What species of fish is Dory from the film Finding Nemo?

The 2003 film Finding Nemo and its 2016 follow-up, Finding Dory, captured the hearts of millions of Pixar fans, who became enchanted by the kind and forgetful Dory, voiced by Ellen DeGeneres.

In real life, Dory is a Paracanthurus hepatus, also known as a Pacific blue tang or sometimes a royal blue tang or hippo tang. The term 'blue tang' can be a bit misleading, as the fish isn't always blue. Without light to reflect on its skin at night, it can appear white with violet hints. As a juvenile, it is predominantly yellow.

Here’s a deeper look at what ‘Dory fish’ are really like in nature—and whether one might be suitable for your aquarium.

Where would Dory from Finding Nemo make her home?

According to National Geographic, blue tangs inhabit areas around coral reefs, where they can find abundant algae to feed on. This is also beneficial for the reefs, as an overgrowth of algae has been associated with declining reef health and could disrupt the marine food chain.

If you're eager to spot a blue tang in its natural habitat, your best bet is to visit a coral reef in either the Pacific or Indian Ocean. The International Union for Conservation of Nature notes that these fish are typically found near places such as Australia, India, Thailand, Japan, Guam, American Samoa, Kenya, South Africa, and many other regions.

Are ‘Dory Fish’ suitable as pets?

When Disney debuted its live-action version of 101 Dalmatians in 1996, the appeal of the dogs on screen had a notable effect on the popularity of the breed. So much so that animal rights groups expressed concern over people acquiring Dalmatians without fully understanding their specific temperament, leading to many Dalmatians being abandoned in shelters.

In the case of Finding Dory, a 2019 study found no significant increase in the actual purchase of blue tangs following the film's release. However, the conversation surrounding it was filled with ethical concerns about owning such a fish.

Like many tropical fish, blue tangs have never been successfully bred in commercial aquariums (though researchers at the University of Florida might have found a way to change that). Instead, fishermen capture them using cyanide—by either injecting it directly at the fish or releasing it into the water—hoping it will force some to the surface for easier collection. Of course, introducing poison into marine environments is a major concern for conservationists. It can pollute waters, harm reefs, and even kill fish long after exposure (organ failure is a common consequence). Some estimates suggest that half of the organisms affected by the cyanide will die instantly.

As you may have guessed, the question of what type of fish Dory actually is goes beyond simply identifying her species. A 'real' Dory could be poisoned with cyanide, be aggressive toward other fish (especially other blue tangs), and grow nearly a foot long—a far cry from the tiny, endearing character seen in the films. Increased demand for the fish could also cause ecological issues, affecting their population.

Considering all these factors, if anyone in your household is wondering what kind of fish Dory is with the intention of getting one, the answer is clear: She’s the type you should really leave in the wild.

What other fish species appear in Finding Nemo?

If you're simply curious about the Pixar franchise’s various fish species, here are a few more details you might enjoy. Gill is a Moorish idol (Zanclus cornutus), another inhabitant of coral reefs. Bubbles is a yellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens), a relative of Dory in the Acanthuridae family. Deb is likely a four-stripe damselfish (Dascyllus melanurus) or a three-stripe damselfish (Dascyllus aruanus), typically appearing black and white rather than blue and white. Nemo and Marlin, of course, are clownfish—known for having many talents beyond what the films reveal.