Pygoplites Diacanthus Collection

Adult royal angelfish parents guarding their young
Adult royal angelfish parents guard their young underneath a protective overhang in shallow ocean waters

Royal Angelfish try to hide from a Great White Shark and a Leopard Shark
An angel shark flattens itself against the sandy bottom and three Royal Angelfish try to hide near some coral as a Great White Shark meets with a leopard shark

Regal angelfish swimming in waters off of Fiji
Regal angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus), Fiji

Colorful sea wall with regal angelfish and barrel sponges
Colorful sea wall with regal angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus) and grey and pink barrel sponges, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Royal Angelfish shimmer with their gorgeous colors near a coral reef
Beautiful Royal Angelfish shimmer with their gorgeous colors near a coral reef

Angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus)

Regal Angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus), Maamendhoo Pass, Maamendhoo Island, North Huvadhoo Atoll, Southern Maldives, Indian Ocean

Royal angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus) swimming over corals. This fish, also known as the regal angelfish, inhabits coral reefs in the tropical Indo-Pacific region

Red Sea reef fish, artwork. Seen in this typical reed scene are: a common lion fish (Pterois miles, lower centre), a regal angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus, top right)

Regal angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus) on a coral reef. Photographed in the Red Sea, Egypt

Tropical angelfish. Regal angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus, upper right) and a blue-girdled angelfish (Pomacanthus navarchus, centre) on a coral reef. Photographed off the Solomon Islands

Kasi Maru shipwreck and fish. Blue-girdled angelfish (Pomacanthus navarchus, centre) and regal angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus, lower right) swimming over a reef grown up around the Kasi Maru wreck

Regal angelfish, Pygoplites diacanthus, Namu atoll, Marshall Islands (N. Pacific)
Andre Seale / SplashdownDirect

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In the crystal-clear waters off Fiji, a stunning sight unfolds as adult royal angelfish parents diligently guard their young. These majestic creatures, known scientifically as Pygoplites diacanthus, showcase their regal beauty amidst a vibrant coral reef. As they swim gracefully through the ocean depths, these royal angelfish try to hide from formidable predators like the Great White Shark and Leopard Shark. Their instinctual survival skills are put to the test as they navigate through an ever-changing underwater landscape. Rainbow Reef in Fiji's South Pacific is home to these colorful sea dwellers. Against a backdrop of barrel sponges and a mesmerizing sea wall, regal angelfish add splashes of brilliance with their vibrant hues. It's truly a spectacle for any underwater enthusiast lucky enough to witness it. The shimmering colors of the regal angelfish are nothing short of breathtaking. With each movement near the coral reef, they display their iridescent shades that captivate onlookers' hearts and minds alike. Found not only in Fiji but also in Maamendhoo Pass on Maamendhoo Island within North Huvadhoo Atoll, these exquisite creatures continue to enchant divers and snorkelers with their elegance and gracefulness. Whether referred to as Royal Angelfish or Regal Angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus), one thing remains certain – their presence brings joy and wonderment wherever they roam beneath the waves. So next time you find yourself exploring the depths of our vast oceans, keep an eye out for these magnificent beings – both royal and regal – who remind us just how awe-inspiring nature can be.