Reef Fish - Disney Animals

Many species of reef fish call The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Epcot home. On Level 1, look for clownfish, yellow tang, regal blue tang and cleaner shrimp. You can spot hermit crabs, shrimp and butterflyfish, too. On Level 2, visit the Explorers’ Club to see giant clams and sea stars.

You can also get an up-close look at reef fish while taking part in experiences such as Epcot Seas Adventures – Aqua Tour and Epcot Seas Adventures – DiveQuest.

Reef Fish in the Wild
Reef fish live in coral reef structures that tend to be located in shallow coastal tropical and subtropical waters. Coral reefs are incredibly important ecosystems that are home to almost 25% of all marine life. Coral reefs and reef fish are so intricately interconnected that the disappearance of a single species of fish can throw the entire reef ecosystem out of balance.

At our underwater habitat of over 6 million gallons (23 million liters) of water and exhibits dedicated to exotic reef fish and their coral coves, you never know what may swim by.

Reefs and Caverns
Our aquatic environments are designed with the natural history of reef fish species in mind. The hepatus tang’s circular tank allows for more fluid swimming patterns. Some fish, like the clownfish, have territories around and within the structure. Rock reef structures are present throughout, allowing fish a safe place to live and hide.

Back to School
Our main environment habitat is designed to provide plenty of space for natural behaviors. When a group of fish are swimming in synchronization, they’re “schooling.” When fish are swimming together in a group that doesn’t do this, they’re “shoaling.”

Some Light Enrichment
Disney’s animal care experts use enrichment techniques to stimulate natural behaviors. At The Seas with Nemo & Friends, one way we do this is by placing day and moon lights in aquatic habitats to encourage natural sleeping schedules.

Column Feeding
During feeding, food is broadcasted in the water column to encourage hunting. Our animal care experts also change the location of the feeding so the animals can hunt and continue to explore their environment.

The Walt Disney Company is passionately committed to the protection of reef fish and their coral homes.

Threats to Reef Fish
Habitat loss is the biggest collective threat to reef fish around the world. Reef fish need healthy, thriving coral in order to survive. Reef fish and their reefs are negatively impacted by pollution, destructive fishing practices and climate change, among other threats.

Preserving Coral Reefs
The Disney Conservation Fund supports the efforts of nonprofit organizations to reverse the decline of coral reefs. Additionally, Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team is leading coral conservation research and restoration projects, plus providing educational experiences for Guests at The Seas with Nemo & Friends, Castaway Cay and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.

Replanting Corals
Disney Cast Members are also taking action to create offshore coral nurseries that will grow healthy corals to transplant to damaged reefs in the Bahamas.

Sustainable Seafood
Walt Disney World Resort restaurants select wild and farmed seafood for our menus that are not overfished or produced in ways that may compromise the well-being of our oceans, lakes, rivers and streams.