The colorful and captivating fish species from Finding Nemo have delighted audiences worldwide. If you are curious to know the real-life counterparts of these fish characters, you are in the right place!
In this article, we will dive deeper into each type of fish in Finding Nemo, from the lively clownfish species Nemo to the forgetful yet endearing Blue Tang, Dory, which mirrors an actual species in our world’s vast oceans.
While their animated versions are designed to entertain, the true natures of these species are even more fascinating. Get ready as we dive into the world of Finding Nemo fishes!
17 Finding Nemo Fish Species
1. Ocellaris Clownfish (Nemo)
| Scientific Name: | Amphiprion ocellaris |
| Origin: | Indo-Pacific |
| Level of Difficulty: | Easy |
| Adult Size: | 3–4 in (7–10 cm) |
| Behavior: | Peaceful |
| Tank Size: | 30 gallons |
| Temperature: | 74–79°F |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
| Tank-Bred Availability: | Widely available |
Nemo, the main character in the movie, is an Ocellaris Clownfish, a charming and unique member of the Amphiprion genus.
Sporting a bright orange body adorned with three white stripes outlined in black, they’re a favorite among aquarium hobbyists.
Notably, these fish are less territorial and aggressive than other clownfish, making them a fitting choice for beginners.
Unlike other species of fish that wander vast ocean expanses, the Ocellaris Clownfish prefers the safety of sea anemones, establishing a symbiotic relationship.
Nestled within the anemone’s tentacles, Ocellaris Clownfish find shelter and food, aiding the anemone by fanning their fins, increasing water circulation, and consuming parasites.
Their striking appearance and harmonious nature make them a delightful addition to any marine aquarium.
2. Blue Regal Tang (Dory)
| Scientific Name: | Paracanthurus hepatus |
| Origin: | Indo-Pacific |
| Level of Difficulty: | Intermediate |
| Adult Size: | Up to 12 in (31 cm) |
| Behavior: | Semi-aggressive |
| Tank Size: | 100 gallons |
| Temperature: | 72–78°F |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
| Tank-Bred Availability: | Rarely available |
Another real-life fish species featured in the film is Dory, the friendly fish with a vibrant blue body and bright yellow tail.
This delightful character is based on the Regal Blue Tang, also known as the Palette Surgeonfish or Blue Hippo Tang.
A resident of the Indian and Pacific Ocean coral reefs, Regal Blue Tangs are truly regal in appearance.
Their bodies are a stunning blue, decorated with a unique black “palette” design and striking yellow tails. However, their vibrant hues can change in response to stress or threat.
These marine fish require expertise to be kept in home aquariums. They demand high-quality water conditions and ample space because of their sensitive nature.
They’re also susceptible to diseases caused by saltwater parasites like ich, making them a challenging species even for experienced aquarists.
A key player in their ecosystem, Blue Tangs feed mainly on algae, one of the diverse plant species in the ocean. They use their sharp teeth to scrape it off the coral. This diet helps to control algae overgrowth, preventing coral reef damage.
3. Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish (Bill)
| Scientific Name: | Forcipiger flavissimus |
| Origin: | Indo-Pacific |
| Level of Difficulty: | Intermediate |
| Adult Size: | Up to 9 in (23 cm) |
| Behavior: | Semi-aggressive |
| Tank Size: | 125 gallons |
| Temperature: | 72–78°F |
| Diet: | Primarily carnivore |
| Tank-Bred Availability: | Rarely available |
Bill is another Finding Nemo character based on a real fish species called the Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish. They are a captivating species, adorning a unique upturned mouth and a yellow-orange color.
Native to the Pacific and Indian Oceans, these fish usually settle near coral-rich seaward reefs, favoring depths between 3 and 476 feet. They form symbiotic relationships with Cleaner Wrasses, aiding their protection from parasites.
These slender-snouted fish from the movie can reach up to 9 inches long, living for an impressive 20 years.
Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish’s diet consists mainly of plankton, supplemented with squid, fish eggs, algae, and other invertebrates. Their lengthy, distinct snouts allow them to extract food from hard-to-reach places efficiently.
In saltwater aquariums, these butterflyfish require ample space and well-developed live rock for hiding. It’s essential to note that these species are not recommended for reef aquariums as they are known coral eaters.
4. Moorish Idol (Gill)
| Scientific Name: | Zanclus cornutus |
| Origin: | Indo-Pacific |
| Level of Difficulty: | Difficult |
| Adult Size: | Up to 9 in (23 cm) |
| Behavior: | Moderately peaceful |
| Tank Size: | 125 gallons |
| Temperature: | 72–78°F |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
| Tank-Bred Availability: | Rarely available |
Gill is a Moorish Idol fish, scientifically known as Zanclus cornutus. They are popular aquarium fish that are challenging to take care of.
This captivating species dwells in various oceanic regions, including the Indo-Pacific and the Atlantic, with their unique, curvy foreheads and slender bodies making them stand out amidst the reef’s bustling life.
Moorish Idols are adorned with black and white bodies, enhanced by sporadic yellow marks, presenting a dazzling display.
Typically, they measure between 6 to 9 inches and can grace the ocean depths for up to 12 years. Their snouts, reminiscent of a hook or a crook, earned them their scientific name.
Though magnificent in appearance, Moorish Idols are notoriously difficult to keep in home aquariums due to their specific dietary preferences and sensitivity to environmental changes.
In nature, they feast on small invertebrates like coral polyps, sponges, and sea urchins. Such fastidious eating habits make their maintenance in a home tank quite challenging.
5. Spotted Eagle Ray (Mr. Ray)
| Scientific Name: | Aetobatus narinari |
| Origin: | Tropical Oceans |
| Adult Size: | Up to 120 in (305 cm) |
| Behavior: | Peaceful |
| Diet: | Carnivore |
As one of the most distinctive creatures in the ocean, the Spotted Eagle Ray easily catches attention with its remarkable beauty.
Their body, varying in color from blackish-blue to brownish-grey, is uniquely adorned with white spots, giving them a unique appeal. These rays boast a wingspan of up to 120 inches, making them one of the largest of their kind.
Found in warm, subtropical, and tropical waters, this species of eagle ray favors coastal regions with deep, sandy, or muddy bottoms.
Their distribution stretches across various parts of the globe, from Asia and Africa to Australia, Brazil, and even certain areas of North America.
Spotted Eagle Rays are active swimmers among other species of rays, always moving instead of lying on the seafloor.
Despite their imposing size, these creatures are peaceful, reserving their venomous tail spines for protection against predators.
Their primary diet consists of invertebrates and smaller fish species, using their strong, plate-like teeth to crush hard-shelled prey like clams, oysters, sea urchins, and shrimp.
6. European Flounder (Mr. Johannsen)
| Scientific Name: | Platichthys flesus |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Level of Difficulty: | Intermediate |
| Adult Size: | 20–24 in (50–61 cm) |
| Behavior: | Semi-aggressive |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
One of the intriguing real-life fish featured in Finding Nemo is the European Flounder. As oval-shaped flatfish, European Flounders are right-eyed, with two eyes on the right side of their mouth.
They are known for their adaptability, displaying an array of dull brown to greenish-grey hues that blend seamlessly with their surroundings, making them the hide-and-seek champion of the ocean.
They frequent coastal waters and estuaries in the wild and occasionally venture into freshwater. They are native to the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Black Sea but can be found as far afield as New York’s Hudson River.
With a square-cut tail and distinct dorsal and anal fins, this species is a captivating spectacle in any fish tank.
European Flounders are omnivorous, feasting on various small fish and invertebrates. Despite a semi-aggressive demeanor, its lifespan ranges from 6 to 8 years.
Pro Tip: While many fish enthusiasts find the European Flounder interesting, they are also often confused with halibuts. Remember that flounders, in general, are smaller and are known for their oval to round-shaped bodies.
On the other hand, halibuts are larger and are distinct for their diamond-shaped appearance.
7. Great White Shark (Bruce)
| Scientific Name: | Carcharodon carcharias |
| Origin: | Worldwide |
| Adult Size: | Up to 21 ft (6.4 m) |
| Behavior: | Predatory |
| Diet: | Carnivore |
Bruce in Finding Nemo represents the Great White Shark. The notable characteristics of this species include a dark gray top, pale underside, and sharp teeth that showcase their predatory nature in the ocean.
This real species resides in temperate and subtropical regions around the world. Known for their impressive speed, these sharks can sprint through the waters at 35 miles per hour.
In Finding Nemo, Bruce embodies a peaceful persona, taking an oath not to harm other fish. This behavior contrasts with the actual diet of Great White Sharks, which includes fish, squid, and other marine life.
Unfortunately, this shark species faces a significant threat, with their numbers diminishing due to overfishing and human activities.
One remarkable encounter was during my diving expedition near South Africa. I came face-to-face with a majestic Great White Shark.
Despite its notorious reputation, its sheer size and graceful movement displayed a level of beauty that words can’t fully capture.
8. Shortfin Mako Shark (Chum)
| Scientific Name: | Isurus oxyrinchus |
| Origin: | Worldwide |
| Adult Size: | Up to 10 ft (3 m) |
| Behavior: | Predatory |
| Diet: | Carnivore |
The Shortfin Mako Shark adds an interesting character to Finding Nemo. Known scientifically as Isurus oxyrinchus, Chum is distinguished by a long upper lobe on his first dorsal fin and a second dorsal fin that is much smaller than the first.
Native to temperate and tropical oceans worldwide, these sharks are renowned for their speed and agility. With a peak speed of 45 mph, Shortfin Makos are the fastest among all sharks and can leap remarkably high when hunting.
They possess razor-sharp teeth, ideal for ripping apart their varied diet, which includes bony fishes, squids, and other sharks. Their migratory nature and unique blood vessel structure allow them to thrive in cold water.
However, overfishing and accidental capture have made these sharks vulnerable to extinction, necessitating urgent conservation efforts.
9. Yellow Tang (Bubbles)
| Scientific Name: | Zebrasoma flavescens |
| Origin: | Hawaiian Islands |
| Level of Difficulty: | Intermediate |
| Adult Size: | Up to 8 in (20 cm) |
| Behavior: | Peaceful |
| Tank Size: | 100 gallons |
| Temperature: | 72–78°F |
| Diet: | Herbivores |
| Tank-Bred Availability: | Available |
Known for its radiant yellow hue, the Yellow Tang fish is an eye-catching inhabitant of the Indo-Pacific region. These striking fish are represented by the lively character Bubbles in the film Finding Nemo.
As one of the most popular types of saltwater fish, they are adorned with unique blue stripes and sharp white tail barbs. These tropical fish species can grow up to 8 inches long.
Yellow Tangs reside in the broad expanses of the Indian and Pacific Oceans and the Red Sea. They have a peculiar preference for varying depths, with larger ones choosing the reefs’ shallows and juveniles favoring deeper waters.
This peculiar behavior offers them access to their preferred food source, green algae, and protection from predators.
In captivity, Yellow Tangs need space and exploration opportunities. Hence, large tanks are recommended. While they are hardy fish, maintaining a stress-free environment is crucial to prevent diseases like ich and HLLE.
These vibrant, popular fish not only beautify your aquarium but also contribute to keeping it clean by feeding on the algae.
10. Royal Gramma Basslet (Gurgle)
| Scientific Name: | Gramma loreto |
| Origin: | Caribbean |
| Level of Difficulty: | Easy |
| Adult Size: | Up to 3 in (8 cm) |
| Behavior: | Peaceful; occasionally territorial |
| Tank Size: | 30 gallons |
| Temperature: | 72–78°F |
| Diet: | Carnivore |
| Tank-Bred Availability: | Available |
The Royal Gramma Basslet, affectionately known as Gurgle from Finding Nemo, is an iconic fish species adorned with a vivid mix of purple and golden-yellow hues.
Their body, shaped like a torpedo, transitions from a captivating purple head to a sun-drenched yellow tail, with a unique dotted pattern marking the colors’ meeting point.
A distinguishing black spot adorns their dorsal fin, while two black stripes cross their eyes and mouth, contributing to their distinct appearance.
Native to the tropical reefs of the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, this particular species is resilient.
Ideal for marine set-ups, Royal Grammas are reef-safe and make for a splendid beginner’s pet, despite the saltwater tanks requiring more upkeep than their freshwater fish counterparts.
11. Goldfish (Chuckles)
| Scientific Name: | Carassius auratus |
| Origin: | East Asia |
| Level of Difficulty: | Easy |
| Adult Size: | 8–16 in (20–40 cm) |
| Behavior: | Peaceful |
| Tank Size: | 30 gallons |
| Temperature: | 68–72°F |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
| Tank-Bred Availability: | Widely available |
Chuckles in Finding Nemo is a real-life fish called Goldfish. This species of marine fish carries a historical significance as one of the oldest breeds. Their native roots trace back to East Asia, where they were initially domesticated.
These hardy freshwater fish have a diverse color spectrum ranging from gold to orange, red, yellow, white, grey, and black hues. They owe their striking array of colors to selective breeding and genetic variations.
Unlike their larger relative, the Koi, Goldfish are smaller, typically sized between 8 and 16 inches. They boast distinctive features like paired and single sets of fins, and intriguingly, they lack both barbels and head scales.
Caring for a couple of goldfish myself, I keep the temperature of my 30-gallon tank between 68 and 72°F. This gives my fish enough space to swim comfortably.
I also give my goldfish an omnivorous diet. I love seeing them happily munching on small crustaceans, mosquito larvae, and cereals, among other things.
Fun Fact: Unconventional as it may seem, a goldfish-swallowing fad occurred in the 1930s in the United States. College students started this as a response to a dare or as a bid for attention.
12. Striped Damselfish (Deb)
| Scientific Name: | Dascyllus aruanus |
| Origin: | Indo-Pacific to East Africa and Red Sea |
| Level of Difficulty: | Easy |
| Adult Size: | 3–4 in (7–10 cm) |
| Behavior: | Semi-aggressive |
| Tank Size: | 30 gal |
| Temperature: | 72–78°F |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
| Tank-Bred Availability: | Available |
The Striped Damselfish brings to mind Deb, another Finding Nemo fish character. Residents of tropical waters, these real fish species grace the Indo-Pacific Oceans to East Africa with their distinctive black and white stripes.
The bars contrast against their bright white body, highlighting their pelvic fins’ unique black hue and their dorsal snout’s intriguing brown spot.
These dynamic reef fish species call the coral reefs home, often seen mingling in large schools. They spend their days near branching stony corals and reef flats. As evening approaches, these ocean-dwellers retreat into hiding.
Caring for these Nemo-inspired fish is a straightforward affair. Their semi-aggressive behavior necessitates ample tank space to avoid territorial disputes.
Striped Damselfish thrive on a diverse diet, feasting on plankton, algae, and small crustaceans.
13. Great Hammerhead Shark (Anchor)
| Scientific Name: | Sphyrna mokarran |
| Origin: | Worldwide |
| Adult Size: | 15–20 ft (4.5–6 m) |
| Behavior: | Predatory |
| Diet: | Carnivore |
The Great Hammerhead Shark, scientifically named Sphyrna mokarran, makes an unforgettable impression in the movie Finding Nemo.
Recognized by their distinctive, nearly straight cephalofoil or hammer-shaped head, this unique fish species has a commanding presence in the ocean.
Great Hammerheads, the largest among the nine different species of hammerhead sharks, can grow up to 20 feet and weigh close to 1000 pounds.
Hailing from tropical and temperate waters worldwide, Great Hammerheads are solitary predators. They prefer the area around coral reefs, wrecks, and sandy bottoms.
However, you may also find these sharks congregating in large groups when it is mating season or when they need to migrate.
Despite their fearsome reputation, these sharks play an essential role in balancing the marine ecosystem, feeding primarily on smaller fishes, cephalopods, and crustaceans.
Meanwhile, these majestic creatures face significant threats from overfishing. They are often caught for their large and valuable fins, leading to a steep decline in their population.
14. Long-spine Porcupinefish (Bloat)
| Scientific Name: | Diodon holocanthus |
| Origin: | Worldwide |
| Level of Difficulty: | Intermediate |
| Adult Size: | 12–16 in (30–41 cm) |
| Behavior: | Semi–aggressive |
| Tank Size: | 180 gal |
| Temperature: | 75–82°F |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
| Tank-Bred Availability: | Rarely available |
The Longspine Porcupinefish, a regular favorite amongst divers, is a fascinating fish species featured in the movie.
Many recognize these fish with their large, expressive eyes and spiky exterior. These fish inflate themselves to ward off predators, doubling their size and displaying short spines.
Diodon holocanthus, as they’re scientifically known, inhabit ocean reefs worldwide. With their docile behavior and slow movement, these fish are truly remarkable.
However, they’re not a choice for amateur home aquariums due to their size and semi-aggressive behavior, needing at least a 180-gallon tank for comfortable living.
Their diet is quite diverse as omnivores, but their teeth play a crucial role. The Greek roots of their scientific name, ‘dio’ and ‘don,’ refer to their two rows of teeth used to grind food before swallowing.
Blowfish are also known for the poisonous toxin in their liver, known as tetrodotoxin, making them a risky delicacy in some cultures.
Pro Tip: It is easy to interchange pufferfish with blowfish, especially since both are from the same order that produces the neurotoxin tetrodotoxin. However, note that pufferfish can be found both in freshwater and saltwater environments.
Meanwhile, blowfish can only thrive in marine settings. In this case, take note that Bloat is a blowfish, not a pufferfish.
15. Great Barracuda
| Scientific Name: | Sphyraena barracuda |
| Origin: | Atlantic and Indo-Pacific Oceans |
| Adult Size: | 18–72 in (45–183 cm) |
| Behavior: | Predatory |
| Diet: | Carnivore |
The Great Barracuda is captivating with its unique physique and fearsome appearance. In fact, they are even thought to attack humans naturally, which is a rare occurrence.
Dominated by a long, tubular body stretching up to 72 inches, these real-life fish sport a pointed snout filled with sharp teeth and a shiny blue-gray to silver and white color gradient.
Hailing from the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific Oceans, Great Barracudas are predatory fish that claim tropical and subtropical waters as their habitat.
This species showcases extraordinary hunting skills with a diverse diet that includes smaller fish, such as sardines and anchovies, but also feasts on crustaceans like shrimps, lobsters, and crabs.
Although Barracudas may be a minor character in “Finding Nemo,” their real-life persona is impressive.
Anglers deem these types of fish challenging yet rewarding, cautioning about the potential risk of ciguatera poisoning, which can originate from consuming these marine species.
16. Anglerfish
| Scientific Name: | Lophius piscatorius |
| Origin: | Atlantic Ocean |
| Adult Size: | Up to 40 in (102 cm) |
| Behavior: | Predatory |
| Diet: | Carnivore |
The Anglerfish embodies an eerie beauty found in the ocean’s darkest depths. These deep-sea fish have a terrifying yet mysterious look. You probably recognize this Nemo character as the fish with the light bulb on its head.
Female Anglerfish, scientifically known as Lophius piscatorius, are renowned for their unique luminescent lure that emanates from a protruding dorsal spine above their mouth, leading the prey into a trap.
Anglerfish are predatory creatures found in the Atlantic Ocean and the deep waters near Australia, Japan, and North America.
Their diet consists of anything they can lure in, eating fish and other prey up to twice their size, thanks to their large mouths and pliable bodies.
Fun Fact: Male Anglerfish exhibit a fascinating behavior, becoming permanent parasitic mates. A male will latch onto a female with his sharp teeth and eventually fuse into her, sharing her bloodstream.
The female can host multiple males simultaneously, creating a bizarre and unique mating system among fish species. These deep sea creatures also mate for life.
Watch this documentary to learn more about this deep-sea creature:
17. Blue Whale
| Scientific Name: | Balaenoptera musculus |
| Origin: | Worldwide |
| Adult Size: | Up to 100 ft (30.5 m) |
| Behavior: | Peaceful |
| Diet: | Carnivore |
The majestic Blue Whale, or Balaenoptera musculus, holds the record for being the largest creature in existence, with a staggering length of up to 100 feet and a weight that reaches 200 tons.
These creatures of the deep, sporting distinct blue-gray hue, can be found navigating all of Earth’s oceans, particularly in colder polar waters.
Interestingly, their vast size does not equate to a ferocious diet. These gentle marine behemoths feed primarily on minuscule, shrimplike krill.
They have a specialized feeding mechanism involving keratin plates known as baleen, which effectively filter food from large mouthfuls of seawater.
During peak feeding seasons, a single Blue Whale can devour up to four tons of krill daily. This peaceful giant of the ocean causes no harm to humans or other tiny fish species.
Fun Fact: Baby blue whales have such rapid growth that they can gain up to 200 pounds a day! This is also an adaptive mechanism they need for survival by developing their insulation and increasing their buoyancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind of Fish Are Nemo and Dory?
Nemo, the star of the show, is an Ocellaris Clownfish, scientifically known as Amphiprion ocellaris, characterized by their vibrant orange, black, and white stripes.
Dory, his memorable sidekick, is a Regal Blue Tang or Paracanthurus hepatus, recognized by her striking blue body and yellow tail. Both are saltwater fish species.
What Kind of Fish is Jacques in Nemo?
In the movie “Finding Nemo,” the character Jacques represents a Pacific Cleaner Shrimp, scientifically known as Lysmata amboinensis.
Cleaner Shrimp, like Jacques, are renowned for their symbiotic relationships with other ocean dwellers, offering a cleaning service that eliminates parasites.
The character Jacques is vividly depicted with striking red and white hues, mimicking the authentic coloration of his real-life shrimp counterparts.
What Type of Fish Is Gill?
Gill, a distinctive character in “Finding Nemo,” is a Moorish Idol that belongs to the fish species Zanclus cornutus. These fish are easily recognized by their disk-like bodies, long dorsal fins, and unique coloration.
Gill’s portrayal stays true to his species, displaying a yellow body, white and black vertical bands, and an extended snout.
As in the movie, real Moorish Idols inhabit reef ecosystems in the wild. They’re mainly solitary and have a varied diet, including sponges and other small marine organisms.
What Is the Yellow and Purple Fish in Finding Nemo?
The yellow and purple fish in the movie is known as Gurgle. Gurgle is a Royal Gramma fish depicted accurately with a vibrant two-tone color scheme — a bright purple head half, transitioning into a rich yellow towards the tail.
Royal Gramma fish typically live in the crevices of coral reefs in the tropical Atlantic Ocean. They’re small and quite peaceful, usually eating a diet of small crustaceans in the wild.
So, which among the types of fish in the Nemo movie is your favorite? Let us know in the comments, along with any questions you may have about these adorable sea creatures.
