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The secret lives of baby fish - Amy McDermott

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TEDEd Animation

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Coral reef fish, like the yellow tang surgeonfish, begin life in a fascinating and weird way – as tiny floating larvae! These babies are capable of drifting thousands of miles on ocean currents, far from the reefs where they were born. Amy McDermott describes how these tiny trekkers travel across vast oceans, searching for the far-flung reefs they will one day call home.

Over 90% of the coral reef fish kept in saltwater aquariums and sold at pet stores in the US and Europe are collected from the wild. Why might these fish be wild-caught rather than farmed in captivity?

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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Amy McDermott
  • Producer Stephen Whittle
  • Animator Lucy Lee
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Narrator Michelle Snow

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