Ever since the release of the popular Disney Pixar movies, “Finding Nemo” and “Finding Dory”, people around the world have become enamored with the charming character known as Dory. But have you ever wondered, what kind of fish is Dory exactly?
In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the ocean to explore the real-life species behind this animated character. Let’s start our underwater journey!
The Real-Life Dory
Dory is not just a fictional character – she’s inspired by a real species known as the Blue Tang, or Paracanthurus hepatus. This species is part of the family Acanthuridae, which includes surgeonfish and unicornfish.
Image Credit: www.etsy.com
Distinguishing Features of the Blue Tang
The Blue Tang is easily recognizable due to its vibrant coloration. It boasts a deep blue body with a signature yellow tail, just like our beloved Dory. It also has a unique scalpel-like spine located on either side of its tail, which it uses for defense against predators.
Blue Tang Habitat and Behavior
Blue Tangs are commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around coral reefs. These fish are known for their sociable behavior and tend to form large schools. They play a crucial role in maintaining the health of coral reefs by eating algae that could otherwise harm the reef ecosystems.