The queen angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris) got its royal title not because it governs the reef with any sort of authority, but because it looks like it’s dressed to attend the most extravagant underwater ball. With its vibrant blue and yellow colors and a striking, crown-like spot on its head, this fish struts around like it’s the reigning monarch of the coral kingdom, demanding attention from anyone who crosses its path. It’s as if someone decided that “queen” was the only word grand enough to match this fish’s over-the-top, show-stopping appearance. In reality, the queen angelfish spends its days nibbling on sponges and parading around the reef like it’s on a never-ending victory lap, probably wondering why the rest of the ocean doesn’t recognize its obvious superiority. After all, with looks like that, who wouldn’t want to be queen?
