Blue Tang facts: the Dory fish | Animal Fact Files

Blue tangs were made widely popular after the release of Finding Nemo. These relatively rare in the wild fish have many names including palette surgeonfish, regal blue tangs, blue surgeonfish, and more! Blue tangs travel in loose groups and are found on coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific. They help a reef ecosystem stay healthy by eating the algae that might otherwise choke out coral and sponges. Blue tangs are broadcast spawners and their larvae hatch before their heart even begin beating!