15 “Finding Nemo” Fish Characters in Real Life

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What types of fish are in “Finding Nemo”?

You’ve probably asked yourself right after you left the movie theater, with unexpected and unknown to you desire to learn more about these fascinating creatures.

I bet they’ve sparkled a slight interest in you for the beautiful, mesmerizing and colorful marine life. Once you have decided to get into this fantastic hobby there isn’t coming back.

The animated movie “Finding Nemo” has inspired many generations of the saltwater aquarium hobbyist. Since then, the hobby evolved so much, and with all the available information, it’s easier to get into than ever.

If you are interested in finding out what are the fish species in Nemo than you’re in the right place.

Now, let’s meet the real life cast of “Finding Nemo”.

finding nemo

Contents

Finding Nemo Fish Names

I am sure you can already recognize some of the fish on this list. If not, don’t worry. We’ll go through all of them, and learn some interesting facts too.

Let’s see how many of them do you know.

What type of fish are Nemo and his father Marlin?

Coral, Marlin and their son Nemo are clownfish.

Clownfish is the most iconic fish of the saltwater aquarium hobby. In fact, it’s also the most recommended saltwater fish for beginners. So, if you are ever interested in starting a saltwater aquarium Nemo could be your first fish. Isn’t that cool?

Did you know that there are 30 different types of Clownfish? Yes, 30.

Nemo and Marlin are False Percula Clownfish.

Fun fact: All clownfish are born males, and in any given time can switch to females if it’s required.

What kind of fish is Dory?

Dory, one of the most beloved characters in Finding Nemo is a Regal Blue Tang, also known as the Blue Hippo Tang, and is from the family of Surgeonfish.

Just keeping swimming, just keep swimming. Everyone loves that quote from the movie. And everyone loves Dory too. So much that Pixar Animation Studios released sequel named “Finding Dory” to tell the story of this beautiful saltwater fish.

Dory is popular saltwater fish among aquarium hobbyists. Unfortunately, most of the regal blue tangs are directly taken from the ocean due to their difficulty breeding in captivity.

Fun fact: Did you know that Dory doesn’t suffer from a short term memory as we’ve seen in the animated movie. Actually, it’s quite smart (for fish) and one of the most fascinating saltwater fish that you can keep.

What type of fish is Gill from “Finding Nemo”?

Gill is a Moorish Idol. It’s one of the most interesting characters in the movie. Gill, the leader of the tank gang, is always looking for ways to escape and get back home in the ocean. Did he succeed? Well, the answer is in the movie ending credits if you haven’t watched it already. 

Moorish Idol is a popular aquarium saltwater fish too, but difficult to take care of. You won’t see it in many home aquariums. 

Fun fact: Some people say that the Moorish Idol got its name from the Moors of Africa. It’s believed that keeping this fish brings happiness. 

Yellowfish (Bubbles) in “Finding Nemo”

The Yellowfish from Finding Nemo, which name is Bubbles, is a Yellow Tang. 

The Yellow Tang is beautiful, with a vibrant yellow body, saltwater aquarium fish that is easy to take care of if you provide it the right conditions. 

These species of fish are commonly found in the aquarium trade, previously as wild-caught and now as captive-bred as well. They are a nice addition to every saltwater aquarium. 

Fun fact: Did you know that the Yellow Tang can be found in waters around Florida, even though they are not native to that area. 

Jacques from “Finding Nemo” 

Another interesting character in the movie is Jacques, who is responsible for hygiene in the tank. Jacques is a Pacific Cleaner shrimp. 

This fellow is quite an interesting animal. In home aquariums, its job is to clean the fish from parasites. That’s why it is a crucial part of every aquarium clean up crew. 

Fun fact: Did you know that in the wild cleaner shrimps have cleaning stations where other fish come for cleaning. 

Bloat in “Finding Nemo”

Bloat in real life is a Porcupine Pufferfish. This fish, also known as the blowfish, can be seen in many saltwater aquariums. However, their aggressiveness makes them unsuitable for beginners. 

The Blowfish got their name from their ability to inflate their bodies by swallowing air. They double in size in the process which helps defend themselves against potential predators. 

Another great defense mechanism is the poison they produce in their internal organs. It’s believed that the tetrodotoxin they produce is 1200 potent than cyanide. 

You can imagine how powerful this neurotoxin it is. That’s probably why these species don’t have many predators. 

Fun fact: Even though it is a popular aquarium fish, the Porcupine Puffer is also eaten as fish food. It’s a very popular and exotic meal in restaurants in the Philippines, where they call it tagotongan.

Gurgle from “Finding Nemo” 

Gurgle is a Royal Gramma. This tiny fish, growing to around 3 inches in length, is a very common fish in the aquarium trade. 

The Royal Gramma is a peaceful aquarium saltwater fish and due to their sizes, they are perfect for smaller tanks. 

Fun fact: They are cleaner fish that eat ectoparasites from other fish. 

Deb/Flo from “Finding Nemo”

Deb and her imaginary sister Flo are Striped Damselfish. These species are also known as the White-Tailed Damselfish, Humbug Dascyllus or Black and White Damselfish and they are native to the Western Pacific. 

They are kept as aquarium fish, though they are not recommended for beginners. Like any other Damsels they are known for their aggressiveness. 

Fun fact: Unlike the other Damselfish, these types keep their stripes the same for life. 

Peach in “Finding Nemo” 

Peach is the aquarium starfish. These fascinating creatures are not seen in most saltwater aquariums, but they definitely should. 

Fun fact: Did you know that starfish don’t have a brain and no blood. Yes, you read it right. 

“Finding Nemo” Sharks Names

Fish are friends, not food is the motto of the friendly vegetarian group of sharks in the animated movie “Finding Nemo”. Well, until they sense blood and go in a crazy mood.

The group consists of three different types of sharks each with different characteristics. Let’s find out what are their real names.

Bruce (Great White Shark)

Bruce, the leader of the gang is a great white shark. These amazing animals can be found in all the major oceans. Undoubtedly, it is the most popular type of shark recognized by almost any human.

They are at the top of the food chain and vicious predator that can kill any animal. When they are young their diet consists of small rays and fish. When they get older, they eat sea lions, seals, and even small whales.

Fun fact: Did you know that the Great White Shark has such a strong sense of smell that can detect other animals over 2 miles away.

Chum (Mako Shark)

Chum is a Mako Shark that is also known as a blue pointer or bonito shark. Unfortunately, these types of sharks are on the endangered list of animals. They are closely related to the Great White Shark.

Fun fact: Did you know that the Mako sharks have unbelievable speed reaching up to 37 miles per hour. And they can jump up to 23 ft into the air.

Anchor (Hammerhead Shark)

Another shark in “Finding Nemo” is Anchor the hammerhead shark. These sharks got their names by the interesting shape of their heads looking like a hammer.

These types of sharks are so aggressive that oftentimes they eat sharks from their kind, including its own young.

Fun fact: Did you know that Hammerhead Sharks usually swim in schools by day, but hunt as individuals at night.

Mr. Ray ( Spotted Eagle Ray)

The schoolteacher in the movie, named Mr. Ray is a Spotted Eagle Ray. These types of rays are usually found globally in all major oceans. 

Unfortunately, they are considered near threatened species on the IUCN Red List. 

Fun fact: Spotted Eagle Rays are oftentimes the main attractions in a lot of public aquariums. 

Crush and Squirt (Green Sea Turtle)

Crush and his son Squirt are sea turtles. They are found in all tropical waters around the world. 

Unfortunately, these amazing animals are listed as an endangered species. 

Fun fact: The Green Sea Turtle got its name from the green fat found beneath its carapace, not the actual color of their carapace. 

Final thoughts

I can almost hear you thinking how cool would be to set up a tank with the cast of “Finding Nemo”.

That’s the dream, right?

Too bad it’s not possible, though.

Most of the fish in the movie are not compatible with each other. But, don’t get discouraged.

The main character is a clownfish, and that’s the most recommended saltwater fish for beginners. And we can both agree that Nemo is quite good looking saltwater fish.

Now, I like to hear from you.

What’s your favorite character from “Finding Nemo”?

Is it Nemo, Gill or Dory perhaps? Or someone else entirely? Let me know in the comments.

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