Marine Life

Regal angelfish

Kula kokaamas

Pygoplites diacanthus

The stunning coloration of Pygoplites diacanthus makes it a favorite among aquarists and divers alike, with specimens from the Maldives and Indian Ocean being even more beautiful than those from the Pacific Ocean, which have a dull blue-grey chin instead of a bright orange one.

Details

§ 01

size: Max. 25 cm
color: Brilliant orange with about 8 black-edged white bars on sides between nape and caudal peduncle. Blue lines on head and anal fin. Juveniles with large black spot on base of dorsal fin, becoming diffused blue patch in adults.
order: Perciformes
family: Pomacanthidae
image url: https://assets.explore.mv/fishes/pygoplites-diacanthus.png
habitat and biology: Typically observed gliding from one coral fissure to another in depths of up to 20 m. Nourishes itself on sponges and tunicates.
distinctive characters: This species has a dorsal fin with 13-14 spines and 18-19 rays, an anal fin with 3 spines and 18-19 rays, and pectoral fin rays of 16-17. Its body is not as deep as Pomacanthus spp., and its lateral line terminates below the end of the dorsal fin. Additionally, there are about 8 rows of scales on the operculum.