diacanthus (Boddaert, 1772)
Regal angelfish
Pygoplites diacanthus
photo by Moldzio, S.

Family:  Pomacanthidae (Angelfishes)
Max. size:  25 cm SL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 15 years
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 110 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to the Tuamoto Islands, north to Ryukyu and Ogasawara islands, south to the Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 14-14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17-19; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 17-19. Description: Sides with alternating dark-edged bluish white and orange stripes which narrow and angle backward in dorsal fin; posterior portion of dorsal fin black with close-set blue dots; posterior portion of anal fin with alternating yellow and blue bands running parallel to body contour; caudal fin yellow. Juveniles with a large ocellated dark spot on basal portion of the soft dorsal fin (Ref. 1602). Body depth 1.7-2.0 in SL. Scales longitudinal series 48-50 (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Occurs in coral rich areas of lagoon and seaward reefs to a depth of 48 m or more. Often found in the vicinity of caves and feeds on sponges and tunicates. Solitary or in pairs, or in groups. Frequently exported through the aquarium trade (Ref. 48391). Rarely survives in the aquarium.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 08 October 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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