Finding Dory
We asked aquarist Alyster Chapman about the beautiful blue Regal Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus), otherwise known as Dory
Dory’s a great character, she’s funny, loyal and compassionate. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for Regal Tangs in general! They are pretty aggressive fish and can’t be kept in groups with the same species or else they will fight and end up doing major damage to each other. They are part of the Acanthuridae family, which includes other tangs, Surgeonfish and Unicornfish – who Regal Tangs also do not get on well with.
Although you may be tempted to get a Nemo or Dory of your own, it’s important to do research before going out and buying them. Any decent fish supplier will be able to give you detailed instructions and advice.
After Finding Nemo, wild populations of Clownfish plummeted as many people began buying wild-caught fish as pets. As aquarists we feel it's important to remind people that, even though they may have the best intentions, animals shouldn’t be taken from the wild. Conservationists are now worried that people will want to keep Regal Tangs because of Finding Dory, but they are not good for home aquariums and cannot be bred in captivity.
Finding Dory