If you love wandering through The Living Seas pavilion at EPCOT, there’s a brand-new resident you’ll want to keep an eye out for on your next visit.
For the first time, Walt Disney World has welcomed a Napoleon wrasse to the massive aquarium inside The Living Seas pavilion. Disney shared the exciting news in a new Instagram reel, giving fans a glimpse of the impressive fish as it explores its new home.
While this species may not be as recognizable as sea turtles or sharks, it’s actually one of the most important fish on coral reefs. Napoleon wrasses are native to the warm waters of the Indo-Pacific, where they help keep reefs healthy by eating crown-of-thorns sea stars.
That might not sound like a big deal until you learn that crown-of-thorns sea stars are one of the biggest threats to coral reefs. They feed on living coral, and when their populations grow too large, they can leave entire sections of reef badly damaged. Napoleon wrasses are one of the few animals that regularly eat these sea stars, making them an important part of the reef ecosystem.
Of course, most guests visiting EPCOT will probably be drawn to this fish simply because it’s hard to miss. Napoleon wrasses can grow to be more than six feet long, and their bright colors and distinctive forehead give them a look unlike almost anything else swimming through the aquarium.
The Seas pavilion always offers something new to see. You might spot a manatee napping or watch a sea turtle swim by the viewing windows. Now, with the addition of a Napoleon wrasse, visitors have another reason to slow down and spend more time exploring the exhibits. Plus, who can resist hanging out in a peaceful air-conditioned space during the summer heat?
If you are going to EPCOT soon, visit The Seas to see its newest resident. This interesting fish is likely to become a favorite for Disney fans and people who love marine life.
