Regal Angelfish (Bali)(Grey Belly)

Also known as the Royal Angelfish, Royal Empress Angelfish

The Regal Angelfish is one of the most stunning and iconic marine species in the hobby, known for its vivid vertical stripes of blue, white, yellow, and orange edged in black, along with its flowing fins and regal presence. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, the Bali grey belly variant (Pygoplites diacanthus diacanthus) displays a blue-grey chest rather than the bright yellow breast seen in Indian Ocean and Red Sea specimens. While breathtakingly beautiful, this species has historically been considered challenging to maintain in captivity, though captive-bred specimens from Bali have significantly improved survival rates and adaptability.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Pygoplites diacanthus  (Indo-Pacific subspecies)
• Common Names: Regal Angelfish, Royal Angelfish, Royal Empress Angelfish
• Adult Size: Up to 10 inches (25 cm); typically 9-10 inches in captivity
• Lifespan: 10–15 years with proper care; can live 14+ years in optimal conditions
• Temperament: Docile to semi-aggressive; shy and cautious by nature
• Reef Compatibility: With caution – generally considered one of the more reef-safe large angelfish species, but may nip at LPS corals, soft corals, and clam mantles
• Minimum Tank Size: 125–180 gallons (minimum); larger tanks recommended
• Experience Level: Expert only (wild-caught); Intermediate to advanced (captive-bred)

Habitat & Tank Requirements

• Tank Environment: Requires a mature, well-established tank (6+ months old) with abundant live rock, plenty of caves, rocky crevices, and hiding places. A reef-type aquarium with rocky reef structure is highly preferred, as it provides security and natural grazing opportunities. Regal Angelfish are naturally cautious and need secure hiding spots to feel comfortable.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C); mature specimens can tolerate 76–78°F
  • Salinity: 1.020–1.025
  • pH: 8.1–8.4 (minimum 8.1 required)
  • Nitrates: Keep as close to zero as possible
• Aquascape: Extensive live rock formations with caves and ledges are essential. Provide ample swimming space while maintaining structural complexity. The tank must be pristine with stable water parameters – this species is extremely sensitive to parameter swings and immature aquariums.
• Compatibility: Not aggressive fish and do not fare well with larger, more aggressive species or boisterous feeders. Should be introduced first to establish territory. Can be territorial with other large angelfish (Pomacanthus, Holacanthus species) and should not be housed with them. Even aggressive Centropyge species may harass small Regals. Compatible with peaceful, similar-sized fish. Do not house multiple Regals together, even opposite sexes. Best kept in low-traffic, quiet areas with subdued lighting initially.

Diet & Feeding

Regal Angelfish are omnivores with specific dietary requirements focused on sponges and tunicates in the wild:

• Natural Diet: Primarily sponges and tunicates, supplemented with jellyfish, filamentous algae, and benthic invertebrates
• Captive Diet:
  • Meaty Foods: Frozen Mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp (especially spirulina brine shrimp), chopped clams, mussels, scallops, krill, squid, fresh shrimp
  • Plant Matter: Spirulina, marine algae, nori sheets (red seaweed), Pro-V gelatin food (frozen seaweed and vegetables in gelatin base)
  • Specialty Items: High-quality marine angelfish preparations containing sponge matter (now available from several manufacturers), angelfish-specific frozen foods
  • Premium Pellets: Easy Reefs DKI pellets, Masstick, TDO pellets (captive-bred specimens adapt well)
• Feeding Schedule: Feed small portions 3–5 times daily, especially for juveniles and new arrivals. Multiple small feedings are critical – this species is not an aggressive, competitive eater and will be outcompeted by planktivores and fast feeders. Use feeding clips for nori and gelatin foods. Well-fed Regals are less likely to nip at corals and invertebrates.
• Critical Note: NEVER purchase a Regal Angelfish that will not eat. Always observe the fish eating multiple times before purchase. Healthy Regals will usually accept live brine shrimp or frozen mysis shrimp.

Notes & Considerations

• Appearance Details: The Bali grey belly variant features white and orange vertical stripes edged in blues and blacks, with a distinctive blue-grey chest (not yellow like Indian Ocean variants). Dorsal and anal fins are striped in blue and orange. The rear portion of the dorsal fin is black with blue spots or scribbles. The caudal fin is completely yellow, and all fins are edged in brilliant neon blue. Juveniles are more orange than yellow and display a distinct false eyespot (ocellus) on the soft dorsal fin, which fades as they mature.
• Subspecies Differences: The Indo-Pacific grey belly form (P. d. diacanthus) from Bali and Indonesia displays a blue-grey chest, while the Indian Ocean and Red Sea form (P. d. flavescens) has a bright yellow belly and breast. Indian Ocean and Red Sea variants generally acclimate better to captivity than Pacific Ocean variants due to superior handling and supply chain practices.
• Behavioral Traits: Naturally cautious and shy – will hide when approached but should not be hovering near the surface, breathing heavily, twitching, or scratching (signs of parasitic/bacterial infection). Once acclimated and associating humans with food, they become more confident. Not competitive feeders – require peaceful tank mates and dedicated feeding time without interruption.
• Health Screening: Never purchase specimens showing “pinching” in the dorsal musculature (region above and behind the head) – this indicates prolonged starvation, and fish rarely recover. Avoid specimens not swimming normally or that refuse food.
• Reef Considerations: Considered “reef safe” by many as their diet is primarily sponges and does not include corals. However, they may nip at large-polyped stony corals (especially Trachyphyllia), certain soft corals (Xenia, Zoanthus), clam mantles, and coral mucus. Generally safer than most Pomacanthus and Centropyge species with corals. SPS corals typically fare better. Captive-bred specimens are reported to be even more reef-safe than wild ones when well-fed, preferring prepared foods over ornamental invertebrates and corals. If attempted in reef tanks, use large systems where damage to any particular invertebrate is less likely.
• Quarantine Critical: This species almost requires a quarantine period to become accustomed to aquarium conditions and receive medicinal treatment if necessary. A refugium-style quarantine tank works exceptionally well, providing natural foods and good water quality. Minimum 20-gallon quarantine with hiding places. Maintain stress-free, low-traffic environment during acclimation.
• Collection Concerns: Indonesian grey belly specimens have a worse track record than yellow belly variants, likely due to inferior supply chain and handling processes. Some fish are captured from deeper waters and suffer from swim bladder issues if not properly vented. Always source from reputable suppliers with ethical collection practices.
• Captive-Bred Advantage: Captive-bred Regal Angelfish from Bali Aquarich represent a breakthrough for the species. Captive-bred individuals are already trained on prepared foods like marine pellets and frozen foods, making them significantly easier to maintain than wild-caught specimens. They remain sensitive to parameter swings but adapt far better to aquarium life.
• Pattern Variation: Regal Angelfish occasionally display “misbar” aberrant patterns with imperfect or branching stripes. Captive-bred specimens may be more likely to develop these unique misbar patterns, making each fish as unique as a fingerprint. Aberrant patterns are usually only on one side; the other side typically displays normal striping.
• Breeding: Royal angelfish reproduce by spawning, usually at dusk or at night. Extremely difficult to breed in captivity. Males and females are visually indistinguishable. This species is a protogynous hermaphrodite. Found in pairs or small groups in the wild.
• Avoid Sale Fish: Never purchase discounted or “sale” Regal Angelfish – they are typically subpar and unhealthy.

Why Choose a Quarantined Regal Angelfish (Bali)?

Our quarantined Regal Angelfish from Bali are acclimated, monitored, and conditioned before being offered for sale. Captive-bred specimens from Bali Aquarich are specifically raised on prepared foods readily available to hobbyists, dramatically improving their survival rate compared to wild-caught specimens. We ensure all our Regals are eating high-quality pellets and frozen foods before being offered. Wild-caught Bali grey belly specimens from reputable sources are carefully vetted for health, eating behavior, and proper collection methods. This ensures they arrive healthy, parasite-free, and actively feeding, giving you peace of mind and the best possible chance for long-term success with this spectacular but demanding species.