Pacific Blue Tang

Someone sent me this picture of Dory the Blue Tang (pacific species) that was in the Disney Movie, 'Finding Nemo'. They wanted to know what type of fish Dory was supposed to represent? Answer: Pacific Blue Tang, scientific name is Paracanthurus hepatus.

The Pacific Blue Tang is also know as Palette Surgeonfish or Regal Tang. These fish have a scalpel-like, razor-sharp spines near the base of the tail. One on each side. This is where they get the common name "Surgeonfish" from. The spines can inflict a very painful wound.