regal angel

[clowntank10]

i wanna get two of these fishes. is it true these fishes change sex. i herd they are a challenge to keep. so can anyone with xperience with these fishes give me info on 'em.

 

[Anonymous]

Ok, it's early in my work day so I don't have lots of time to type right now. I'll check back in with this thread at lunch. However...for the moment I will say that if you have to ask the above questions, you're not ready to keep this fish. What is your experience level? How many years have you spent keeping larger angels? What species? How large is your tank? Can you/have you kept a species such as P. imperator or P. navarchus alive for a number of years?
Forget keeping two of them.
Let's start there.

Jim

 

[narkosis]

Jim,

You sound like the right guy to talk to, on a related note. I'm from Malaysia, where I notice many Regal Angels being sold with really dismal success rates. The main problem seems to be with feeding. The other run-of-the mill imperator, navarchus, or xanthometopon all can get used to feeding on pellets, but never the Regal.

I seem to recall vaguely that there was some sponge-based fish food somewhere, but just can't remember the brand. Would you know, or is there some gumbo that you can make up yourself?

Thx

 

[Bucktronix]

cut a picture of a regal out of a magazine and tape it to the front of the tank.. it will last much longer.

 

[Unarce]

This is unfortunately true for such a beautiful species of angelfish. Although, IME, you'll have much better luck if you're willing to spend at least 3X as much for a Red Sea specimen. They usually take to sponge-based foods pretty readily. Mine particularly liked freshly opened clam meat.

It's pretty easy to tell the difference. At a quick glance, the specimens from the Philippines or Indo-Pacific will have a greyish belly. You'll definitely want to avoid those. The Red Sea specimens will have a bright yellow belly and the much larger price tag.

Still, I wouldn't even recommend getting one unless you have extensive experience with large angels.