In this blog post, you will learn more than 45 fish names in English with clear pictures and short meanings. Knowing different fish names helps you improve your vocabulary for speaking, reading, and daily conversations. The list includes both food fish and pet fish, explained in easy words for better understanding.
This guide gives you 45+ common fish names in English with short and simple descriptions. The list is written in easy wording so that learners can read fast and understand quickly.
List of 45+ Fish Names in English
Below is a table of fish names with a short description for each.
| Fish Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Salmon | A popular pink-coloured fish found in rivers and seas. Known for its soft meat and used in grilled and smoked dishes. |
| Tuna | Large sea fish with firm flesh. Widely eaten fresh or canned. Famous in sandwiches, pasta, and sushi recipes. |
| Trout | A freshwater fish similar to salmon. It has a mild taste and is often found in rivers and streams. |
| Cod | White, mild-flavoured fish. Commonly used in fish and chips. Found in cold seas. |
| Haddock | Related to cod, with white meat. Very popular in fried dishes. Has a slightly sweet taste. |
| Mackerel | Small oily fish with shiny skin. Rich in healthy oils. Often grilled, smoked, or canned. |
| Anchovy | Very small, salty fish. Mostly used in pizza, sauces, and dressings. Strong taste. |
| Sardine | Small oily fish packed in tins. Good source of nutrients. Usually eaten whole, grilled, or canned. |
| Herring | Silver-coloured fish from the sea. Commonly smoked or pickled. Eaten in northern countries. |
| Carp | Freshwater fish, often farmed. Has firm flesh. Common in Asian and European cooking. |
| Catfish | Named for its whisker-like feelers. Freshwater fish with mild flavour, often fried or grilled. |
| Bass | Found in fresh and salt water. Known for mild taste. Popular in fishing sports. |
| Sea Bass | A saltwater version of bass. Soft, flaky meat. Very popular in European cooking. |
| Tilapia | Freshwater farmed fish. Mild taste. Often grilled, fried, or used in soups. |
| Swordfish | Large sea fish with a long sword-like nose. Firm flesh. Cooked as steaks. |
| Shark | Big sea predator. Some types are eaten in soups or steaks. Has strong meat. |
| Eel | Long, snake-like fish. Popular in Asian and European dishes. Often grilled or smoked. |
| Goldfish | A small, colourful pet fish. Mostly kept in aquariums, not for eating. |
| Koi | Brightly coloured ornamental carp. Symbol of luck in many cultures. Kept in ponds. |
| Guppy | Tiny freshwater aquarium fish. Known for colourful tails. Very popular as a pet. |
| Betta Fish | Also called Siamese fighting fish. Bright colours and flowing fins. Kept in aquariums. |
| Clownfish | Small orange-white striped fish. Became famous from the movie Finding Nemo. Lives among sea anemones. |
| Snapper | Saltwater fish with firm flesh. Often grilled or baked. Popular in tropical regions. |
| Halibut | Large flat fish. White meat with mild taste. Often roasted or fried. |
| Flounder | Flat fish living on the sea floor. White, soft flesh. Used in many recipes. |
| Plaice | Another type of flat fish. Recognisable by orange spots on skin. Eaten fried or baked. |
| Grouper | Big sea fish with thick body. Firm flesh, tasty when grilled. |
| Perch | Freshwater fish with white meat. Mild taste. Found in lakes and rivers. |
| Pike | Long freshwater fish with sharp teeth. Popular in fishing sports. Meat is firm but bony. |
| Bluefish | Strong-tasting sea fish. Blue-green colour on skin. Popular for grilling. |
| Bonito | Small tuna-like fish. Used dried or fresh in soups and sushi. |
| Marlin | Large sea fish with a spear-like nose. Famous in sports fishing. Meat is firm. |
| Sole | Flat white fish with delicate flavour. Very soft and mild. Often pan-fried. |
| Monkfish | Ugly looking fish but tasty meat. Called “poor man’s lobster.” Used in soups and curries. |
| Pollock | White fish, often used in frozen fish sticks. Mild taste. Related to cod. |
| Sprat | Small silver fish, often eaten smoked or canned. Similar to sardines. |
| Roach | Small freshwater fish. Not common as food, but found in rivers and lakes. |
| Zander | Freshwater predator fish, also called pike-perch. Popular in cooking in many countries. |
| Bream | Freshwater fish with flat body. Mild taste. Popular in local fishing. |
| John Dory | Sea fish with flat body and large eyes. Famous for tasty flesh. |
| Amberjack | Sea fish with strong body. Popular for grilling. Has firm and tasty meat. |
| Barracuda | Large sea predator with sharp teeth. Fast swimmer. Eaten grilled or smoked. |
| Swordtail | Small colourful aquarium fish. Named for the long sword-like tail. |
| Neon Tetra | Tiny aquarium fish with bright blue-red body. Popular in home tanks. |
| Oscar Fish | Big aquarium fish with bright orange spots. Intelligent pet fish. |
| Molly Fish | Small freshwater pet fish. Easy to keep in aquariums. Various colours. |
| Discus Fish | Round and colourful aquarium fish. Needs clean water. Very popular among fish lovers. |
Learning fish names in English makes speaking, writing, and travelling easier. This list of 45+ names gives you short and clear information. It helps you in school study, cooking, and daily life conversations.
FAQs About Fish Names in English
What are the most common fish names in English?
The most common fish names are salmon, tuna, cod, trout, carp, goldfish, and mackerel. These are widely used for food and pets.
How many types of fish are there in English?
There are thousands of fish types, but in English, people mostly use 45–50 common names for food, aquariums, and study purposes.
Which fish are eaten most often?
Popular edible fish include salmon, cod, tuna, haddock, and mackerel. These are widely cooked in grilled, fried, and baked dishes.
What is the difference between food fish and pet fish?
Food fish are species like salmon, cod, and tuna, eaten by people. Pet fish like goldfish, guppy, and betta are kept in aquariums.
Why is it important to learn fish names in English?
Learning fish names helps in daily life, travel, shopping, and cooking. It also improves vocabulary for students and English learners.
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