12 fishy facts for back to school, with Dory & Nemo

A fun underwater lesson for curious kids

Back-to-school season is here, and what better way to ease everyone back into learning than with a splash of ocean-themed fun?

Many children know and love Dory and Nemo, but there is so much more to discover about the real-life fish that inspired these famous characters. From colourful regal blue tangs to clever clownfish, the ocean is packed with amazing facts that are perfect for young marine explorers, parents and teachers.

So, pencils at the ready — it is time for a little bit of fishy schooling. Sorry, we had to.

Meet the Real-Life Dory: The Regal Blue Tang

The fish many people know as Dory is a regal blue tang. This bright, beautiful reef fish is famous for its bold blue colour, yellow tail and eye-catching markings.

But did you know the regal blue tang has more names than a school register?

1. Regal blue tangs have lots of different names

The regal blue tang’s scientific name is Paracanthurus hepatus, but it is also known as the Pacific blue tang, hippo tang, surgeonfish, doctorfish and even the letter six fish.

Imagine having that many names at school. You would never know when the teacher was calling you.

2. They are called surgeonfish for a sharp reason

Regal blue tangs have sharp, scalpel-like spines near their tail. These can be used for protection if a predator gets too close.

That is where the name surgeonfish comes from — although thankfully, they are not handing out homework or performing operations.

3. Baby regal blue tangs are not blue

Baby regal blue tangs look very different from adults. When they are young, they can appear much more yellow, with blue markings developing as they grow.

As they mature, they change into the bright blue and yellow fish many people recognise.

4. Regal blue tangs can change colour

The regal blue tang is not always the exact same shade of blue. Its colour can appear to change depending on light, mood and activity levels.

At night, its colour may look darker or more muted, helping it blend into its reef surroundings.

5. Fish do not really have “bad memories”

Dory is famous for being forgetful, but real fish are much cleverer than many people think.

The idea that fish only remember things for a few seconds is a myth. Fish can learn, recognise patterns and remember things for much longer than people often imagine.

So next time someone says, “memory like a fish”, you can tell them the fish deserve an apology.

6. Regal blue tangs are social swimmers

Regal blue tangs often live around coral reefs and may be seen swimming with other fish. They do not always stay with their own species either.

In the wild, they can mix with other tangs and surgeonfish, creating busy reef communities full of colour and movement.

7. Regal blue tangs may play dead

When faced with danger, regal blue tangs can sometimes lie on their side and stay very still. This behaviour may help them avoid predators.

It is dramatic, clever and probably the most convincing “I am not here” performance in the reef.

Meet the Real-Life Nemo: The Clownfish

The fish many people know as Nemo is a clownfish. These small, colourful reef fish are famous for their close relationship with sea anemones.

And yes, they are just as fascinating in real life.

8. Clownfish live with sea anemones

Clownfish and sea anemones have a very special partnership. The anemone gives the clownfish protection, while the clownfish helps keep the anemone clean and may bring it tiny scraps of food.

It is a brilliant example of two animals helping each other in the wild.

9. Clownfish are protected by mucus

Sea anemones can sting many other animals, but clownfish have a protective layer of mucus on their bodies.

This helps stop the anemone from stinging them. It may sound a bit “eew”, but in the ocean, mucus can be seriously useful.

10. Clownfish do a special dance

When a clownfish finds a new anemone, it carefully brushes against it with different parts of its body.

This slow, careful movement helps the clownfish get used to its new home and build up protection against the anemone’s sting.

A fish doing a tiny safety dance? Absolutely excellent.

11. Clownfish help clean their homes

Clownfish can help remove parasites and debris from their sea anemone homes. In return, the anemone offers protection from predators.

It is a real-life ocean partnership, part friendship, part housework.

12. Clownfish can change sex

All clownfish are born male, but they have the ability to change sex. In a clownfish group, the largest and most dominant fish is usually female.

If the dominant female dies, the leading male can become female. This change is permanent and helps keep the group going.

Why Fish Are Smarter Than You Think

Fish are often underestimated, but they are full of surprising behaviours. They can learn, adapt, work with other animals, recognise danger and communicate in ways we are still learning about.

From the colourful reef world of the regal blue tang to the clever anemone homes of clownfish, these animals prove that life under the sea is anything but boring.

Discover Amazing Marine Life at St Andrews Aquarium

A visit to St Andrews Aquarium is a brilliant way to bring ocean learning to life.

Children can see incredible animals up close, discover fascinating facts and enjoy a fun family day out by the sea. Whether your little one loves colourful tropical fish, sharks, rays, penguins, meerkats or otters, there is plenty to explore.

Plan your visit here: Plan Your Visit

Meet more amazing animals: Our Animals

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