Learning fish names in English can feel overwhelming, especially with so many species from rivers, lakes, and oceans. If you’re confused between edible fish, aquarium types, or simply curious about the common ones, this guide clears it up. In this blog post, you’ll discover popular freshwater and saltwater fish names with helpful visuals.
Table of Contents
Common Fish Names in English with Pictures
These are some of the most commonly known fish names used in everyday English. From rivers and oceans to aquariums and dinner plates, these fish are familiar around the world.
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Trout
- Catfish
- Sardine
- Mackerel
- Cod
- Snapper
- Haddock
- Anchovy
- Tilapia
- Carp
- Bass
- Eel
- Grouper
- Halibut
- Swordfish
- Flounder
- Barracuda
- Herring
- Pike
- Marlin
- Perch
- Bluegill
- Goldfish
- Betta
- Guppy
- Angelfish
- Clownfish
- Zebra Fish
Freshwater Fish Names
Freshwater fish live in rivers, lakes, and streams. These fish are often used in aquariums or are caught for food and sport.
River Fish Names
River fish thrive in flowing waters and are common in many parts of the world.
- Catfish
- Carp
- Pike
- Trout
- Eel
- Mahseer
- Snakehead
- Perch
- Channa
- Dace
Lake Fish Names
Lakes provide a calmer environment for freshwater fish.
- Tilapia
- Bass
- Crappie
- Sunfish
- Zander
- Roach
- Tench
- Burbot
- Lake Trout
- Arctic Char
Popular Freshwater Aquarium Fish
These fish are small, colorful, and suitable for home tanks.
- Guppy
- Betta
- Molly
- Tetra
- Zebra Danio
- Platy
- Discus
- Goldfish
- Corydoras
- Angelfish
Saltwater Fish Names and List
Saltwater fish live in seas and oceans. Many of these are seen in aquariums or consumed as seafood.
Ocean Fish Species
Ocean fish include large and small species found deep in saltwater environments.
- Tuna
- Mackerel
- Swordfish
- Barracuda
- Marlin
- Sardine
- Anchovy
- Snapper
- Grouper
- Halibut
Marine Aquarium Fish
Marine fish are colorful and exotic, commonly kept in saltwater tanks.
- Clownfish
- Blue Tang
- Moorish Idol
- Firefish
- Royal Gramma
- Dottyback
- Wrasse
- Damselfish
- Mandarin Fish
- Butterflyfish
Edible Fish Commonly Eaten Worldwide
Fish are an important source of protein in many cultures. Some are from the sea, others from rivers and lakes.
Sea Fish for Eating
- Salmon
- Cod
- Haddock
- Snapper
- Mahi-Mahi
- Anchovy
- Herring
- Sardine
- Sea Bass
- King Mackerel
Freshwater Edible Fish
- Tilapia
- Catfish
- Carp
- Trout
- Perch
- Eel
- Pike
- Rohu
- Silver Carp
- Pangasius
Common Fish Names in English with Habitat and Use
Understanding the names of fish, where they live, and how they’re commonly used is helpful in daily conversations, especially when discussing food, nature, or aquariums. Learn popular fish names in English, their natural habitat, and what they’re mostly used for, whether in cooking, as pets, or for display.
| Fish Name | Habitat | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Salmon | Freshwater & Ocean | Cooking, grilling, rich in omega-3 |
| Tuna | Deep Ocean | Canned food, steaks, sushi |
| Trout | Rivers & Lakes | Grilled or baked fish dishes |
| Catfish | Rivers, Lakes & Ponds | Fried dishes, southern cuisine |
| Tilapia | Freshwater (mainly farmed) | Affordable and mild-tasting meals |
| Mackerel | Coastal Ocean Waters | Smoked or canned, high in healthy fats |
| Cod | Cold Ocean | Fish and chips, fillets |
| Sardine | Open Seas | Canned snacks, oils, salads |
| Haddock | North Atlantic Ocean | Popular for baking and frying |
| Snapper | Warm Ocean Waters | Grilled whole, restaurant seafood |
| Bass | Lakes and Rivers | Sport fishing, pan-fried |
| Carp | Ponds, Lakes, Slow Rivers | Used in Asian dishes, traditional meals |
| Anchovy | Mediterranean & Atlantic | Pizza topping, sauces, salty snacks |
| Halibut | Cold Deep Oceans | Lean grilled meat, healthy meals |
| Swordfish | Warm Deep Seas | Grilled steaks, seafood BBQ |
| Grouper | Tropical Oceans | Seafood platters, high-end dishes |
| Flounder | Sandy Ocean Floor | Light-flavored fried fish |
| Herring | Cold Northern Oceans | Pickled, smoked, or canned |
| Pike | Rivers and Lakes | Stews, sharp-flavored meat |
| Barracuda | Coral Reefs | Grilled (specific safe species only) |
| Perch | Rivers and Lakes | Pan-fried, mild flavor fish |
| Marlin | Deep Sea | Rare meals, often sport caught |
| Bluegill | North American Lakes | Camping meals, small fry fish |
| Eel | Rivers & Coastal Waters | Grilled or stewed in Asian cuisine |
| Clownfish | Coral Reefs (Saltwater) | Aquarium pet, marine displays |
| Betta | Still Freshwater | Popular home aquarium fish |
| Goldfish | Freshwater Tanks & Ponds | Common pet fish, beginner-friendly |
| Guppy | Streams & Aquariums | Decorative tank fish |
| Angelfish | Tropical Freshwater | Elegant aquarium display |
| Zebra Fish | Freshwater Streams | Aquarium use, scientific research |
FAQs
Common fish names include salmon, tuna, trout, cod, goldfish, and carp. These are found in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
Freshwater fish include trout, carp, catfish, goldfish, and guppies. They are commonly found in rivers, lakes, and aquariums.
Popular edible fish include salmon, tuna, cod, mackerel, and catfish. These are used in dishes globally, especially in Asian and Western cuisines.
Saltwater fish live in oceans and seas (like tuna and cod), while freshwater fish live in rivers and lakes (like trout and catfish). Their habitat affects their taste and appearance.
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