Fish Names in English: 100+ Fish and Fun Facts

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Fish Names in English

Fish are fascinating creatures found in oceans, rivers, lakes, and even small ponds. With over 33,000 known species, they come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Learning fish names in English can be exciting, as it helps in science class, drawing projects, and general knowledge. From tiny guppies to mighty sharks, each fish has a unique name and story, making the world of aquatic life truly captivating.

List of  50+ Fish Names in English

Fish are wonderful creatures that live in water and are found in oceans, rivers, lakes, and even small ponds. They come in different sizes and colours, and each one has a unique name. Below is a list of 80 fish names in English that school children can learn easily. These names will help you in science class, drawing projects, and general knowledge, too.

No.Fish NameTypeFun Fact
1GoldfishFreshwaterGoldfish have no stomach and eat small amounts often.
2GuppyFreshwaterGuppies give birth to live babies.
3Betta FishFreshwaterMale bettas build bubble nests to protect eggs.
4AngelfishFreshwaterKnown for their graceful swimming style.
5ClownfishSaltwaterLive safely among sea anemones.
6SwordfishSaltwaterHave a long bill like a sword.
7CatfishFreshwaterHave whisker-like barbels near their mouth.
8SalmonBothSwim upstream to lay eggs.
9TunaSaltwaterCan swim at speeds up to 70 km/h.
10MackerelSaltwaterTravel in large groups called schools.
11SardineSaltwaterOften swim in huge groups for protection.
12Rainbow TroutFreshwaterNamed for their colourful, rainbow-like skin.
13Blue TangSaltwaterMade famous by the character “Dory” in Finding Nemo.
14CarpFreshwaterCan live in muddy waters and eat almost anything.
15Koi FishFreshwaterSymbol of luck and good fortune in Japan.
16AnchovySaltwaterVery small fish, often eaten by larger sea animals.
17EelBothLook like snakes but are fish.
18SharkSaltwaterHave rows of sharp teeth and never stop growing them.
19StingraySaltwaterHave flat bodies and whip-like tails.
20PiranhaFreshwaterKnown for their sharp teeth and group hunting.
21ParrotfishSaltwaterHave teeth that look like a beak.
22GobyBothSome can walk on land for short distances.
23MollieFreshwaterEasy to care for and popular in aquariums.
24PlatyFreshwaterVery peaceful and colourful.
25Sea BassSaltwaterTasty and often caught for food.
26HaddockSaltwaterA type of white fish found in cold oceans.
27CodSaltwaterFamous for being used in fish and chips.
28HalibutSaltwaterA very large flatfish that lies on the ocean floor.
29SnapperSaltwaterKnown for their sharp teeth.
30GrouperSaltwaterCan grow very large and live in rocky reefs.
31FlounderSaltwaterBoth eyes are on one side of their flat body.
32LionfishSaltwaterHave long, spiky fins and are poisonous.
33Oscar FishFreshwaterCan recognize their owners.
34TetraFreshwaterSmall and shiny fish, often seen in groups.
35Zebra DanioFreshwaterNamed for their zebra-like stripes.
36GlassfishFreshwaterAlmost see-through body makes them look like glass.
37Flying FishSaltwaterCan leap and glide above the water surface.
38MudskipperFreshwaterCan walk and even climb out of water!
39Electric EelFreshwaterCan produce electricity to defend itself.
40ArcherfishFreshwaterShoot water jets to knock insects into the water.
41ButterflyfishSaltwaterHave bright patterns like a butterfly.
42DamselfishSaltwaterTiny and very protective of their home.
43BlennySaltwaterOften hide in rocks and crevices.
44RockfishSaltwaterKnown for their spiny fins and rocky habitat.
45ScorpionfishSaltwaterOne of the most venomous fish in the world.
46SurgeonfishSaltwaterNamed for sharp spines on their tails.
47PufferfishSaltwaterInflate like balloons when threatened.
48BalloonfishSaltwaterClose cousin of the pufferfish with spines.
49Moray EelSaltwaterCan hide in rocks and have a second set of jaws.
50Goblin SharkSaltwaterA deep-sea shark with a long snout.
51AnglerfishSaltwaterUse a glowing lure to catch prey in the dark deep sea.
52BoxfishSaltwaterHave a hard, box-like body for protection.
53DragonetSaltwaterSmall, colourful bottom-dwellers.
54PipefishSaltwaterLong, thin fish related to seahorses.
55WahooSaltwaterOne of the fastest fish in the ocean.
56TarponSaltwaterCan jump high out of the water when hooked.
57BonitoSaltwaterA fast-swimming member of the tuna family.
58RoosterfishSaltwaterNamed for its long, comb-like dorsal fins.
59Suckerfish (Remora)SaltwaterSticks to sharks and turtles using a suction pad.
60BarracudaSaltwaterFast and fierce with sharp teeth.
61Goliath GrouperSaltwaterCan grow up to 800 pounds!
62Sunfish (Mola Mola)SaltwaterOne of the heaviest bony fish in the sea.
63KillifishFreshwaterCan survive in very low-oxygen water.
64WhitefishFreshwaterA type of fish often found in cold lakes.
65SculpinSaltwaterHave large heads and live near the ocean floor.
66Shovelnose CatfishFreshwaterNamed for their flat, shovel-shaped snout.
67Lemon SharkSaltwaterNamed for their yellowish skin colour.
68DogfishSaltwaterA small shark that’s safe around people.
69Blacktip Reef SharkSaltwaterEasy to spot by the black tips on their fins.
70Zebra SharkSaltwaterYoung ones have zebra-like stripes.
71LanternfishSaltwaterGlow in the dark deep sea using bioluminescence.
72ClingfishSaltwaterCan stick to rocks and glass with their belly sucker.
73FlatheadSaltwaterCamouflage with sandy ocean floors.
74Silver Dollar FishFreshwaterRound, shiny fish that look like coins.
75IcefishSaltwaterCan survive in freezing Antarctic waters.
76FirefishSaltwaterBright red fins that look like flames.
77Peacock BassFreshwaterHave colourful spots like a peacock’s feathers.
78Marble HatchetfishFreshwaterLook like a floating leaf and have a unique shape.
79Glass CatfishFreshwaterYou can see their bones through their clear skin.
80SeahorseSaltwaterMale seahorses carry and give birth to babies.

Also Read: Strangest Animals in the World

Fish Names in English

List of Rare Fish Names in English

Did you know that some fish are so special and strange that people hardly ever see them? These fish are called rare fish because they live deep in the ocean, in faraway rivers, or are found in only one part of the world. Let’s explore the names of some of these amazing rare fish and learn what makes them so unique and interesting.

No.Rare Fish NameFun Note
1AxolotlA rare Mexican fish that stays a baby forever!
2CoelacanthThought to be extinct, but found alive deep in the ocean!
3Psychedelic FrogfishLooks like a colourful sponge and walks instead of swims.
4HandfishUses its fins like hands to “walk” on the sea floor.
5Leafy Sea DragonLooks like a piece of seaweed but is a fish!
6Barreleye FishHas a see-through head and can move its eyes inside its skull.
7BlobfishLooks like a blob of jelly and lives very deep in the ocean.
8ArapaimaOne of the largest freshwater fish in the world, found in the Amazon.
9Candiru FishA tiny fish from the Amazon River, known for its odd habits.
10OarfishLongest bony fish in the world, rarely seen because it lives deep in the sea.
11Slender SunfishFlat like a pancake and super rare to spot.
12Opah (Moonfish)The only fish known to be warm-blooded!
13PaddlefishHas a long, flat snout like a paddle.
14Goblin SharkA scary-looking deep-sea fish with a long snout and extendable jaw.
15Glass CatfishSee-through fish where you can see the bones inside!
16Elephantnose FishUses electricity to find food in muddy waters.
17Goonch CatfishA giant catfish from India’s rivers.
18BichirHas lungs and can breathe air!
19Atlantic WolffishHas big teeth and eats sea urchins and crabs.
20Red HandfishA very rare fish that walks more than it swims.

Also Read: What is Food Chain: Definition, Types & Examples

Types of Fish Names in English

Fish come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. Some live in the ocean, some in rivers, and some even in aquariums at home. Each type of fish has its own name and special features. In this section, you will learn about many types of fish, such as aquarium fish, sea fish, ocean fish, Indian fish, baby fish, and even flying fish. Knowing their names in English can help you become smarter and have fun while learning. Let’s learn about the wonderful world of fish names.

Aquarium Fish Name in English

 Aquarium fish are small, colorful fish that people keep in glass tanks at home or in classrooms. Let’s learn their names.

No.Aquarium Fish Name
1Goldfish
2Guppy
3Betta Fish
4Neon Tetra
5Molly
6Zebra Danio
7Angelfish
8Swordtail
9Platy
10Gourami

Ocean Fish Name in English

Ocean fish live in the big salty oceans. Some are huge, and some are brightly colored. Here are some ocean fish names you should know.

No.Ocean Fish Name
1Tuna
2Mackerel
3Clownfish
4Marlin
5Swordfish
6Sailfish
7Blue Tang
8Anglerfish
9Snapper
10Flying Fish

Sea Fish Name in English

Sea fish live in seas, which are smaller than oceans. Many tasty fish come from the sea too. Let’s see their names.

No.Sea Fish Name
1Pomfret
2Sardine
3Kingfish
4Grouper
5Anchovy
6Barracuda
7Trevally
8Herring
9Sea Bass
10Bonito

Baby Fish Name in English

Baby fish are tiny and cute. They have special names depending on their age or type. Here are some names for baby fish.

No.Baby Fish Name
1Fry
2Fingerling
3Hatchling
4Minnow
5Little Guppy

Head Fish Name in English

Some fish are known for their big, funny, or strange-looking heads. Let’s look at their names.

No.Head Fish Name
1Flowerhorn
2Humphead Wrasse
3Napoleon Fish
4Mola Mola (Sunfish)
5Blobfish

Indian Fish Name in English

These are fish that are found in Indian rivers, lakes, and seas. Some are also used in Indian cooking. Let’s learn their names.

No.Indian Fish Name
1Rohu
2Katla
3Hilsa
4Mrigal
5Tilapia
6Singhi
7Magur
8Pabda
9Basa
10Surmai (Kingfish)

Fighting Fish Name in English

These fish are strong and active. Some of them are called “fighting fish” because they like to protect their space.

No.Fighting Fish Name
1Betta Fish
2Flowerhorn
3Oscar Fish
4Jack Dempsey Fish
5Convict Cichlid

Flying Fish Name in English

Flying fish are special fish that can leap out of the water and glide through the air for a short time. Isn’t that amazing?

No.Flying Fish Name
1Atlantic Flying Fish
2Pacific Flying Fish
3Cheilopogon
4Cypselurus
5Parexocoetus

Also Read: Omnivorous Animal Names in English and Fun Facts

Fun Facts About Fish Names in English

Fish are amazing creatures, and their names are just as fun. Here are some cool and surprising facts about fish and their English names that will make you smile:

1. Clownfish Got Its Name from a Clown: Clownfish are called this because of their bright colors and funny swimming style, just like a clown in a circus.

2. Flying Fish Can Really Glide: Flying fish can jump out of the water and glide in the air for up to 200 meters. That’s like flying through the sky for a few seconds.

3. Pufferfish Puffs Up Like a Balloon: When scared, a pufferfish can puff up its body to scare away enemies. That’s why it’s called “puffer” fish.

4. Goldfish Have No Stomach: Goldfish don’t have stomachs like humans. That’s why they eat small meals all day long.

5. The Biggest Fish is a Shark: The whale shark is the largest fish in the world. It can grow as big as a school bus.

6. Betta Fish Are Little Warriors: Betta fish are also known as “fighting fish” because they are brave and love to show off their fins.

7. Angel Fish Look Like Angels: They are called angel fish because their long, flowing fins look like angel wings.

8. Fish Can Sleep With Their Eyes Open: Fish don’t have eyelids, so they sleep with their eyes wide open.

9. Some Fish Can Change Colors: Fish like the mandarinfish or chameleon fish can change their colors to hide or attract friends.

10. Some Fish Glow in the Dark: In deep oceans, fish like the lanternfish can glow to find food or stay safe in the dark water.

Check out: Pet Animals Name in English

Learn More About Fish

Fish are some of the most interesting animals in the water world. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Some are tiny like a fingernail, while others are bigger than a car! Fish live in oceans, rivers, lakes, and even in small home aquariums.

Here are some cool things you can learn more about fish:

1. Where Do Fish Live?
Fish can live in fresh water (like rivers and lakes) or salt water (like seas and oceans). Some even live deep, deep down where it’s always dark.

2. How Do Fish Breathe?
Fish don’t have lungs like people. They breathe through gills, which take oxygen from the water.

3. What Do Fish Eat?
Some fish eat plants, some eat small insects, and big ones may eat other fish! Goldfish love fish flakes, while sharks hunt for bigger food.

4. Do All Fish Lay Eggs?
Most fish lay eggs in water, but some give birth to baby fish directly. Isn’t that amazing?

5. How Do Fish Talk?
Fish don’t talk like us, but they use movements, colors, or tiny sounds to talk to other fish.

6. Are Fish Important?
Yes! Fish help keep water clean, and many people eat fish as a healthy food. Fishermen also earn money by catching fish.

FAQs

What are the different types of fish names in English?

Fish names can be grouped into categories like freshwater fish (e.g., Carp, Catfish), saltwater fish (e.g., Tuna, Mackerel), aquarium fish (e.g., Goldfish, Betta), and edible fish (e.g., Salmon, Cod).

What is the difference between a common name and a scientific name?

A common name is the everyday name we use, like ‘Goldfish’. A scientific name is the special Latin name scientists use, like Carassius auratus.

Are all fish names the same in every country?

No, fish might have different common names in different places. For example, the fish known as ‘Hilsa’ in India is called ‘Ilish’ in Bangladesh.

What is the plural of ‘fish’?

The word ‘fish’ can be both singular and plural. But if you’re talking about different kinds of fish, you can say ‘fishes’.

Why do some fish have funny names like ‘Clownfish’ or ‘Butterflyfish’?

These names often come from how the fish look or behave. A Clownfish has bright colors like a clown, and a Butterflyfish has patterns like a butterfly.

Can fish names be confusing?

Yes! Sometimes, different fish have similar names, or the same fish has different names in different places. That is why scientific names are helpful.

What are some popular fish names in English?

Some well-known fish names include Salmon, Tuna, Goldfish, Betta, and Catfish.

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