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What Eats Regal Angelfish?

The regal angelfish is rarely seen on display in aquariums because its shy nature and finicky eating habits make it difficult fish to remove from its natural habitat and keep in captivity. Like other members of the angelfish family, the regal angelfish has a few general predators that seek it as a source of protein.

Sharks
- Regal angelfish have multiple predators, including sharks. Tiger sharks, black-tipped reef sharks and white-tipped reef sharks all feed on fish, such as the regal angelfish that inhabit the borders of coral reefs, such as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
Marine Mammals
- Marine mammals such as sea lions hunt around the edges and crevices of coral reefs for small fish, such as regal angelfish. Other marine mammals such as whales, dolphins and porpoises also feed on regal angelfish if the normally reclusive fish, which usually spend their days darting quickly from one reef crevice to another, uncharacteristically leave themselves open to attack.
Birds
- More than 200 species of birds, including 40 species of sea birds, live near the Great Barrier Reef where many regal angelfish live. In other parts of the world where angelfish are prevalent, birds eat the fish when they are grazing or swimming in shallow waters. White breasted sea eagles, pelicans and sea gulls are some of the bird predators of regal angelfish.
Other Fish
- Another predator of regal angelfish is other fish. Regal angelfish lay their eggs in the open sea. The eggs are tiny and often mingle with plankton and are consumed by plankton-eating fish. Regal angelfish live a solitary life, often hiding in reef crevices where they hide from their many predators and feed on sponges and small crustaceans.

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