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.
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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 Name | Type | Fun Fact |
1 | Goldfish | Freshwater | Goldfish have no stomach and eat small amounts often. |
2 | Guppy | Freshwater | Guppies give birth to live babies. |
3 | Betta Fish | Freshwater | Male bettas build bubble nests to protect eggs. |
4 | Angelfish | Freshwater | Known for their graceful swimming style. |
5 | Clownfish | Saltwater | Live safely among sea anemones. |
6 | Swordfish | Saltwater | Have a long bill like a sword. |
7 | Catfish | Freshwater | Have whisker-like barbels near their mouth. |
8 | Salmon | Both | Swim upstream to lay eggs. |
9 | Tuna | Saltwater | Can swim at speeds up to 70 km/h. |
10 | Mackerel | Saltwater | Travel in large groups called schools. |
11 | Sardine | Saltwater | Often swim in huge groups for protection. |
12 | Rainbow Trout | Freshwater | Named for their colourful, rainbow-like skin. |
13 | Blue Tang | Saltwater | Made famous by the character “Dory” in Finding Nemo. |
14 | Carp | Freshwater | Can live in muddy waters and eat almost anything. |
15 | Koi Fish | Freshwater | Symbol of luck and good fortune in Japan. |
16 | Anchovy | Saltwater | Very small fish, often eaten by larger sea animals. |
17 | Eel | Both | Look like snakes but are fish. |
18 | Shark | Saltwater | Have rows of sharp teeth and never stop growing them. |
19 | Stingray | Saltwater | Have flat bodies and whip-like tails. |
20 | Piranha | Freshwater | Known for their sharp teeth and group hunting. |
21 | Parrotfish | Saltwater | Have teeth that look like a beak. |
22 | Goby | Both | Some can walk on land for short distances. |
23 | Mollie | Freshwater | Easy to care for and popular in aquariums. |
24 | Platy | Freshwater | Very peaceful and colourful. |
25 | Sea Bass | Saltwater | Tasty and often caught for food. |
26 | Haddock | Saltwater | A type of white fish found in cold oceans. |
27 | Cod | Saltwater | Famous for being used in fish and chips. |
28 | Halibut | Saltwater | A very large flatfish that lies on the ocean floor. |
29 | Snapper | Saltwater | Known for their sharp teeth. |
30 | Grouper | Saltwater | Can grow very large and live in rocky reefs. |
31 | Flounder | Saltwater | Both eyes are on one side of their flat body. |
32 | Lionfish | Saltwater | Have long, spiky fins and are poisonous. |
33 | Oscar Fish | Freshwater | Can recognize their owners. |
34 | Tetra | Freshwater | Small and shiny fish, often seen in groups. |
35 | Zebra Danio | Freshwater | Named for their zebra-like stripes. |
36 | Glassfish | Freshwater | Almost see-through body makes them look like glass. |
37 | Flying Fish | Saltwater | Can leap and glide above the water surface. |
38 | Mudskipper | Freshwater | Can walk and even climb out of water! |
39 | Electric Eel | Freshwater | Can produce electricity to defend itself. |
40 | Archerfish | Freshwater | Shoot water jets to knock insects into the water. |
41 | Butterflyfish | Saltwater | Have bright patterns like a butterfly. |
42 | Damselfish | Saltwater | Tiny and very protective of their home. |
43 | Blenny | Saltwater | Often hide in rocks and crevices. |
44 | Rockfish | Saltwater | Known for their spiny fins and rocky habitat. |
45 | Scorpionfish | Saltwater | One of the most venomous fish in the world. |
46 | Surgeonfish | Saltwater | Named for sharp spines on their tails. |
47 | Pufferfish | Saltwater | Inflate like balloons when threatened. |
48 | Balloonfish | Saltwater | Close cousin of the pufferfish with spines. |
49 | Moray Eel | Saltwater | Can hide in rocks and have a second set of jaws. |
50 | Goblin Shark | Saltwater | A deep-sea shark with a long snout. |
51 | Anglerfish | Saltwater | Use a glowing lure to catch prey in the dark deep sea. |
52 | Boxfish | Saltwater | Have a hard, box-like body for protection. |
53 | Dragonet | Saltwater | Small, colourful bottom-dwellers. |
54 | Pipefish | Saltwater | Long, thin fish related to seahorses. |
55 | Wahoo | Saltwater | One of the fastest fish in the ocean. |
56 | Tarpon | Saltwater | Can jump high out of the water when hooked. |
57 | Bonito | Saltwater | A fast-swimming member of the tuna family. |
58 | Roosterfish | Saltwater | Named for its long, comb-like dorsal fins. |
59 | Suckerfish (Remora) | Saltwater | Sticks to sharks and turtles using a suction pad. |
60 | Barracuda | Saltwater | Fast and fierce with sharp teeth. |
61 | Goliath Grouper | Saltwater | Can grow up to 800 pounds! |
62 | Sunfish (Mola Mola) | Saltwater | One of the heaviest bony fish in the sea. |
63 | Killifish | Freshwater | Can survive in very low-oxygen water. |
64 | Whitefish | Freshwater | A type of fish often found in cold lakes. |
65 | Sculpin | Saltwater | Have large heads and live near the ocean floor. |
66 | Shovelnose Catfish | Freshwater | Named for their flat, shovel-shaped snout. |
67 | Lemon Shark | Saltwater | Named for their yellowish skin colour. |
68 | Dogfish | Saltwater | A small shark that’s safe around people. |
69 | Blacktip Reef Shark | Saltwater | Easy to spot by the black tips on their fins. |
70 | Zebra Shark | Saltwater | Young ones have zebra-like stripes. |
71 | Lanternfish | Saltwater | Glow in the dark deep sea using bioluminescence. |
72 | Clingfish | Saltwater | Can stick to rocks and glass with their belly sucker. |
73 | Flathead | Saltwater | Camouflage with sandy ocean floors. |
74 | Silver Dollar Fish | Freshwater | Round, shiny fish that look like coins. |
75 | Icefish | Saltwater | Can survive in freezing Antarctic waters. |
76 | Firefish | Saltwater | Bright red fins that look like flames. |
77 | Peacock Bass | Freshwater | Have colourful spots like a peacock’s feathers. |
78 | Marble Hatchetfish | Freshwater | Look like a floating leaf and have a unique shape. |
79 | Glass Catfish | Freshwater | You can see their bones through their clear skin. |
80 | Seahorse | Saltwater | Male seahorses carry and give birth to babies. |
Also Read: Strangest Animals in the World
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 Name | Fun Note |
1 | Axolotl | A rare Mexican fish that stays a baby forever! |
2 | Coelacanth | Thought to be extinct, but found alive deep in the ocean! |
3 | Psychedelic Frogfish | Looks like a colourful sponge and walks instead of swims. |
4 | Handfish | Uses its fins like hands to “walk” on the sea floor. |
5 | Leafy Sea Dragon | Looks like a piece of seaweed but is a fish! |
6 | Barreleye Fish | Has a see-through head and can move its eyes inside its skull. |
7 | Blobfish | Looks like a blob of jelly and lives very deep in the ocean. |
8 | Arapaima | One of the largest freshwater fish in the world, found in the Amazon. |
9 | Candiru Fish | A tiny fish from the Amazon River, known for its odd habits. |
10 | Oarfish | Longest bony fish in the world, rarely seen because it lives deep in the sea. |
11 | Slender Sunfish | Flat like a pancake and super rare to spot. |
12 | Opah (Moonfish) | The only fish known to be warm-blooded! |
13 | Paddlefish | Has a long, flat snout like a paddle. |
14 | Goblin Shark | A scary-looking deep-sea fish with a long snout and extendable jaw. |
15 | Glass Catfish | See-through fish where you can see the bones inside! |
16 | Elephantnose Fish | Uses electricity to find food in muddy waters. |
17 | Goonch Catfish | A giant catfish from India’s rivers. |
18 | Bichir | Has lungs and can breathe air! |
19 | Atlantic Wolffish | Has big teeth and eats sea urchins and crabs. |
20 | Red Handfish | A 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 |
1 | Goldfish |
2 | Guppy |
3 | Betta Fish |
4 | Neon Tetra |
5 | Molly |
6 | Zebra Danio |
7 | Angelfish |
8 | Swordtail |
9 | Platy |
10 | Gourami |
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 |
1 | Tuna |
2 | Mackerel |
3 | Clownfish |
4 | Marlin |
5 | Swordfish |
6 | Sailfish |
7 | Blue Tang |
8 | Anglerfish |
9 | Snapper |
10 | Flying 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 |
1 | Pomfret |
2 | Sardine |
3 | Kingfish |
4 | Grouper |
5 | Anchovy |
6 | Barracuda |
7 | Trevally |
8 | Herring |
9 | Sea Bass |
10 | Bonito |
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 |
1 | Fry |
2 | Fingerling |
3 | Hatchling |
4 | Minnow |
5 | Little 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 |
1 | Flowerhorn |
2 | Humphead Wrasse |
3 | Napoleon Fish |
4 | Mola Mola (Sunfish) |
5 | Blobfish |
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 |
1 | Rohu |
2 | Katla |
3 | Hilsa |
4 | Mrigal |
5 | Tilapia |
6 | Singhi |
7 | Magur |
8 | Pabda |
9 | Basa |
10 | Surmai (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 |
1 | Betta Fish |
2 | Flowerhorn |
3 | Oscar Fish |
4 | Jack Dempsey Fish |
5 | Convict 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 |
1 | Atlantic Flying Fish |
2 | Pacific Flying Fish |
3 | Cheilopogon |
4 | Cypselurus |
5 | Parexocoetus |
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
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).
A common name is the everyday name we use, like ‘Goldfish’. A scientific name is the special Latin name scientists use, like Carassius auratus.
No, fish might have different common names in different places. For example, the fish known as ‘Hilsa’ in India is called ‘Ilish’ in Bangladesh.
The word ‘fish’ can be both singular and plural. But if you’re talking about different kinds of fish, you can say ‘fishes’.
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.
Yes! Sometimes, different fish have similar names, or the same fish has different names in different places. That is why scientific names are helpful.
Some well-known fish names include Salmon, Tuna, Goldfish, Betta, and Catfish.
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