The quote “Fish are friends, not food” is one of the most memorable and impactful lines from the beloved 2003 Pixar animated film Finding Nemo. Spoken by Bruce the Great White Shark, this phrase promotes an anti-fish-eating message that resonated with audiences around the world. But where did this iconic line come from and why has it stuck with us almost 20 years later?
The Origins of “Fish are Friends, Not Food”
In Finding Nemo “Fish are friends not food” is part of a shark pledge recited by Bruce and his two shark friends Anchor and Chum. The pledge goes
“I am a nice shark, not a mindless eating machine. If I am to change this image, I must first change myself. Fish are friends, not food.”
This scene takes place when Bruce invites clownfish Marlin and regal blue tang Dory to a get-together, which turns out to be a meeting of a shark support group trying to abstain from eating fish. The pledge is their mantra to remind them not to give in to their natural shark instincts.
The pledge first appeared in the Shark Pledge article on the Pixar Wiki Fandom site. According to the Wiki, the sharks’ pledge was created by the writers for Finding Nemo to show Bruce and his friends actively trying to change their fish-eating ways. By reciting this pledge, the sharks are going through the steps to overcome their urge to mindlessly devour fish.
Why “Fish are Friends, Not Food” Stuck with Audiences
There are several reasons why Bruce’s line about fish being friends rather than food is one of Finding Nemo’s most memorable quotes
1. It’s an impactful, amusing soundbite
“Fish are friends, not food” is short, simple, and easy to remember It rhymes and is rhythmic, giving it a certain charm The childlike repetition and play on words make it humorous and fun to say.
2. It promotes an unexpected anti-fish-eating message
Seeing sharks voluntarily pledge not to eat fish completely flips the script on what we expect from sharks. Having dangerous predators adopt an animal-friendly, vegetarian creed creates surprise humor. It’s an original, clever concept.
3. It reflects Pixar’s storytelling values
Pixar films are known for their warmth, imagination, and focus on relationships. The friendship-over-food message aligns with Pixar’s emphasis on emotional connection. It’s a simple encapsulation of the movie’s larger theme – choosing compassion over instinct.
4. It resonates with vegetarian/vegan lifestyles
For people who have chosen not to eat meat or fish, Bruce’s pledge reflects their real-life values. The idea of extending friendship and respect to all living creatures, even natural predators, rings true.
5. It’s widely applicable
Although voiced by a shark, “fish are friends” represents a broad message about seeing beyond stereotypes and building community. The quote promotes resisting our lesser impulses and embracing our higher nature – something universally aspirational.
The Cultural Legacy of “Fish are Friends, Not Food”
The positive impact of Bruce’s iconic pledge has rippled out far beyond Finding Nemo itself:
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Merchandise: The phrase appears on t-shirts, water bottles, pins, and other merchandise popular with Finding Nemo fans, vegetarians, and animal lovers.
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Parodies: The quote has been spoofed in multiple TV shows, films, videos, and memes, highlighting its cultural familiarity.
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Environmentalism: Conservation groups like Sea Shepherd have adopted the “friends not food” slogan to promote protecting sharks and marine wildlife.
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Linguistic influence: Lines like “Books are for reading, not for eating” play off the recognizable “X are for Y, not Z” construction.
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** Name inspiration**: Several vegan restaurants and food truck businesses have been named “Friends Not Food” in homage. Even some pet fish have been named Bruce after the smiley shark.
Bruce and “Fish are Friends, Not Food” in Finding Nemo
Bruce’s pledge is not the only memorable part of his role in Finding Nemo. Here are some other key facts about Bruce and the “fish are friends” quote:
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Bruce was voiced by Australian actor Barry Humphries, best known for playing Dame Edna Everage.
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The scene where Bruce first recites the pledge at the shark support group meeting takes place around the halfway point of the film.
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Bruce invites Marlin and Dory over for a “little get-together” he’s having, tricking them into thinking it’s a party.
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At the meeting, Bruce shares that it’s been 3 weeks since he last ate a fish, describing himself as a “nice shark, not a mindless eating machine.”
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When Bruce sees drops of Dory’s blood, he loses control and goes into a frenzy, chasing Marlin and Dory while trying to convince himself, “Fish are friends, not food!”
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In the end, Bruce, Anchor and Chum make peace with their fish friends, proving they took the “Fish are friends” pledge to heart.
Thanks to its delivery by Barry Humphries’ upbeat Bruce, “Fish are friends, not food” will go down as one of the most unforgettable, feel-good lines from Finding Nemo and Pixar. More than just a humorous quote, it promotes a message of friendship, compassion, and peace that resonates with children and adults alike. Whenever we find ourselves drawn to our lesser natures, Bruce’s wise words remind us there is a better way – a way of fellowship.
