30 Different Types of Fish: Fun Facts and Pictures

Fish live in various marine ecosystems, from the polar oceans to the tropical coral reefs. Whether you are a marine biologist, aquarist, an owner of fish farms, or a curious reader, this exploration of the different types of fish promises to be informative. We aim to uncover what makes these types of fish unique and why they continue to fascinate us. 

Do you want to know more about marine life? Check out these general fish facts! Then, read how fishing impacts our seas and its inhabitants.

The Three Main Groups of Fish

Fish are a diverse group of animals, and they are usually classified into three main fish groups:

1. Jawless Fish (Agnatha) - This group is made up of hagfish and lampreys. These are the most primitive of fish and lack jaws. This category contains about 120 species, with the majority of jawless fish lineages extinct.
2. Cartilaginous Fish (Chondrichthyes) include sharks, rays, and skates. They have skeletons made of cartilage rather than bone. There are approximately 1,000 species in this group.
3. Bony Fish (Agnatha) is by far the largest group and includes about 30,000+ species. Bony fishes have a skeleton made of bone, and most also have scales. This group is also subdivided into two groups:
   • Ray-finned Fish (Actinopterygii) - Almost all of the fish we are familiar with belong to this group. Ray-finned fishes include tunas, trout, goldfish, and their relatives.
   • Lobe-finned Fish (Sarcopterygii) - Lobe-finned fishes are a small group that includes the Coelacanths and Lungfishes.

Each group of aquatic animals has its unique features and adapts to a vast range of environments, from freshwater rivers and lakes to the saltwater habitats of the ocean's deepest trenches.

Related: This guide focuses primarily on the more common bony fish; for more from the underwater world, check out our guides to the different types of sharks & jellyfish species,

30 Types of Fish

Quick links to the different types of fish:

1. Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua)

Fun Fact: Did you know that Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) can reach lengths of up to 6 feet and weigh over 200 pounds? These numbers make them as tall as a basketball player and as heavy as a professional wrestler. 

This fish can grow over two feet and weigh up to 77 pounds. Its body is greenish-brown with darker spots and a lighter-colored lateral line. The Atlantic Cod feeds on crustaceans, forage fish, and other invertebrates. Moreover, this cod uses a barbell on its chin to find food hidden in the seafloor.

2. Pacific Cod (Gadus macrocephalus)

Fun Fact: Pacific Cods have exceptional swimming abilities. They can swim up to 25 miles per hour, making them one of the fastest swimmers in the ocean. 

The Pacific Cod lives in the cold waters of the northern Pacific Ocean. Their skin comes in shades of brown and gray, allowing them to blend in seamlessly with their sandy or muddy surroundings.

This fish is highly adaptable and comfortable in shallow and deep waters, navigating various underwater terrains ranging from 90 to 900 meters beneath the surface.

Their size varies, with some growing up to a meter in length, while the average Pacific Cod measures around 60 centimeters and weighs approximately 15 kilograms.

3. Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus)

Fun Fact: The haddock communicates through grunts and growls, which allow them to establish territory, attract mates, and warn predators.

If one fishes in the North Atlantic, one may encounter the haddock. This fish typically lives along the coastlines of Europe and North America and prefers water temperatures ranging from 2°C to 10°C. Swimming at depths of 40 to 133 meters, the Haddock live near the ocean floor.

Haddock is distinguishable by the black stripe on its side and the unique black blotch near its pectoral fin. These features make it stand out among other fish in the Gadidae family.

Haddocks can grow up to 1.1 meters in length and weigh up to 16 kg. They have an omnivorous diet that includes small fish, crustaceans, mollusks, echinoderms, and worms. In our diets, they are known for their mild flavor.

4. Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)

Fun Fact: Atlantic salmon have an impressive migration pattern: they are born in freshwater rivers and then move to the ocean for most of their adult life. However, during reproduction, they return to the river where they were born, facing strong currents and obstacles such as waterfalls.

The Atlantic Salmon inhabits the North Atlantic³, living an anadromous lifestyle, migrating between freshwater rivers and the saltwater ocean. Their habitat spans the American and European coasts.

Atlantic Salmon can leap up to 12 feet high when returning to the rivers where they were born to spawn. These fish spend most of their lives in the ocean, but during spawning season, they migrate upstream to overcome various river obstacles. 

5. Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

Fun Fact: The Chinook Salmon, also referred to as King Salmon is the largest species of Pacific salmon. These fish can reach 4.9 feet (1.5 meters) long and weigh over 100 pounds (45 kilograms). 

Besides its size, this fish has beautiful colors. Their blue-green back and silver sides seamlessly blend with their underwater surroundings. During spawning, male and female fish adopt a deep red or purple color on their sides and back, indicating their readiness for reproduction.

A noteworthy fact about Chinooks is that they prefer cold waters, typically around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This preference reflects on their distinctly flavorful meat. Their diet consists primarily of small fish, squid, shrimp, insects, and crustaceans. Due to their diet, their meat is high in fat and is always in high demand in kitchens worldwide.

Read more in our salmon facts.

6. Betta Fish (Betta splendens)

Fun Fact: Betta fish are also called Siamese fighting fish due to their aggressive behavior and territorial nature. These fish have been selectively bred for centuries to enhance their fighting abilities. Moreover, their eye-catching colors and flowing fins have made them popular aquarium fish. However, remember not to put two Betta fish in the same tank as they are prone to fighting, which can result in severe injury or even death.

Betta Fish, or Siamese Fighting Fish, is a freshwater species known for their colorful scales. Their scales come in various colors, such as blues, reds, and other shades. These fish are relatively small and rarely grow beyond 2.5 inches.

They originate from the Mekong basin, which includes countries like Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Due to their unique appearance, they are popular among aquarium fish worldwide.

Interestingly, Betta Fish possess a peculiar adaptation that distinguishes them from other fish - a labyrinth organ. This organ allows them to gulp air from the water's surface, working like a lung. This adaptation is a lifesaver in their natural habitats of stagnant pools and rice paddies with low oxygen levels. 

Bettas are carnivores and feed on insects, crustaceans, and small fish in the wild. In home aquariums, they can eat dried bloodworms, brine shrimp, and specialized Betta pellets.

7. Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)

Fun Fact: Interestingly, sockeye salmon swim upstream for hundreds of miles to reach their spawning grounds, facing strong currents and jumping over waterfalls. 

This salmon, also known as the red salmon or blueback salmon, lives in the North Pacific Ocean. Like other salmon, these fish are anadromous: they are born in freshwater, migrate to the ocean to mature, and return to their birthplace to reproduce.

During spawning, these fish undergo a physical transformation where their silver-blue bodies turn red, their heads become green, and the males develop a hump and hooked jaw.

The eating habits of this salmon are unique compared to other salmon species. They prefer consuming tiny invertebrates and zooplankton rather than a fish-based diet.

8. Pink Salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha)

Fun Fact: Pink salmon have a strong sense of smell, which helps them identify the chemical composition of the water in the river where they were born. With this olfactory memory, pink salmon can swim long distances to their original spawning grounds.

The Pink Salmon lives in the cold waters of the northern Pacific Ocean and weighs between 3.5 to 5 pounds. Moreover, this silver-blue salmon species mainly lives in California, Alaska, and even as far as Korea. It feeds on plankton, small fish, and crustaceans.

The Pink Salmon has a unique two-year life cycle where odd- and even-year populations do not mix. During spawning season, males develop a hump, while females lay around 1000 to 2000 eggs in freshwater stream nests.

After spawning, male and female salmon die, contributing nutrients to the stream, while the baby fish continue the cycle. 

9. Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Fun Fact: Rainbow trout are skilled swimmers who can launch themselves out of the water, sometimes reaching up to 4 feet. 

The Rainbow Trout has a vibrant stripe from its gill to its tail, along the side. The trout is adaptable, born in the cold, swift tributaries of the Pacific Ocean in Asia and North America. It can thrive in various water environments, including fast-flowing mountain streams, lazy rivers, and vast lakes, provided the water temperature remains within 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Some Rainbow Trout, known as steelhead trout, leave freshwater and venture into the ocean. Like salmon, they live in the sea during their adult life and return to the freshwater where they were born to lay eggs.

Female Rainbow Trout lay up to 2000 eggs in a nest called a redd, which they construct in a streambed lined with gravel. They consume various types of food, ranging from insects to smaller fish. When caught, their aggressive feeding behavior and resistance make them a popular choice among anglers. Additionally, they are common breeds for fish farming for human consumption due to their adaptability to tank environments and rapid growth rate.

10. Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)

Fun Fact: Brown trout can change their coloration to match their surroundings; predator and prey have difficulty detecting them. When fishing for brown trout, remember their impressive camouflage skills.

The Brown Trout has challenged anglers for many years due to its skittish behavior. It has a sleek body that reflects brown and gold tones with black and red dots. Moreover, one can see them gliding through clear and frosty waters of streams and rivers.

Furthermore, the Brown Trout is a European fish adapted to various continents, including the Americas, Australia, and New Zealand. Their behavior varies; some lead a sedentary lifestyle, while others migrate extensively.

During the spawning season, the female Brown Trout creates a nest, or redd, in stream gravel for her offspring. She lays her eggs and fertilizes them before building another redd upstream. The eggs are left to develop, leading to new Brown Trout.

11. Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)

Fun Fact: It is a common misconception that brook trout are a type of trout. However, they are a species of char closely related to salmon.

The Brook Trout is a member of the Salmonidae family. They live in freshwater and are native to the eastern regions of North America. These fish mainly live in headwater streams, creeks, and lakes in the Appalachian Mountains or Great Lakes region. They prefer cool, clean, and oxygen-rich waters; their presence or absence can indicate the water's health.

Moreover, these fish have a distinct marbled pattern on their backs, similar to a piece of marble cake. Their colors range from dark green to brown on their back and sides, fading to white on the underbelly. The most striking feature of these fish is the small red spots with a blue halo.

12. Ocean sunfish (Mola mola)

Fun Fact: The ocean sunfish is the heaviest bony fish in the world. These creatures have a peculiar appearance and can weigh up to 5,000 pounds (2,268 kilograms) and grow up to 10 feet (3 meters) long. This sunfish mainly feeds on jellyfish, consuming them in large quantities. 

This fish is considerably larger than the average fish. It has a disc-shaped body with a large dorsal fin that sets it apart from typical streamlined fish. The fin is often visible above the water as the sunfish approaches the surface; you might mistake them for a shark.

This species lives in the temperate and tropical oceans of the world; it got the name due to its habit of basking in the warm sunlight near the surface of the water. Despite its seemingly lazy behavior, the Mola mola can dive to depths of up to 600 meters⁵. Additionally, it occasionally leaps out of the water, as if playing aquatic hide and seek.

13. Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush)

Fun Fact: Lake trout are a type of char belonging to the salmon family. These fish can grow up to 3 feet and weigh over 40 pounds. In addition to their size, lake trout are known for their longevity, with some individuals living for up to 25 years. Catching a lake trout may result in a record-breaking fish.

The Lake Trout lives in the colder depths of North America's Great Lakes, certain parts of Alaska, and the northeastern United States. These fish prefer the deeper waters¹, ranging from near-freezing temperatures at 1.1°C to a more temperate 11.1°C, rather than the warmer shallows near the surface.

14. Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis)

Fun Fact: Striped bass are anadromous fish. Anadromous fish are born in freshwater, then migrate to the ocean to grow and mature, and finally return to their natal rivers to spawn. Moreover, these fish can travel hundreds of miles to complete their life cycle.

The Striped Bass is native to the Atlantic coast of North America and is known for migrating from the St. Lawrence River in Canada to the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana⁴.

This fish also has numerous dark stripes on its body. Its length ranges from 20 to 35 inches, and it can weigh between 10 and 30 pounds. Moreover, they are opportunistic predators, feeding on other fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates. 

15. Black Sea Bass (Centropristis striata)

Fun Fact: It is a common misconception that the Black Sea Bass is a type of bass, but it is a member of the grouper family. This fish is also popular for its elegant appearance and impressive abilities.

This bass is a saltwater marine species living in the western Atlantic Ocean. These fish prefer temperate waters, and they swim from Maine to the northeastern part of Florida and the eastern part of the Gulf of Mexico. They typically inhabit areas with a hard bottom, such as reefs, shipwrecks, piers, jetties, and rocky ledges. Some individuals of this species venture into deep waters, up to 130 meters down.

These fish have dark brown to black colorations on their backs and sides, while their bellies are lighter. The males have a blue hump on their nuchal and blue highlights on their dorsal, caudal, and anal fins. Moreover, these fish are protogynous hermaphrodites, born as females and transform into males as they mature, typically between 2 to 5 years old.

Before moving on to the rest of the article, did you know that piranhas prefer eating dead fish over hunting live ones?

16. Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)

Fun Fact: The largemouth bass is a widely sought-after sport fish due to its predatory skills. In one swift motion, these fish ambush their prey, using their large mouths to consume prey up to half their size. 

The Largemouth Bass belongs to the sunfish family. Its skin appears green-to-brown and has a series of dark splotches forming a jagged line along its sides. The bass's mouth is wide enough to stretch beyond the rear edge of its eye when shut, hence the name. This North American native is popular among sport anglers across the globe due to its aggressive nature and resistance to capture².

17. Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu)

Fun Fact: When hooked, smallmouth bass will put up an intense fight and often leap out of the water. Smallmouth bass can propel themselves several feet into the air with their muscular bodies and strong tails.

The Smallmouth Bass is a popular fish among fishing enthusiasts due to its appealing characteristics. This freshwater species lives in North America's clear and cool waters. Unlike the largemouth bass, it has a petite mouth, and its body comes in shades of bronze to brown with dark vertical stripes that dissolve into a white belly. It can grow to 12 to 24 inches and weigh up to 12 lbs when it reaches its prime.

The Smallmouth Bass prefers rocky lakes, but it can navigate rivers. It feeds on tiny fish, insects, and crustaceans, leaping out of the water to seize aquatic birds, frogs, and small mammals.

18. Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus)

Fun Fact: Despite their name, bluegill fish can be green, purple, and orange. As a result of their vibrant appearance, bluegills are a popular choice for aquarium owners. 

The Bluegill is a small freshwater fish indigenous to North America. Their blue-colored gills make them an eye-catching species, particularly the males, who come in a vivid blue and green, gradually transitioning to a yellow or cream-colored belly. These fish only have a maximum length of 6 inches, flattened bodies, and small mouths.

Bluegills prefer to live in slow-moving waters such as lakes, ponds, and creeks. They tend to congregate near the edges of shallow waters where abundant vegetation shelters them from predators. Moreover, bluegills are chooling fish, often traveling in groups. Additionally, bluegills will consume various types of food, including insects, worms, tiny fish, and plant matter. 

19. Walleye (Sander vitreus)

Fun Fact: Walleye can see exceptionally well in low-light conditions. Their eyes have a layer of cells called the tapetum lucidum, which reflects light through the retina. This adaptation makes them skilled nocturnal predators. 

The Walleye is a freshwater fish native to North America, named after its unique eyes, which have a distinct glow that aids its vision during low light conditions. This fish species prefers cooler currents, such as those found in the Great Lakes region, the vast Mississippi River basin, and numerous freshwater bodies in Canada.

Its distinctive feature is its dorsal fin, a combination of pointed spines and soft rays. Moreover, the Walleye can grow up to 31 inches in length and weigh up to 20 pounds, making it a substantial catch for anglers. Meanwhile, people like walleye for its flavorful white and flaky meat.

20. Northern Pike (Esox lucius)

Fun Fact: The Northern Pike is one of the largest freshwater fish in Europe and North America. Its streamlined body and strong muscles allow it to swim up to 30 miles per hour. Moreover, its speed makes this carnivorous fish a highly skilled hunter, capable of ambushing its prey.

The Northern Pike inhabits the clear waters of North America and Eurasia. The pike has a color palette that ranges from yellow-green to olive, with a yellow underbelly, allowing it to blend into its environment. 

The Northern Pike feeds on various animals, such as fish, frogs, and occasionally small mammals or birds that come near the water's edge. Its mouth also has needle-like teeth. During difficult times, the pike can eat its own kind.

21. Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy)

Fun Fact: People have called the muskellunge, also known as the "muskie," the “fish of 10,000” casts because it is notoriously difficult to catch. Anglers have reported spending hours on their lines before finally hooking one of these fish. Successfully catching a muskie is an outstanding achievement.

The Muskellunge is a freshwater fish in North America. It has a long, slender body and a flat head and can blend in with the underwater vegetation of lakes and large rivers. The fish is typically colored light green to brown, with vertical stripes.

As the dominant predator in its habitat, the muskellunge primarily feeds on small fish and insects when young but can eat small mammals and waterfowl when grown up.

22. Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens)

Fun Fact: The yellow perch is not a true perch despite its name. It belongs to the family Percidae, which also includes other species like walleye and darters. The name may have arisen due to its resemblance to true perch species, such as the European perch. 

The Yellow Perch is a freshwater fish commonly found in North America⁷. It has a golden-yellow body with six to eight vertical stripes of a darker hue. The fish is often found in clear waters rich in plants, such as lakes, ponds, and rivers. The average size of the Yellow Perch is between four to ten inches, though on rare occasions, one can spot a 16-inch specimen.

During the spawning season in early spring, yellow perch gather in large groups. When the water temperature reaches 45 to 52 degrees Fahrenheit, the female perch releases approximately 40,000 eggs in long, jelly-like strings.

23. European Perch (Perca fluviatilis)

Fun Fact: The European Perch use their sharp spines to create a "false floor" by burying themselves in the sediment at the bottom of the water. They wait patiently for smaller fish to swim above them and then swiftly ambush them from below. 

The European Perch is a freshwater fish species found in Europe and Asia. It has a greenish body, dark vertical stripes, and red or orange lower fins. European Perches have a wide size range, with an average measurement of 20-30 cm, and can grow up to 60 cm in ideal conditions. 

European Perches have a varied diet, including smaller fish, insect larvae, crustaceans, and mollusks. They often hunt in groups, which improves their chances of capturing prey. Biologists say they are a "linchpin species" as they consume other organisms and become prey for larger predators.

24. Red Snapper (Lutjanus campechanus)

Fun Fact: Although it bears the name "snapper," this fish is part of the Lutjanidae family, which includes various species of snappers. The red snapper's skin is a vibrant red. 

The Red Snapper lives in the western Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico. This fish is in high demand for professional fishing expeditions and casual weekend trips due to its large size and flavorful meat. Its skin is pink and red, shining brightly in the sunlight, while its underbelly is lighter.

The Red Snapper has a lifespan of over fifty years. It is a carnivorous species that primarily feeds on smaller fish and invertebrates, preferring shrimp and squid. When young, they eat plankton and small sea creatures.

Moreover, the Red Snapper prefers structured environments such as reefs, shipwrecks, and oil rigs. These locations provide a secure refuge from predators and an ample food source. Despite their attractive appearance, these fish are eager to defend their territory.

25. Mahi-Mahi (Coryphaena hippurus)

Fun Fact: Mahi-Mahi, also called the dolphin fish, are not marine mammals and are unrelated to dolphins. However, this species of fish lives in tropical and subtropical waters all over the world. Its name comes from the Hawaiian language, meaning "strong-strong." These fish have bright and bold colors, with males displaying shades of blue, green, and yellow.

The Mahi-Mahi, also called the dolphinfish or dorado, comes in blue, green, and yellow, comparable to the brightness of tropical sunlight. These fish live in temperate, tropical, and subtropical waters worldwide, distinguished by their striking colors and unique body shape. The males possess a notable forehead, while the females have a more rounded head and are slightly less colorful.

26. Swordfish (Xiphias gladius)

Fun Fact: Swordfish can swim up to 60 miles per hour; they are one of the fastest fish in the ocean.

Swordfish have elongated, flat, sword-shaped bills. They can maneuver quickly in water, using their bills for hunting, slicing through schools of fish to stun or injure their prey. 

Moreover, the swordfish is a solitary creature that travels long distances for food and mating. They can also maintain a warm brain temperature through a physiological adaptation known as the 'brain heater,’ enabling them to dive into colder depths without issue. 

27. Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus)

Fun Fact: The Atlantic Bluefin Tuna is one of the ocean's largest and fastest fish species. These creatures can swim up to 40 miles per hour (64 kilometers per hour), faster than most Olympic swimmers. 

The Atlantic Bluefin Tuna is a large marine fish that can reach up to 10 feet long and weigh up to 2,000 pounds. Its body is streamlined and muscular; its top is metallic blue, while its bottom is silvery-white. Moreover, the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna is often called the 'giant of the sea.'

In addition to their speed, they can regulate their body temperature⁶, allowing them to thrive in colder waters where other fish struggle. This adaptability has allowed them to inhabit the western and eastern Atlantic oceans and the Mediterranean Sea.

The Bluefin Tuna also undertakes an extensive spawning journey across the Atlantic, ending up in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean.

28. Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares)

Fun Fact: Yellowfin tuna can swim up to 47 miles per hour (75 kilometers per hour) when pursuing prey or escaping predators. Their streamlined bodies and powerful tails make them well-suited for swift movements in the open ocean.

The Yellowfin Tuna have yellow dorsal fins and matching side stripes; they are also one of the largest tuna species. Some individuals can grow over seven feet long and weigh up to 400 pounds. When caught, these fish can give high-speed chases and leap out of the water, making them popular among sports fishermen.

Moreover, Yellowfin Tuna is a popular fish due to its high-quality meat, which has led to overfishing and the depletion of fish populations.

The Yellowfin Tuna is a nomadic species that travels long distances across the ocean, often in the company of other tuna species.

29. Albacore Tuna (Thunnus alalunga)

Fun Fact: The Albacore tuna is one of the fastest swimmers in the ocean. Due to their streamlined bodies and strong tails, these fish can swim up to 50 miles per hour.

The Albacore Tuna, commonly called the 'white tuna,' has a distinctly pale color, which sets it apart from other tuna species. Unlike coastal species, the Albacore is a pelagic fish that thrives in the open ocean.

The Albacore lives in various warm and temperate waters worldwide, from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic and the Pacific. One of the distinct physical features of the Albacore is its exceptionally long pectoral fins, comprising about 30% of its total body length. Their long fins enable them to swim up to 80 km/h, essential for their hunting activities and migrations.

Moreover, Albacores can dive as deep as 600 meters to find food.

Related read: More types of tuna species.

30. Mackerel (Scomber scombrus)

Fun Fact: With their streamlined bodies and powerful tails, mackerel can swim up to 60 miles per hour, making them one of the fastest swimmers in the ocean. 

The Mackerel travels the northern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It is a pelagic species commonly found in open waters, preferring the ocean's vastness.

The Mackerel also prefers cold waters with temperatures ranging from 7-16°C. However, when winter comes, it relocates to warmer waters. This fish measures 30-50 cm, with some individuals reaching up to 66 cm. It has silvery-blue bodies with vertical stripes that help it reach 5.5 km/h while hunting for tiny fish, invertebrates, and plankton.

Mackerel, synonymous with the oily fish family, boasts of its rich omega-3 content, a vital nutrient known for promoting healthy heart functions and enhancing brain power.

Conclusion

Our underwater world is teeming with an unparalleled variety of fish, each boasting its own unique characteristics, evolutionary history, and roles in the aquatic ecosystem.

From the flavorful Atlantic salmon to the intricate ecosystem links of the humble Bluegill to the athletic prowess of the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna. The diverse types of fish enrich our appreciation of the aquatic world and highlight the crucial necessity for environmental stewardship to protect these vital inhabitants of our planet.

We hope this guide about types of fish has helped you to gain an appreciation for these fantastic creatures!