Regal Angel pros >>>

TX_Punisher · Nov 28, 2019

Decided to bite the bullet and go for adding one to my 200g.

Around 2002 when I first started reading about sw and reef tanks this was one of the first fish that drew me to the hobby. Since I’ve had this latest tank adding one has always been in the back of my mind so now it’s time.

Of course, I’ve been reading for years off and on about the beautiful Regal. I’ve found 3 dealers online who have several fish from several locations in stock. Therein lies the rub. I’ve ruled out the Red Sea orange belly (even tho it’s the best looking for sure) due to cost. The leaves two options: indo and Maldives. I have read several posts here throughout the year stating some areas have used questionable practices to capture some of these fish. I can’t locate those threads currently but I recall reading perhaps one location in the Endo pacific uses cyanide to capture these fish and longevity in the Home Aquaria is not very Good. I’m hoping to stay away from supporting those practices.

Here is what I’m looking at:

Regal Angel Angelfish

Large Angels are among the most popular fish for the home saltwater aquarium, and most marine angelfish adapt well to captivity. The diet of Large Angels consists of microalgaes, macroalgaes, sponges, and zooplankton. Angelfish are some of the most colorful and uniquely patterned species of...

yourfishstore.com

I had to email them asking location. Their response was “Red Sea and Maldives area.”

LA lists and indo specimen here https://m.liveaquaria.com/product/422/?pcatid=422

And lastly (never ordered from here) lists an indo specimen (small) https://www.aquariumcreationsonline.net/LargeAngelfish_saltwaterfish2.html

Struggling with which to choose from. If, indeed, they’re all indo specimens I guess it doesn’t matter all that much.

Can some of the regal seasoned vets provide any advice?

Thank you.

GBRsouth · Nov 28, 2019

Not an expert, but can tell you the indo-pacific regals have a grey belly, not yellow.

TX_Punisher · Nov 28, 2019

GBRsouth said:
Not an expert, but can tell you the indo-pacific regals have a grey belly, not yellow.

Thanks.

naterealbig · Nov 28, 2019

Correct. The specimens from the Maldives, Christmas Islands, and Red Sea are yellow/orange belly. The Red Sea Angels will have the most orange and hints of red, especially at the back of the dorsal and anal fins . Your Maldives will be more bright yellow and Blue mainly. Specimens from all areas are absolutely stunning. By far- my favorite fish, but they are softie and LPS maniacs so i cannot keep them.

If i had any word to give it would be this: do not purchase a fish that has not been confirmed eating. Yes, is worth double the price tag purchasing an eating, WYSIWYG animal from a reputable vendor.

I assure you there is little that trumps the feeling of being responsible for the death of one of these creatures, and even less that feels worse than watching them starve to death slowly in your care. Ask me how i know.

Bob Loblaw · Nov 28, 2019

Aquarium creations is Aquacon rebranded. Avoid like the plague.

alton · Nov 28, 2019

Maldives or Redsea medium juvenile is your best bet for getting one to eat and survive. Getting an adult to eat and survive is tough. Small juveniles are also tough. With today’s available foods Regal Angels actually get better colors with age. Since their popularity has gone up, so has their price. For the last two years February has been the best time for price and availability

alton · Nov 28, 2019

Not the best picture

TX_Punisher · Nov 28, 2019

Bob Loblaw said:
Aquarium creations is Aquacon rebranded. Avoid like the plague.

Great. Thank you for that info.

alton · Nov 29, 2019

Redsea Regals ( I lost when I moved a fish from QT too Soon!)

Maldives

It depends on the lighting as far as how bright orange the pictures come out
Good luck with your choice

TX_Punisher · Nov 29, 2019

Beautiful specimens. Thank you everyone for the info. The more, the better.

outerbank · Nov 30, 2019

Pros: Not shy and not aggressive.

I like my gray belly. Have had it now for 10 years. I bought it from Divers Den. I find the yellow bellies a bit too gaudy, but everyone has a preference.

I am a big promoter of the QT and quarantine this fish by itself. The fish should take a liking to small cuts of bay scallops cut to the size of a medium 2 mm pellet. Drop about four 2mm pieces into the QT every thirty to sixty minutes. The fish will learn to eat them off the bottom first. Siphon any old pieces off the floor of the tank before you add new pieces.

Best size to purchase is probably 2.75 to 3 inches.

Overboard · Nov 30, 2019

I have a pair from the Maldives that I got from Live Aquaria (not Divers Den). They were delayed a day during shipping and I thought I would lose one or both, but they pulled through. A full quarantine process is important. I have had them a year and they are doing great! Nice yellow belly and colorful. Mild manners and just a little shy, but are out and swimming very often and fight for their share of food at feeding time. One of my favorite angels!

Rams · Jan 4, 2020

I just got one today,he is in QT.eating clams food as of now.

dohc97 · Jan 25, 2020

Maldives juvi was the ticket for me. I have had mine a couple years, he was all of 2 inches when I got him from liveaquaria, ate straight out of the shipping bag. He is picky,. Only likes pellets and algae but eats with gusto. I would say straight to a display or at least a qt with well established rock, no aggressive fish around and let him get comfy.

Rams · Jan 25, 2020

dohc97 said:
Maldives juvi was the ticket for me. I have had mine a couple years, he was all of 2 inches when I got him from liveaquaria, ate straight out of the shipping bag. He is picky,. Only likes pellets and algae but eats with gusto. I would say straight to a display or at least a qt with well established rock, no aggressive fish around and let him get comfy.

That’s a nice regal