Reef Fish - Disney Animals

Reef fish live in and around coral reefs located in warm, shallow ocean waters. In fact, coral reefs are home to almost 25% of all marine life. These reefs and fish are so intricately connected that the disappearance of a single species of fish can throw the entire ecosystem out of balance.

You’ll find lots of different kinds of reef fish at The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT. On Level 1, look for clownfish (like Nemo!), yellow tang, regal blue tang (relatives of Dory) and cleaner shrimp. You can spot hermit crabs, other types of shrimp and butterflyfish too. On Level 2, visit the Nursery to see giant clams, sea stars and coral reef nurseries.

Our underwater habitat—holding 5.7 million gallons (21.6 million liters) of seawater—features an incredible variety of exotic fish and marine life.

• Reefs and Caverns: Our aquatic environments re-create natural reef habitat with rock structures and crevices that give fish places to hide. Some fish, like the clownfish, claim specific territories within the reef.
• 
  
• Back to School: Our main habitat provides space for natural swimming behaviors. You’ll see some fish species move in a synchronized group. This is called “schooling.” Others swim together in a less-organized pattern, called “shoaling.” The circular aquarium housing the regal blue tang lets this species travel in its natural swimming pattern.
• 
  
• Natural Light Patterns: At The Seas with Nemo & Friends, Disney animal care experts alternate simulated daylight and moonlight to keep fish on natural sleeping schedules.
• 
  
• Column Feeding: During feeding, Disney animal care experts introduce food into the water column in ways that encourage fish to hunt and explore their environment.

Habitat loss is the biggest threat to reef fish, who need healthy, thriving coral to survive. Major threats to the coral habitat are pollution, harmful fishing practices and climate change.

The Walt Disney Company is committed to saving wildlife and protecting the magic of nature together as a global community. Since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund* has supported conservation efforts benefiting reef fish and other marine species around the world.

Walt Disney World Resort restaurants offer sustainable wild and farmed seafood on our menus. The fish is sourced from areas that are not overfished and produced in ways that won’t compromise the well-being of our oceans, lakes, rivers or streams.