Yellow Belly Regal Angelfish - Large

Angelfish - Yellow Belly Regal

The Yellow Belly Regal Angelfish has a wide variety of colours on its body. But it can be distinguished from standard Regal Angelfish by its yellow belly. The rest of the body is covered with white and orange stripes which are edged in black and blue. Its tail fin and pectoral fins are yellow. While the dorsal and anal fins have orange and blue stripes. The rear of its dorsal fin is black and covered with blue spots.

Aquarium breeding hasn't been possible with this species. In the wild, the courting period includes a mating dance around sunset. The female floats up from the seabed when she is ready to spawn and extends her fins towards the male. The male nuzzles her stomach, and they spiral upwards. Once the female spawns, the male fertilizes the eggs.

The yellow belly variation of this species is only found in the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. They inhabit coral lagoons, and reefs containing rich areas of coral. As they are reclusive creatures, areas with plenty of rocky hiding places are popular.

Tank Recommendations for the Yellow Belly Regal Angelfish
Tank size should be at least 125 gallons (473 litres).

This species will need monitoring in a reef tank as it may be a threat to some invertebrates and corals. It needs plenty of crevices and caves in the rockwork for shelter. Overhangs to protect from light are also recommended. A tank should also contain live rock for grazing.

Yellow Belly Regal Angelfish need high-quality water as they are extremely sensitive. It is better to manage this with water changes as opposed to chemicals. The pH level in the tank should stay above 8.1

Suitable Tank Buddies
Yellow Belly Regal Angelfish are semi-aggressive. But they are considered bolder than regular Regal Angelfish. Usually, aggression is directed at conspecifics, especially in a small tank. Preferable companions are docile, peaceful fish. But it can cohabit with semi-aggressive fish if they are introduced after them.

Bigger, quicker fish may out-compete the Yellow Belly Regal Angelfish fish for food. This can cause stress and starvation.

Usually Compatible
Conspecifics need a tank that is over 180 gallons (681 litres) and should be introduced together. Smaller peaceful fish are suitable. Smaller aggressive fish should be introduced after the Yellow Belly Regal Angelfish. Suitable tank buddies include Chromis, Blennies, Dartfish, Pseudochromis, Gobies, and reef-safe Wrasses.

Sometime Compatible
Larger semi-aggressive fish will need monitoring. Dwarf Angelfish can only cohabit in a sufficiently large tank. Seahorses/Pipefish probably won’t be able to compete for food. Anemones may be eaten if your Yellow Belly Regal Angelfish is not well fed.

Rarely Compatible
Large semi-aggressive fish such as Tangs, Large Angelfish, and fish-only Wrasse are a threat. Predators such as Lionfish and Groupers are unsuitable. Avoid soft corals and invertebrates such as clams, oysters, and sponges.

Feeding Your Regal Angelfish
Yellow Belly Regal Angelfish are omnivores. In the wild, they eat sponges and tunicates. In a tank, they need a varied diet which includes meaty food, vegetables, and formula. Suitable products include red nori, marine algae, and spirulina. Also includes chopped seafood such as shrimp, krill, squid, and preparations containing sponges. Feed several times per day.