Description:

Dorsal spines: 14; Dorsal rays: 17-19; Anal spines: 3; Anal rays: 17-19.
Colour. Yellowish orange head and body. Broad dark-edged bluish-white bars on flanks, becoming thinner and bluer on the head. Dark patch around the eye. Dorsal fin with 
submarginal fine electric blue line. Large anal fin with orange blue concentric radiating lines. Caudal fin yellow. Juveniles have fewer bands on the sides, a large 
ocellus on the rear of the dorsal fin, and lack the dark patch around the eye. 

Maturity: unknown. Max length : 25.0 cm SL 
 

Occurs in coral rich areas of lagoon and seaward reefs often near caves (depth 0-80 m). Solitary or in pairs, or in groups. Carnivore feeds on spones and tunicates. 
The cryptic juveniles hide in cracks and crevices.
 

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It does not appear to be subject to fishing pressure likely due to its small size reducing its 
vulnerability to fishing gear.  

Photo provided courtesy GVI/SPGA.
Photo courtesy Eleanor Brighton and Chris Mason-Parker (c) 2022 Blue Safari Seychelles/Marine Conservation Society, Seychelles. Photograph taken at Alphonse group 2022.
 

Bray, D.J. Pygoplites diacanthus in Fishes of Australia, https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/658 (07/05/22). 
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. Eds. (2022). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Pygoplites-diacanthus.html (06/05/22). 
Pyle, R. et al. (2010). Pygoplites diacanthus. The IUCN Red List 2010: e.T165885A6157224. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T165885A6157224.en. (06/05/22).

Nevill, J.E.G. (2022). Pygoplites diacanthus, Regal angelfish. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/pygoplites-diacanthus-boddaert-1772/  (edited 13/07/22).