150+ Types of Fish Names in English

AN-choh-vee | /ˈæn.tʃoʊ.vi/

Meaning: A small, oily fish often cured in salt and used as a topping or seasoning.

Nutrition: High in omega-3 fatty acids and calcium.

Uses: Pizza topping, Caesar dressing, pasta sauces.

Fun Fact: Anchovies dissolve almost entirely when cooked into a sauce, leaving only a rich, salty flavor behind.

ANG-ler-fish | /ˈæŋ.ɡlər.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A deep-sea fish with a fleshy bulb on its head that glows to attract prey.

Nutrition: Apex predator of the deep sea.

Uses: Study of deep-sea biology.

Fun Fact: The male anglerfish is tiny and permanently fuses to the female, sharing her bloodstream.

air-oh-WAH-nuh | /ˌer.oʊˈwɑː.nə/

Meaning: A large, bony freshwater fish with a primitive, scaled appearance.

Nutrition: Prized specimen in the exotic pet trade.

Uses: High-end aquariums, cultural symbol of wealth.

Fun Fact: The arowana is often called the 'dragon fish' and can jump out of the water to catch insects.

AL-bah-kor | /ˈæl.bə.kɔːr/

Meaning: A smaller species of tuna with exceptionally long pectoral fins, known for its white meat.

Nutrition: High in protein and omega-3s.

Uses: Canned white tuna, sushi.

Fun Fact: Albacore tuna are sometimes called 'chicken of the sea' because their meat turns white when cooked.

AM-ber-jak | /ˈæm.bər.dʒæk/

Meaning: A strong, fast-swimming game fish with a dark stripe running through its eye.

Nutrition: Good source of lean protein.

Uses: Sport fishing, smoking.

Fun Fact: Greater amberjacks are known to rub against divers to scratch themselves, removing parasites.

AYN-jul-fish | /ˈeɪn.dʒəl.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A tall, flat-bodied freshwater fish with long, flowing fins, popular in aquariums.

Nutrition: Popular community aquarium fish.

Uses: Household aquariums.

Fun Fact: Freshwater angelfish are cichlids, and they form strict pair bonds that can last for life.

air-uh-PEYE-muh | /ˌer.əˈpaɪ.mə/

Meaning: A massive, air-breathing Amazonian fish with armored scales.

Nutrition: Staple food for Amazonian locals.

Uses: Food, sport fishing.

Fun Fact: The arapaima's scales are so tough that piranhas cannot bite through them.

bar-uh-KOO-duh | /ˌber.əˈkuː.də/

Meaning: A large, predatory saltwater fish known for its sharp teeth and elongated body.

Nutrition: Apex reef predator.

Uses: Sport fishing.

Fun Fact: Barracudas are attracted to shiny objects, which they mistake for the scales of their prey.

bas | /bæs/

Meaning: A popular freshwater game fish, highly sought after by anglers.

Nutrition: Excellent source of lean protein.

Uses: Sport fishing, food.

Fun Fact: The largemouth bass is the most popular freshwater game fish in the United States.

BET-uh | /ˈbɛt.ə/

Meaning: A small, colorful freshwater fish known for its flowing fins and aggressive nature.

Nutrition: Popular beginner pet fish.

Uses: Household aquariums.

Fun Fact: Male bettas will fight to the death if placed in the same tank, hence the name 'fighting fish'.

BLOO-fin TOO-nuh | /ˈbluː.fɪn ˈtuː.nə/

Meaning: A massive, highly migratory tuna prized for sushi.

Nutrition: Extremely high in omega-3s.

Uses: High-end sushi, sashimi.

Fun Fact: A single bluefin tuna once sold for over $3 million at a Tokyo fish market.

bar-uh-MUN-dee | /ˌbær.əˈmʌn.di/

Meaning: A large, silver fish that lives in rivers and estuaries, popular in aquaculture.

Nutrition: High in omega-3s and low in mercury.

Uses: Aquaculture, restaurant menus.

Fun Fact: Barramundi are sequential hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as male and change to female as they age.

BIH-cheer | /ˈbɪtʃ.ɪər/

Meaning: A long, prehistoric-looking fish with a row of dorsal finlets and lungs.

Nutrition: Popular 'living fossil' aquarium pet.

Uses: Aquariums.

Fun Fact: Bichirs can breathe air and will drown if they cannot reach the surface of the water.

BLEN-ee | /ˈblɛn.i/

Meaning: A small, slimy fish that lives in crevices and shallow tide pools.

Nutrition: Control algae in reef environments.

Uses: Reef aquariums.

Fun Fact: Some blenny species can walk on land, skipping from tide pool to tide pool.

BLOO-gil | /ˈbluː.ɡɪl/

Meaning: A small, brightly colored sunfish common in North American lakes.

Nutrition: Common panfish for beginners.

Uses: Food, recreational fishing.

Fun Fact: Bluegills build circular nests in the sand and aggressively defend their eggs from predators.

boh-NEE-toh | /boʊˈniː.toʊ/

Meaning: A medium-sized, striped tuna relative often used as bait or dried flakes.

Nutrition: High in protein.

Uses: Dried bonito flakes (katsuobushi), bait.

Fun Fact: Dried bonito flakes are the base for dashi, the fundamental broth of Japanese cuisine.

BOKS-fish | /ˈbɒks.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A slow-moving reef fish enclosed in a rigid, box-shaped bony shell.

Nutrition: Reef dweller.

Uses: Aquariums.

Fun Fact: When stressed, boxfish secrete a toxic mucus that can kill all fish in a small area.

BOH-fin | /ˈboʊ.fɪn/

Meaning: A primitive, eel-like freshwater fish with a long dorsal fin.

Nutrition: Ancient 'living fossil' species.

Uses: Sport fishing.

Fun Fact: Male bowfins fiercely guard their young, and the babies have a suction cup on their snout to stick to their father.

KAT-fish | /ˈkæt.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A bottom-feeding fish with whisker-like barbels around its mouth.

Nutrition: High in protein and vitamin B12.

Uses: Food, sport fishing.

Fun Fact: Catfish use their whiskers (barbels) to taste and feel for food in murky, muddy water.

KLOUN-fish | /ˈklaʊn.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A small, bright orange fish with white stripes that lives among sea anemones.

Nutrition: Popular aquarium fish.

Uses: Saltwater aquariums.

Fun Fact: All clownfish are born male; the dominant one in a group changes sex to become female.

kad | /kɑːd/

Meaning: A large, flaky white fish commonly used in fish and chips.

Nutrition: Excellent low-fat protein source.

Uses: Fish and chips, fish sticks, fish fillets.

Fun Fact: Cod livers are processed to make cod liver oil, a popular dietary supplement.

karp | /kɑːrp/

Meaning: A large freshwater fish known for its hardiness and muddy habitat.

Nutrition: Important food source in Eastern Europe and Asia.

Uses: Food, ornamental ponds (Koi).

Fun Fact: The ornamental Koi fish are actually domesticated varieties of the common carp.

kye-MEE-ruh | /kaɪˈmɪər.ə/

Meaning: A ghostly, deep-sea fish related to sharks, with a venomous spine.

Nutrition: Deep-sea scavenger.

Uses: Scientific study.

Fun Fact: Also known as ghost sharks, chimaeras have venomous spines on their dorsal fins for defense.

shih-NUK SAM-un | /ʃɪˈnʊk ˈsæm.ən/

Meaning: The largest species of Pacific salmon, highly prized for its rich meat.

Nutrition: Highest omega-3 content of all salmon.

Uses: Smoking, grilling, sushi.

Fun Fact: The Chinook salmon is the state fish of Alaska and can weigh up to 100 pounds.

chub | /tʃʌb/

Meaning: A cylindrical, bottom-feeding river fish found in many temperate regions.

Nutrition: Common river forage fish.

Uses: Bait, historical food.

Fun Fact: The massive, elusive Colorado pikeminnow was historically called the 'Colorado squawfish' and is a giant chub.

KOH-bee-uh | /ˈkoʊ.bi.ə/

Meaning: A long, sleek fish that resembles a shark, often found near structure.

Nutrition: Excellent source of protein.

Uses: Food, aquaculture, sport fishing.

Fun Fact: Cobia often follow large marine animals like sharks or turtles, hitching a ride in their slipstream.

SEE-luh-kanth | /ˈsiː.ləˌkænθ/

Meaning: A massive, prehistoric 'living fossil' fish with lobed fins.

Nutrition: Crucial to evolutionary biology.

Uses: Scientific study.

Fun Fact: Thought to have gone extinct 65 million years ago, the coelacanth was found alive in 1938.

KAHN-ger eel | /ˈkɒŋ.ɡər iːl/

Meaning: A massive, aggressive marine eel that hides in rocky crevices.

Nutrition: Good source of protein.

Uses: Food, sport fishing.

Fun Fact: European conger eels can grow up to 10 feet long and are known to attack divers when provoked.

KOW-fish | /ˈkaʊ.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A small, bright yellow boxfish with two horns above its eyes.

Nutrition: Reef dweller.

Uses: Aquariums.

Fun Fact: The longhorn cowfish gets its name from the two spiky horns protruding from its head, resembling a cow.

KUT-throht trout | /ˈkʌt.θroʊt traʊt/

Meaning: A beautiful trout identifiable by the red slash under its jaw.

Nutrition: Important native game fish.

Uses: Fly fishing.

Fun Fact: Cutthroat trout will aggressively eat their own young if food is scarce.

DAM-zul-fish | /ˈdæm.zəl.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A small, brightly colored reef fish, often kept in aquariums.

Nutrition: Helps control algae on coral reefs.

Uses: Saltwater aquariums.

Fun Fact: Damselfish are highly territorial and will aggressively nip at much larger fish or divers.

MAH-hee MAH-hee | /ˈmɑː.hi ˌmɑː.hi/

Meaning: A brightly colored, fast-growing surface fish. (Not the mammal).

Nutrition: High in protein, low in fat.

Uses: Food, sport fishing.

Fun Fact: To avoid confusion with the marine mammal, restaurants use the Hawaiian name 'Mahi-Mahi'.

DAN-ee-oh | /ˈdæn.i.oʊ/

Meaning: A tiny, fast-swimming schooling fish popular in home aquariums.

Nutrition: Active community fish.

Uses: Aquariums, genetic research.

Fun Fact: The zebra danio is a common model organism in genetic engineering and developmental biology.

DISK-us | /ˈdɪs.kəs/

Meaning: A highly prized, round, flat cichlid from the Amazon basin.

Nutrition: Known as the 'king of aquarium fish'.

Uses: High-end aquariums.

Fun Fact: Discus fry feed on a special mucus secreted by the parents' skin for their first few weeks of life.

DOG-fish | /ˈdɒɡ.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A small, abundant shark species often found in huge schools.

Nutrition: Commonly used for fish and chips in Europe.

Uses: Food, fish meal.

Fun Fact: The spiny dogfish has a venomous spine at the front of its dorsal fins for defense.

drum | /drʌm/

Meaning: A fish named for the drumming or croaking sound it makes using its swim bladder.

Nutrition: Popular food and sport fish.

Uses: Food, sport fishing.

Fun Fact: The red drum can be identified by the black spot near its tail, which is meant to fool predators into attacking the wrong end.

eel | /iːl/

Meaning: A long, snake-like fish without pelvic fins.

Nutrition: Popular in Japanese and Chinese cuisine.

Uses: Sushi (unagi), food.

Fun Fact: Freshwater eels travel thousands of miles to the ocean to spawn in the Sargasso Sea.

ee-LEK-trik eel | /ɪˈlɛk.trɪk iːl/

Meaning: A freshwater fish capable of generating powerful electric shocks.

Nutrition: Apex predator in the Amazon basin.

Uses: Study of bioelectrogenesis.

Fun Fact: Despite its name, the electric eel is actually a species of knifefish, not a true eel.

EM-per-or AYN-jul-fish | /ˈɛm.pər.ər ˈeɪn.dʒəl.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A striking reef fish with electric blue and yellow horizontal stripes.

Nutrition: Beautiful reef fish.

Uses: Aquariums.

Fun Fact: Juvenile emperor angelfish look completely different from adults, featuring blue and white circles instead of stripes.

EP-uh-let shark | /ˈɛp.ə.lɛt ʃɑːrk/

Meaning: A small, spotted shark that can 'walk' on its fins over the reef.

Nutrition: Harmless reef shark.

Uses: Aquariums.

Fun Fact: The epaulette shark can survive without oxygen for hours by slowing its heart rate while walking between tide pools.

FLOUN-der | /ˈflaʊn.dər/

Meaning: A flatfish that lies on the ocean floor with both eyes on one side of its head.

Nutrition: Low in fat, high in protein.

Uses: Baked, stuffed, or pan-fried dishes.

Fun Fact: Flounder are born with eyes on both sides of their head, but one eye migrates as they grow.

FLY-ing fish | /ˈflaɪ.ɪŋ fɪʃ/

Meaning: A fish with enlarged wing-like fins that allow it to glide above the water.

Nutrition: Food source for larger marine predators.

Uses: Food in some island cultures.

Fun Fact: Flying fish can glide for hundreds of feet in the air to escape predators like tuna.

FANG-tooth | /ˈfæŋˌtuːθ/

Meaning: A terrifying deep-sea fish with the largest teeth proportional to its body size.

Nutrition: Deep-sea predator.

Uses: Study of deep-sea life.

Fun Fact: A fangtooth's teeth are so large that it cannot fully close its mouth, leaving pockets for the teeth to slide into.

FY-er-fish | /ˈfaɪ.ər.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A slender, bright reef fish with an elongated first dorsal fin.

Nutrition: Popular nano-aquarium fish.

Uses: Aquariums.

Fun Fact: When frightened, the firefish will dart tail-first into a hole, leaving its sharp dorsal spine facing outward.

FLASH-lyt fish | /ˈflæʃ.laɪt fɪʃ/

Meaning: A nocturnal fish with glowing organs under its eyes.

Nutrition: Uses bioluminescence to hunt.

Uses: Aquariums, study of symbiosis.

Fun Fact: The light comes from glowing bacteria living in a pouch under the fish's eye; it can blink the light on and off.

GOHLD-fish | /ˈɡoʊld.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A small, bright orange freshwater fish, the most common aquarium pet.

Nutrition: Popular beginner pet.

Uses: Household aquariums, outdoor ponds.

Fun Fact: Goldfish have a memory span of months, not the three seconds that is commonly believed.

GROO-per | /ˈɡruː.pər/

Meaning: A large, heavy-bodied reef fish with a large mouth.

Nutrition: High in protein.

Uses: Food, sport fishing.

Fun Fact: The goliath grouper can weigh up to 800 pounds and make a booming sound to scare predators.

GUP-ee | /ˈɡʌp.i/

Meaning: A tiny, colorful freshwater fish popular in home aquariums.

Nutrition: Used for mosquito control in some regions.

Uses: Aquariums.

Fun Fact: Guppies are live-bearing, meaning they give birth to live, free-swimming young instead of laying eggs.

gar | /ɡɑːr/

Meaning: A long, torpedo-shaped freshwater fish with a beak full of sharp teeth.

Nutrition: Ancient 'living fossil' predator.

Uses: Sport fishing.

Fun Fact: The alligator gar can grow over 10 feet long and its scales were historically used by Native Americans as arrow tips.

GOB-lin shark | /ˈɡɒb.lɪn ʃɑːrk/

Meaning: A rare, deep-sea shark with a long, flat, blade-like snout.

Nutrition: Rare deep-sea predator.

Uses: Scientific study.

Fun Fact: The goblin shark can thrust its entire jaw forward out of its face to snap up prey, like a catapult.

GRAY-ling | /ˈɡreɪ.lɪŋ/

Meaning: A beautiful freshwater fish with a massive, sail-like dorsal fin.

Nutrition: Indicator of pristine water quality.

Uses: Fly fishing.

Fun Fact: The grayling's massive dorsal fin is brilliantly colored and smells faintly of thyme when freshly caught.

GUL-per eel | /ˈɡʌl.pər iːl/

Meaning: A bizarre deep-sea eel with a massive, loosely hinged jaw and tiny body.

Nutrition: Deep-sea ambush predator.

Uses: Scientific study.

Fun Fact: The gulper eel can unhinge its massive mouth to swallow prey larger than itself whole.

GUR-nard | /ˈɡɜːr.nərd/

Meaning: A bottom-dwelling fish with a large, armored head and finger-like pectoral fins.

Nutrition: Good source of protein.

Uses: Food.

Fun Fact: Gurnards use their separated pectoral fins to 'walk' across the ocean floor and stir up prey.

HAL-ih-but | /ˈhæl.ɪ.bʌt/

Meaning: A massive flatfish found in the cold waters of the North Atlantic and Pacific.

Nutrition: Excellent source of vitamin D and omega-3s.

Uses: Steaks, fish and chips, baking.

Fun Fact: The Pacific halibut is one of the largest flatfish in the world, reaching up to 500 pounds.

HAD-uk | /ˈhæd.ək/

Meaning: A saltwater fish similar to cod but with a black spot on its side.

Nutrition: Low in fat, high in protein.

Uses: Fish and chips, smoked fish.

Fun Fact: Smoked haddock is a key ingredient in the traditional British dish 'Cullen Skink'.

HAIR-ing | /ˈher.ɪŋ/

Meaning: A small, oily fish that travels in massive schools.

Nutrition: Very high in omega-3s and vitamin D.

Uses: Pickled, smoked (kippers), canned.

Fun Fact: Herring schools can be so massive that they can be spotted from space.

HAG-fish | /ˈhæɡ.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A blind, eel-like scavenger famous for producing massive amounts of slime.

Nutrition: Deep-sea janitor.

Uses: Food, 'eel skin' leather.

Fun Fact: A single hagfish can turn a bucket of water into thick slime in seconds to choke predators.

hayk | /heɪk/

Meaning: A deep-water cod relative with a long, slender body.

Nutrition: Low in fat, high in protein.

Uses: Fish fillets, fish sticks.

Fun Fact: Hake is extremely popular in Spain, where it is often baked with garlic and olive oil.

HAM-er-hed shark | /ˈhæm.ər.hɛd ʃɑːrk/

Meaning: A large shark distinguished by its bizarre, hammer-shaped head.

Nutrition: Apex reef predator.

Uses: Sport fishing.

Fun Fact: The hammerhead's wide head gives it 360-degree binocular vision, making it an exceptional hunter.

HUMP-hed ras | /ˈhʌmp.hɛd ræs/

Meaning: A massive, brightly colored reef fish with a prominent bulge on its forehead.

Nutrition: Crucial reef predator that eats poisonous crown-of-thorns starfish.

Uses: Conservation.

Fun Fact: This massive wrasse can live for 30 years and is highly endangered due to overfishing.

yeed | /jiːd/

Meaning: A freshwater fish related to the carp, popular in Europe.

Nutrition: Popular sport fish in Europe.

Uses: Sport fishing, ornamental ponds.

Fun Fact: The ide is sometimes called the 'orfe' and is bred in golden color variations for ponds.

YS-fish | /ˈaɪs.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A bizarre Antarctic fish with completely transparent blood.

Nutrition: Evolved to survive freezing waters.

Uses: Scientific study.

Fun Fact: Icefish have no hemoglobin, making their blood completely clear; they absorb oxygen directly through their skin.

ir-ih-DES-ent shark | /ˌɪr.ɪˈdɛs.ənt ʃɑːrk/

Meaning: A large, migratory catfish farmed widely for food, despite its name.

Nutrition: Major aquaculture species (Swai).

Uses: Food, large aquariums.

Fun Fact: Despite the name, it is a catfish, not a shark, and is often sold in supermarkets as 'Swai'.

JAK-fish | /ˈdʒæk.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A name for several fast-swimming, predatory saltwater fish.

Nutrition: Popular game fish.

Uses: Sport fishing.

Fun Fact: The yellow jack is easily identified by its bright, lemon-yellow coloration.

JON DOR-ee | /ˌdʒɒn ˈdɔːr.i/

Meaning: An odd-looking, flat saltwater fish with a large spot on its side.

Nutrition: Excellent, low-fat protein source.

Uses: High-end dining.

Fun Fact: The dark spot on the John Dory's side is said to be the thumbprint of St. Peter.

jak DEMP-see | /ˈdʒæk ˈdɛmp.si/

Meaning: A stocky, aggressive cichlid named after the famous heavyweight boxer.

Nutrition: Popular pet for cichlid enthusiasts.

Uses: Aquariums.

Fun Fact: The fish was named after the boxer because of its strong jaw and fiercely territorial nature.

JAW-fish | /ˈdʒɔː.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A small fish that lives in burrows and incubates its eggs in its mouth.

Nutrition: Reef dweller.

Uses: Reef aquariums.

Fun Fact: Male jawfish carry the fertilized eggs in their mouths for weeks, spitting them out to aerate them.

koy | /kɔɪ/

Meaning: A domesticated, colorful variety of the common carp, kept in ponds.

Nutrition: Symbol of love and friendship in Japan.

Uses: Outdoor decorative ponds.

Fun Fact: Koi can live for over 100 years if kept in ideal conditions.

KING-fish | /ˈkɪŋ.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A large, migratory mackerel known for its speed and fighting ability.

Nutrition: High in omega-3s.

Uses: Smoking, grilling, sport fishing.

Fun Fact: Also known as king mackerel, this fish can swim at speeds up to 30 miles per hour.

kelp bas | /kɛlp bæs/

Meaning: A stocky, bottom-dwelling fish that lives among kelp forests.

Nutrition: Popular sport fish.

Uses: Sport fishing, food.

Fun Fact: Kelp bass can change their color slightly to blend in with the surrounding kelp and rocks.

KIL-ee-fish | /ˈkɪl.i.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A tiny, colorful fish often found in temporary pools.

Nutrition: Used for mosquito control.

Uses: Aquariums, pest control.

Fun Fact: Some killifish eggs can survive completely dry in the dirt for months, hatching the moment it rains.

KISS-ing goo-RAH-mee | /ˈkɪs.ɪŋ ɡʊˈrɑː.mi/

Meaning: A large, flat fish famous for its puckered lips.

Nutrition: Common in Asian markets.

Uses: Food, aquariums.

Fun Fact: The 'kissing' behavior is actually a test of strength between males, pushing each other by the lips.

NYF-fish | /ˈnaɪf.fɪʃ/

Meaning: An elongated, nocturnal fish that swims using a long anal fin.

Nutrition: Uses electricity for navigation.

Uses: Aquariums.

Fun Fact: The black ghost knifefish swims backwards just as easily as it swims forwards by reversing the wave of its anal fin.

LY-un-fish | /ˈlaɪ.ən.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A venomous reef fish with striking red and white stripes and long spines.

Nutrition: Invasive species in the Atlantic, eating them helps reefs.

Uses: Food, aquariums.

Fun Fact: Lionfish are an invasive species in the Atlantic, and conservationists encourage people to eat them.

LUNG-fish | /ˈlʌŋ.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A prehistoric fish that can breathe air and survive droughts.

Nutrition: Living fossil, study of evolution.

Uses: Scientific research.

Fun Fact: The African lungfish can burrow into mud and survive out of water for up to four years.

LAY-dee-fish | /ˈleɪ.di.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A slender, silver fish known for its erratic leaps when hooked.

Nutrition: Sport fish only.

Uses: Sport fishing (catch and release).

Fun Fact: Ladyfish are often called 'poor man's tarpon' because they look and fight like miniature tarpon.

LAN-turn-fish | /ˈlæn.tərn.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A tiny, deep-sea fish covered in light-producing organs.

Nutrition: Crucial food source for deep-sea predators.

Uses: Scientific study.

Fun Fact: Lanternfish migrate to the surface every night to feed, creating the largest animal migration on Earth.

LEE-fee SEE-drag-un | /ˈliː.fi ˈsiːˌdræɡ.ən/

Meaning: A bizarre seahorse relative covered in leaf-like appendages for camouflage.

Nutrition: Master of camouflage.

Uses: Ecotourism, conservation.

Fun Fact: Leafy seadragons have no stomach; they must eat almost continuously to survive.

LEM-un shark | /ˈlɛm.ən ʃɑːrk/

Meaning: A large, yellow-brown shark that thrives in shallow coastal waters.

Nutrition: Coastal predator.

Uses: Food, ecotourism.

Fun Fact: Lemon sharks return to the exact same mangrove nursery where they were born to give birth to their own pups.

loch | /loʊtʃ/

Meaning: A small, bottom-dwelling fish with a worm-like body and barbels.

Nutrition: Popular algae and snail eater in aquariums.

Uses: Aquariums.

Fun Fact: Loaches have sharp spines under their eyes that they can flick out for defense, often getting stuck in nets.

LUMP-suk-er | /ˈlʌmpˌsʌk.ər/

Meaning: A round, bumpy fish with a suction cup on its belly.

Nutrition: Bottom-dweller in cold seas.

Uses: Caviar (lumpfish roe).

Fun Fact: Male lumpsuckers guard the eggs fiercely, using their suction cup to attach to rocks near the nest.

MAK-er-ul | /ˈmæk.ər.əl/

Meaning: A fast-swimming, oily fish with distinctive striped markings.

Nutrition: Excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Uses: Canned, smoked, grilled.

Fun Fact: Mackerel is often used as bait to catch larger fish like marlin or tuna.

MAR-lin | /ˈmɑːr.lɪn/

Meaning: A massive, fast billfish with a spear-like snout and a dorsal fin.

Nutrition: Top ocean predator.

Uses: Sport fishing.

Fun Fact: Marlins can reach speeds of 50 miles per hour, making them one of the fastest fish.

MAN-duh-rin-fish | /ˈmæn.də.rɪn.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A tiny, incredibly colorful reef fish with bright blue and orange patterns.

Nutrition: Beautiful but difficult to feed.

Uses: Reef aquariums.

Fun Fact: The mandarinfish is one of only two animals in the world known to have true blue pigment in its skin.

men-HAY-den | /mɛnˈheɪ.dən/

Meaning: A small, oily forage fish that travels in massive schools.

Nutrition: Crucial prey species for larger fish and birds.

Uses: Fish meal, fertilizer, bait.

Fun Fact: Menhaden filter massive amounts of water, cleaning the ocean and serving as the base of the Atlantic food web.

MILK-fish | /ˈmɪlk.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A large, silvery fish that is the national fish of the Philippines.

Nutrition: Major aquaculture species.

Uses: Food, aquaculture.

Fun Fact: Milkfish is heavily farmed but has over 200 tiny bones, making eating it a unique culinary challenge.

MIN-oh | /ˈmɪn.oʊ/

Meaning: A general term for small, schooling freshwater fish.

Nutrition: Vital forage food for larger fish.

Uses: Bait.

Fun Fact: The fathead minnow is widely used in labs for toxicology testing because it is highly sensitive to pollutants.

MOL-ee | /ˈmɒl.i/

Meaning: A small, live-bearing aquarium fish that adapts to various water types.

Nutrition: Common community aquarium fish.

Uses: Aquariums.

Fun Fact: Mollies can live in both fresh and saltwater, making them unique among common pet fish.

MOON-eye | /ˈmuːn.aɪ/

Meaning: A large-eyed, silvery fish found in deep rivers.

Nutrition: River forage fish.

Uses: Bait.

Fun Fact: The mooneye's large eyes are adapted to help it see and hunt insects in the dark, murky waters of large rivers.

NEE-on TEH-truh | /ˈniː.ɒn ˈteɪ.trə/

Meaning: A tiny, bright freshwater fish with a glowing blue stripe.

Nutrition: Popular schooling fish for community tanks.

Uses: Aquariums.

Fun Fact: The neon tetra's bright colors fade when it is resting or stressed.

NURS shark | /nɜːrs ʃɑːrk/

Meaning: A slow-moving, bottom-dwelling shark with a barbels on its mouth.

Nutrition: Controls populations of bottom-dwelling marine life.

Uses: Ecotourism (shark diving).

Fun Fact: Nurse sharks make a loud sucking sound when feeding, which is how they got their name.

NEE-dul-fish | /ˈniː.dəl.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A long, slender fish with a beak full of sharp teeth.

Nutrition: Surface predator.

Uses: Food, bait.

Fun Fact: Needlefish are attracted to light and have been known to leap out of the water at high speeds, impaling fishermen.

NYT-fish | /ˈnaɪt.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A nocturnal, perch-like fish native to Australia.

Nutrition: Ambush predator in slow streams.

Uses: Aquariums.

Fun Fact: As their name implies, nightfish hide under rocks during the day and only emerge to hunt at night.

OR-fish | /ˈɔːr.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A massive, extremely long, ribbon-like deep-sea fish.

Nutrition: Rare deep-sea creature, rarely seen alive.

Uses: Study of deep-sea biology.

Fun Fact: The oarfish is the longest bony fish in the world, reaching up to 36 feet in length.

AHS-ker | /ˈɑːs.kər/

Meaning: A large, intelligent South American cichlid popular in aquariums.

Nutrition: Popular, intelligent pet fish.

Uses: Large aquariums.

Fun Fact: Oscars are known to recognize their owners and can be taught simple tricks.

OH-shun SUN-fish | /ˈoʊ.ʃən ˈsʌn.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A massive, bizarre-looking fish that appears to be only a giant head with fins.

Nutrition: Heaviest bony fish in the world.

Uses: Ecotourism, food.

Fun Fact: Also known as the Mola Mola, it can weigh up to 5,000 pounds and spends its time 'sunbathing' on the surface.

OH-pah | /ˈoʊ.pɑː/

Meaning: A large, colorful, disc-shaped fish that is entirely warm-blooded.

Nutrition: High in protein and B vitamins.

Uses: High-end dining.

Fun Fact: The opah is the only known fully warm-blooded fish, keeping its whole body above water temperature.

OR-inj RUF-ee | /ˈɒr.ɪndʒ ˈrʌf.i/

Meaning: A bright red, deep-sea fish known for its extremely long lifespan.

Nutrition: High in protein.

Uses: Frozen fillets.

Fun Fact: Orange roughy can live to be over 200 years old, meaning they don't reproduce until they are 20.

oh-toh-SINK-lus | /oʊ.toʊˈsɪŋ.kləs/

Meaning: A tiny, armor-plated catfish that spends its life eating algae.

Nutrition: Essential algae-eater for planted tanks.

Uses: Aquariums.

Fun Fact: Otocinclus have a modified gill cover that allows them to breathe air without swimming to the surface.

PEER-ahn-yuh | /pɪˈrɑː.njə/

Meaning: A South American fish with sharp teeth and a powerful bite.

Nutrition: Scavenger and predator in rivers.

Uses: Food, aquariums.

Fun Fact: Despite their scary movie reputation, piranhas usually only attack humans when stressed or starving.

pyk | /paɪk/

Meaning: A large, aggressive freshwater fish with a duck-like bill and sharp teeth.

Nutrition: Apex predator in cold lakes.

Uses: Sport fishing.

Fun Fact: The northern pike can open its mouth wide enough to swallow prey half its own size.

PAH-uk | /ˈpɑː.lək/

Meaning: A common, flaky white fish closely related to cod.

Nutrition: High in protein, low in fat.

Uses: Fish sticks, imitation crab (surimi), fast food fish fillets.

Fun Fact: Pollock is the most commonly used fish for McDonald's Filet-O-Fish sandwich.

PUF-er-fish | /ˈpʌf.ər.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A fish that can inflate into a ball and is covered in sharp spines.

Nutrition: Contains tetrodotoxin, a deadly poison.

Uses: Fugu (Japanese delicacy), aquariums.

Fun Fact: Pufferfish are the second most poisonous vertebrates in the world, after the golden poison frog.

PAD-ul-fish | /ˈpæd.əl.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A massive, primitive fish with a long, paddle-shaped snout.

Nutrition: Filter feeder of large rivers.

Uses: Caviar, conservation.

Fun Fact: The paddlefish's snout is covered in electroreceptors that detect the weak electrical fields of plankton.

PAIR-ut-fish | /ˈpær.ət.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A brightly colored reef fish with beak-like teeth used for scraping coral.

Nutrition: Crucial for reef health.

Uses: Food, aquariums.

Fun Fact: Parrotfish eat coral, excreting it as white sand, making them responsible for tropical beach sand.

purch | /pɜːrtʃ/

Meaning: A popular panfish with spiny dorsal fins and a tiger-striped body.

Nutrition: High in protein and B12.

Uses: Food, ice fishing.

Fun Fact: Yellow perch are the target of massive winter ice-fishing festivals in the northern United States.

POM-puh-noh | /ˈpɒm.pə.noʊ/

Meaning: A fast, silver fish highly prized for its rich, buttery meat.

Nutrition: Excellent source of protein.

Uses: High-end food, sport fishing.

Fun Fact: Florida pompano are often caught by surf fishermen casting right into the breaking waves on the beach.

POR-gee | /ˈpɔːr.ɡi/

Meaning: A deep-bodied, flat fish found in coastal waters.

Nutrition: Low in fat, high in protein.

Uses: Food, sport fishing.

Fun Fact: Porgies have front teeth that look almost human, used for crushing crabs and clams.

PUP-fish | /ˈpʌp.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A tiny, incredibly rare fish found only in isolated desert springs.

Nutrition: Endangered desert survivor.

Uses: Conservation.

Fun Fact: The Devils Hole pupfish lives in a single water-filled cavern in Nevada and is the rarest fish on Earth.

KWEEN-fish | /ˈkwiːn.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A silvery, marine fish found in coastal waters.

Nutrition: Popular light-tackle game fish.

Uses: Sport fishing.

Fun Fact: Queenfish are known for their distinctive croaking sounds when caught.

KWEEN AYN-jul-fish | /ˈkwiːn ˈeɪn.dʒəl.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A stunning reef fish with a vibrant blue and yellow body and a 'crown'.

Nutrition: Iconic Caribbean reef fish.

Uses: Aquariums.

Fun Fact: The 'crown' on its head is a dark spot ringed in bright blue, unique to this species.

KWIL-bak | /ˈkwɪl.bæk/

Meaning: A large sucker fish with a long, quill-like dorsal fin.

Nutrition: Bottom feeder in large rivers.

Uses: Bait.

Fun Fact: Quillbacks are 'cui-ui' eaters and use their sucker mouths to vacuum algae off rocks.

RAYN-boh trout | /ˈreɪn.boʊ traʊt/

Meaning: A freshwater fish with a colorful, spotted body, related to salmon.

Nutrition: Excellent source of omega-3s and protein.

Uses: Food, fly fishing.

Fun Fact: The steelhead is actually a rainbow trout that migrates to the ocean, like a salmon.

REM-er-uh | /ˈrɛm.ər.ə/

Meaning: A fish with a suction cup on its head that attaches to larger marine animals.

Nutrition: Scavenger that feeds on leftovers of its host.

Uses: Study of symbiotic relationships.

Fun Fact: Remoras attach to sharks, turtles, and whales, hitchhiking across the ocean for free.

raz-BOR-uh | /ræzˈbɔːr.ə/

Meaning: A tiny, schooling fish popular for peaceful community aquariums.

Nutrition: Active community fish.

Uses: Aquariums.

Fun Fact: The harlequin rasbora has a distinct black triangle on its body that looks like a painted triangle.

RAT-fish | /ˈræt.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A strange, ghostly fish with a rabbit-like face and a venomous spine.

Nutrition: Deep-water scavenger.

Uses: Historical food.

Fun Fact: Also known as the chimaera, it uses its massive buck teeth to crush hard-shelled crabs and snails.

RIB-un-fish | /ˈrɪb.ən.fɪʃ/

Meaning: An extremely long, thin, silvery fish that looks like a silver ribbon.

Nutrition: Deep-water predator.

Uses: Food, bait.

Fun Fact: Ribbonfish have highly protrusible jaws that shoot forward to snatch prey in the dark deep sea.

ROK-fish | /ˈrɒk.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A heavily spined, bottom-dwelling fish that can live for centuries.

Nutrition: High in protein.

Uses: Food, sport fishing.

Fun Fact: The rougheye rockfish can live to be over 200 years old, making it one of the longest-living fish on Earth.

ROH-hoo | /ˈroʊ.huː/

Meaning: A large, silver carp that is a staple food fish in South Asia.

Nutrition: Crucial protein source in India.

Uses: Aquaculture, food.

Fun Fact: Rohu is so popular in India that it is often the primary fish used in traditional curry recipes.

SAM-un | /ˈsæm.ən/

Meaning: A migratory fish known for swimming upstream to spawn, with pink meat.

Nutrition: Famous for high omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D.

Uses: Sushi, grilling, smoking, baking.

Fun Fact: Salmon use their sense of smell to return to the exact stream where they were born to lay eggs.

sar-DEEN | /sɑːrˈdiːn/

Meaning: A small, oily fish commonly canned and eaten whole.

Nutrition: Extremely high in calcium and omega-3s.

Uses: Canned food, pizza toppings, grilling.

Fun Fact: Sardines are named after the Italian island of Sardinia, where they were once abundant.

shark | /ʃɑːrk/

Meaning: A massive, cartilaginous fish with rows of sharp teeth.

Nutrition: Apex ocean predator.

Uses: Food (shark fin soup), sport fishing.

Fun Fact: Sharks have a special 'sixth sense' called electroreception, allowing them to detect the electrical fields of other animals.

SORD-fish | /ˈsɔːrd.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A large billfish with a long, flat, sword-like bill.

Nutrition: High in selenium and niacin.

Uses: Grilling, steaks.

Fun Fact: Swordfish use their 'swords' to slash at schools of fish, stunning them before eating.

SAW-ger | /ˈsɔː.ɡər/

Meaning: A close relative of the walleye, adapted to murkier, muddier rivers.

Nutrition: Highly prized game fish.

Uses: Food, sport fishing.

Fun Fact: Saugers have distinct black spots on their dorsal fin, which walleyes lack entirely.

SAW-fish | /ˈsɔː.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A massive ray with a long, tooth-studded snout resembling a chainsaw.

Nutrition: Critically endangered predator.

Uses: Conservation.

Fun Fact: Sawfish use their saws to thrash through schools of fish, stunning them before eating them.

SEE-rob-in | /ˈsiːˌrɒb.ɪn/

Meaning: A bizarre bottom fish with a large head, spiny armor, and wing-like pectoral fins.

Nutrition: Bottom forager.

Uses: Bait, food.

Fun Fact: Searobins have modified pectoral fins that they use as 'legs' to walk across the ocean floor.

shad | /ʃæd/

Meaning: A herring-like fish famous for migrating up rivers to spawn.

Nutrition: Historically important food source.

Uses: Food, bait.

Fun Fact: The American shad runs are so famous that towns along the East Coast hold festivals celebrating their arrival.

SIL-ver-side | /ˈsɪl.vər.saɪd/

Meaning: A tiny, slender fish with a bright silver stripe running down its side.

Nutrition: Crucial forage fish for larger predators.

Uses: Bait, food.

Fun Fact: Silversides are often used in laboratory studies because of their sensitivity to endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

SKIP-jak TOO-nuh | /ˈskɪp.dʒæk ˈtuː.nə/

Meaning: A small, fast tuna recognized by dark stripes on its belly.

Nutrition: High in protein, lower in mercury than larger tuna.

Uses: Canned 'light' tuna.

Fun Fact: Skipjack tuna can swim in massive schools containing up to 50,000 fish.

smelt | /smɛlt/

Meaning: A small, oily fish famous for winter runs under the ice.

Nutrition: Rich in omega-3s.

Uses: Food, bait.

Fun Fact: Rainbow smelt smell like fresh cucumbers when freshly caught.

SNAP-er | /ˈsnæp.ər/

Meaning: A popular reef fish with canine teeth and bright red coloring.

Nutrition: High in protein, low in fat.

Uses: Food, sport fishing.

Fun Fact: The red snapper can live for over 50 years on a rocky reef.

SAK-eye SAM-un | /ˈsɒk.aɪ ˈsæm.ən/

Meaning: A Pacific salmon that turns bright red when it enters freshwater to spawn.

Nutrition: Highest protein and omega-3 content of all salmon.

Uses: Smoking, grilling.

Fun Fact: Sockeye salmon feed almost exclusively on plankton, which gives their meat the signature deep red color.

sohl | /soʊl/

Meaning: A flatfish that lies on the ocean floor, with both eyes on one side.

Nutrition: Low fat, high protein.

Uses: Dover sole, fine dining.

Fun Fact: Dover sole is so prized in French cuisine that it is often cooked and served completely boneless, still looking whole.

SPAYD-fish | /ˈspeɪd.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A flat, disc-shaped fish with black and white vertical stripes.

Nutrition: Schooling reef fish.

Uses: Aquariums, bait.

Fun Fact: Spadefish often congregate around structures like buoys and shipwrecks in large, circling schools.

STOHN-fish | /ˈstoʊn.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A master of camouflage and the most venomous fish in the world.

Nutrition: Ambush predator.

Uses: Food (sashimi in Japan).

Fun Fact: Stonefish venom can be fatal to humans, and the only treatment is applying hot water to break down the toxins.

STUR-jun | /ˈstɜːr.dʒən/

Meaning: A massive, armored, prehistoric fish famous for producing caviar.

Nutrition: Source of luxury caviar.

Uses: Caviar, smoking.

Fun Fact: Beluga sturgeon can grow to over 20 feet long and live for more than 100 years.

STRYPD bas | /ˈstraɪpt bæs/

Meaning: A large game fish with distinct horizontal black stripes.

Nutrition: High in protein and omega-3s.

Uses: Food, sport fishing.

Fun Fact: Striped bass can live entirely in freshwater and have been introduced to many landlocked lakes.

SUR-jun-fish | /ˈsɜːr.dʒən.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A brightly colored reef fish with a razor-sharp spine near its tail.

Nutrition: Vital algae grazer on reefs.

Uses: Aquariums.

Fun Fact: The Pacific blue tang, famous as 'Dory' from Finding Nemo, is a type of surgeonfish.

tih-LAH-pee-uh | /tɪˈlɑː.pi.ə/

Meaning: A cheap, fast-growing freshwater fish, widely farmed.

Nutrition: Low in fat, high in protein, but low in omega-3s.

Uses: Cheap frozen fillets, fish farming.

Fun Fact: Tilapia is one of the oldest farmed fish, referenced in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs.

trout | /traʊt/

Meaning: A freshwater fish related to salmon, prized by fly fishermen.

Nutrition: Excellent source of lean protein.

Uses: Food, fly fishing.

Fun Fact: Trout have a specialized 'swim bladder' that allows them to float effortlessly at different depths.

TOO-nuh | /ˈtuː.nə/

Meaning: A large, extremely fast, migratory fish with metallic coloring.

Nutrition: Excellent source of protein and omega-3s.

Uses: Canned tuna, sushi, steaks.

Fun Fact: The yellowfin tuna can swim at speeds up to 47 miles per hour.

TY-men | /ˈtaɪ.mən/

Meaning: The largest species of salmonid in the world, found in Siberian rivers.

Nutrition: Apex river predator.

Uses: Conservation, sport fishing.

Fun Fact: Siberian taimen are so aggressive they are known to eat rats and ducks that fall into the river.

TAR-pon | /ˈtɑːr.pən/

Meaning: A massive, silver fish famous for its explosive leaps when hooked.

Nutrition: Popular game fish only.

Uses: Sport fishing.

Fun Fact: Tarpon have a modified swim bladder that allows them to breathe air, surviving in stagnant water.

bench | /tɛntʃ/

Meaning: A sturdy, slimy carp relative found in weedy European lakes.

Nutrition: Popular bait and coarse fish in Europe.

Uses: Food, sport fishing.

Fun Fact: The slime on a tench's body was historically believed to have medicinal healing properties for other fish.

TY-ger-fish | /ˈtaɪ.ɡər.fɪʃ/

Meaning: An aggressive African river fish with massive, interlocking teeth.

Nutrition: Apex river predator.

Uses: Sport fishing, food.

Fun Fact: The Goliath tigerfish is rumored to attack crocodiles and has teeth so large it cannot close its mouth fully.

TYL-fish | /ˈtaɪl.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A deep-water fish known for building burrows in the ocean floor.

Nutrition: High in mercury, but good protein.

Uses: Food.

Fun Fact: Tilefish dig and maintain massive burrows in the muddy ocean floor, hiding inside when threatened.

TOHD-fish | /ˈtoʊd.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A bottom-dwelling fish with a large head and a ability to 'sing'.

Nutrition: Ambush predator.

Uses: Scientific study.

Fun Fact: Male toadfish 'sing' by contracting muscles against their swim bladder to attract mates.

TRIG-er-fish | /ˈtrɪɡ.ər.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A flat reef fish with tough skin and a locking dorsal spine.

Nutrition: Reef dweller.

Uses: Food, aquariums.

Fun Fact: Triggerfish can lock their first dorsal spine upright to wedge themselves into coral cracks, making them impossible to pull out.

YOO-ni-korn-fish | /ˈjuː.nɪ.kɔːrn.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A reef fish with a horn-like extension on its forehead.

Nutrition: Herbivorous reef fish.

Uses: Aquariums.

Fun Fact: The 'horn' of the unicornfish is an extension of its nasal bone, though its exact purpose is unknown.

UP-syd-own KAT-fish | /ˈʌp.saɪd.daʊn ˈkæt.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A small catfish that swims on its back to graze the surface.

Nutrition: Unique aquarium pet.

Uses: Aquariums.

Fun Fact: Its dark belly and light back are reversed, providing camouflage from predators below when it swims upside down.

VY-per-fish | /ˈvaɪ.pər.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A terrifying deep-sea fish with massive, fang-like teeth.

Nutrition: Deep-sea predator.

Uses: Study of deep-sea adaptations.

Fun Fact: A viperfish's teeth are so long they curve outside its head and almost touch its eyes.

VAM-pyer TEH-truh | /ˈvæm.paɪ.ər ˈteɪ.trə/

Meaning: A massive, predatory Amazonian fish with two huge fangs.

Nutrition: Apex predator of the Amazon.

Uses: Sport fishing.

Fun Fact: The vampire tetra's fangs are so long they fit into holes in the fish's own skull.

VOON-doo KAT-fish | /ˈvuːn.duː ˈkæt.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A giant, scavenging catfish found in African rivers.

Nutrition: Important food fish in Africa.

Uses: Food, sport fishing.

Fun Fact: The vundu can grow over 5 feet long and has been known to drag small fishing boats for miles.

WAWL-eye | /ˈwɔːl.aɪ/

Meaning: A large-eyed freshwater fish, highly prized for its delicious meat.

Nutrition: High in vitamin B12.

Uses: Food, sport fishing.

Fun Fact: Walleye have a reflective layer in their eyes (tapetum lucidum) that helps them see in the dark.

WAYL shark | /weɪl ʃɑːrk/

Meaning: The largest living species of fish, a slow-moving filter feeder.

Nutrition: Gentle giant of the ocean.

Uses: Ecotourism.

Fun Fact: Despite its massive size, the whale shark only eats tiny plankton and small fish.

wah-HOO | /wɑːˈhuː/

Meaning: A incredibly fast, torpedo-shaped game fish with razor teeth.

Nutrition: High in protein, low in fat.

Uses: Food, sport fishing.

Fun Fact: The wahoo is one of the fastest fish in the ocean, capable of reaching speeds up to 60 mph.

vels KAT-fish | /wɛls ˈkæt.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A massive, bottom-dwelling European catfish that can grow to 9 feet.

Nutrition: Apex predator of European rivers.

Uses: Sport fishing.

Fun Fact: Wels catfish have been observed beaching themselves intentionally to grab pigeons on the shore.

WYT-bayt | /ˈwaɪt.beɪt/

Meaning: A collective term for the immature fry of various fish, eaten whole.

Nutrition: Good source of calcium because bones are eaten.

Uses: Fried snacks, fritters.

Fun Fact: In New Zealand, catching whitebait is a highly regulated, fiercely competitive seasonal industry.

WYT-ing | /ˈwaɪt.ɪŋ/

Meaning: A slender, silvery bottom fish related to cod, found inshore.

Nutrition: Low fat, high protein.

Uses: Fish and chips, frying.

Fun Fact: Whiting have a small 'barbel' on their chin that they use to feel for worms in the mud.

WOLF-fish | /ˈwʊlf.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A bottom-dwelling fish with massive, canine-like teeth for crushing shells.

Nutrition: High in protein.

Uses: Food.

Fun Fact: Wolffish produce natural antifreeze proteins in their blood to survive in freezing Arctic waters.

ras | /ræs/

Meaning: A brilliantly colored reef fish known for complex social structures.

Nutrition: Vital reef cleaner.

Uses: Aquariums, food.

Fun Fact: Cleaner wrasse set up 'cleaning stations' where large fish wait patiently to have parasites picked off.

EKS-ray TEH-truh | /ˈɛks.reɪ ˈteɪ.trə/

Meaning: A tiny South American fish with a transparent body.

Nutrition: Popular schooling fish for aquariums.

Uses: Aquariums.

Fun Fact: You can see the X-ray tetra's backbone clearly through its transparent skin.

zee-no-ti-LAH-pee-uh | /ˌziː.noʊ.tɪˈlɑː.pi.ə/

Meaning: A small, sand-sifting cichlid from Lake Tanganyika in Africa.

Nutrition: Specialized mouth-brooding fish.

Uses: Specialized aquariums.

Fun Fact: Xenotilapia scoop mouthfuls of sand and filter it through their gills to find tiny bits of food.

YEL-oh-fin TOO-nuh | /ˈjɛl.oʊ.fɪn ˈtuː.nə/

Meaning: A large tuna with bright yellow fins, highly prized for sashimi.

Nutrition: High in protein and omega-3s.

Uses: Sushi, seared steaks.

Fun Fact: Yellowfin tuna, also known as 'Ahi', can dive to depths of over 3,000 feet.

YEL-oh purch | /ˈjɛl.oʊ pɜːrtʃ/

Meaning: A small, brightly colored panfish with distinct dark vertical stripes.

Nutrition: Highly prized food fish.

Uses: Food, ice fishing.

Fun Fact: Yellow perch lay their eggs in long, gelatinous ribbons that can be up to 7 feet long.

YEL-oh-tayl | /ˈjɛl.oʊ.teɪl/

Meaning: A sleek, fast tuna relative prized for its fatty, pink meat.

Nutrition: High in omega-3s.

Uses: Sushi (Hamachi), grilling.

Fun Fact: In sushi restaurants, farmed yellowtail is called Hamachi, while wild-caught is called Hiramasa.

ZEE-bra-fish | /ˈziː.brə.fɪʃ/

Meaning: A small, striped fish widely used in scientific research.

Nutrition: Vital model organism in genetics.

Uses: Medical and biological research.

Fun Fact: Zebrafish can regenerate their heart muscles, making them vital for heart disease research.

ZEE-bruh PLEK-oh | /ˈziː.brə ˈplɛk.oʊ/

Meaning: A small, highly sought-after catfish with stark black and white stripes.

Nutrition: High-end aquarium fish.

Uses: Aquariums.

Fun Fact: The Zebra Pleco was nearly wiped out in the wild when a dam was built, changing the flow of its native river.

ZEE-bruh shark | /ˈziː.brə ʃɑːrk/

Meaning: A slow-moving, bottom-dwelling shark with a long tail and spotted skin.

Nutrition: Harmless reef shark.

Uses: Ecotourism, aquariums.

Fun Fact: Zebra sharks are born with stripes that turn into spots as they mature, which is why they are sometimes called leopard sharks.