Popular Fish Names

Updated: July 08, 2024

Names	Reason
Angelfish	Known for their distinctive, elegant appearance
Archer	Noted for its ability to 'spit' water to knock down prey
Barracuda	Famous for their ferocious behaviour
Barramundi	Known for their strong fight, they are a favorite among sport fishers
Bass	Their fight and size make them a popular choice for sport fishing
Betta	Popular due to their vibrant colors and long, flowing fins
Bluegill	Their plentiful numbers and easy catchability make them a favorite among beginner anglers
Bream	They are a common choice for beginners due to their hardiness and ease of care
Butterfly	Its delicate and vibrant colored pattern make it appealing
Catfish	Known for the barbels which resemble cat's whiskers
Catla	Their fast growth and delicious flavor make them a popular choice for aquaculture
Clownfish	Recognized from the movie 'Finding Nemo'
Cobia	They are popular among anglers for their fight and size
Cod	Their delicious flavor and large size make them a common choice for commercial fishing
Corydoras	Appreciated for their peaceful nature and bottom-dwelling habits
Crappie	Their delicious flavor and schooling behavior make them a favorite among freshwater anglers
Discus	Cherished for their stunning coloration and unique shape
Dogfish	Their unique appearance and hardy nature make them a popular choice for public aquariums
Dolphin	Known for their playful and intelligent nature
Dragon	Its unique, dragon-like appearance makes it intriguing
Eel	Their unique body shape makes them a visually intriguing choice
Elephantnose	Distinct for its long nose resembling an elephant's trunk
Emperor	Its large size and vibrant color make it stand out
Firefish	Its bright, fiery colors make it attractive
Flounder	Known for their distinctive flat bodies
Fugu	Notorious for being poisonous if not prepared properly
Gar	Its elongated body and sharp teeth make it a fierce predator
Goldfish	Its bright, shiny color attracts attention
Grouper	Their large size and mild flavor make them a popular choice for cooking
Guppy	Small, hardy, and available in many colors, making them an ideal choice for beginners
Gurnard	Their unique appearance and bottom-dwelling habits make them a popular sight in underwater exploration
Haddock	Their delicious flavor and white flesh make them a common choice for cooking
Hake	Their soft, delicious meat and large size make them a popular choice for cooking
Halibut	Their large size and delicious taste make them a favorite among fishermen and chefs
Hammerhead	Unmistakable for its unique hammer-shaped head
Hawkfish	Known for its hawk-like hunting method
Herring	They are a popular choice for commercial fishing due to their large schools and delicious flavor
Icefish	Its ability to survive in cold waters make it unique
Inferno	Its fiery color mesmerizes the observers
Iridescent	Their shimmering scales bring a touch of magic to any aquarium
Jack	Large, active fish that are a hit with saltwater aquarists
Jellynose	Its soft, gelatinous snout make it distinct
Jewel	Its shiny, jewel-like appearance makes it attractive
Kingfish	Known for its large size
Koi	These large, colorful fish are a favorite in outdoor ponds
Kuhli	Its eel-like shape and playful nature make it a favorite
Lantern	Its ability to produce light make it fascinating
Ling	Their long, eel-like shape and large size make them a thrilling catch for anglers
Lionfish	Famous for its venomous spines
Loach	These bottom dwellers are beloved for their unique, elongated bodies
Mackerel	Their fast swimming speed and schooling behavior make them a thrilling sight for divers
Mahi	These fish are popular for their vibrant colors and are a favorite among sport fishers
Mandarinfish	Its vibrant and intricate color pattern make it highly attractive
Manta	Their large size and elegant swimming make them popular in large public aquariums
Marlin	Popular game fish, known for its speed
Molly	Known for their ease of care and variety of colors
Monkfish	Their unique appearance and delicious flavor make them a favorite in culinary circles
Mullet	Their strong fight and jumping ability make them a popular game fish
Napoleon	Its large size and distinctive hump make it noticeable
Neon	Their bright neon stripes add a pop of color to any tank
Nurse	Its docile nature and unique appearance make it interesting
Opah	Its unique rounded body shape and bright colors make it appealing
Orca	Its intelligence and power make it a favorite
Oscar	Loved for their intelligence and unique personalities
Perch	Their delicious flavor and plentiful numbers make them a common choice for fishing
Pike	They are a popular choice for freshwater fishing due to their size and fight
Pipefish	Its pipe-like shape make it unique and interesting
Piranha	Because of their notorious reputation, they are often featured in aquariums
Plaice	Their flat body and delicious flavor make them a common choice for cooking
Pleco	Cherished for their algae-eating habits, they help keep tanks clean
Pollock	Their large size and delicious flavor make them a popular choice for commercial fishing
Pompano	Their light, delicious flavor make them a favorite in culinary circles
Pufferfish	Known for its ability to inflate its body when threatened
Queen	Its vibrant colors and graceful movements make it appealing
Queenfish	Recognized for its elongated, slender body
Quillback	Known for their distinctive dorsal fin, resembling a quill
Rainbow	Their vibrant colors and active behavior make them highly desirable
Rasbora	Their small size and peaceful nature make them a popular choice for beginner fish keepers
Razorfish	Its thin, razor-like body make it distinct
Redfish	Its vibrant red color makes it stand out
Rohu	Their size and delicious flavor make them a common choice for commercial fishing
Rudd	Their active behavior and shiny scales make them popular in ponds and outdoor aquariums
Salmon	They are well-known for their health benefits and are a common choice for those who enjoy seafood
Sardine	Their small size and delicious flavor make them a common choice for canned fish
Sauger	Their active behavior and delicious flavor make them a popular choice for ice fishing
Sawfish	Their unique appearance makes them a favorite in aquariums
Seahorse	Its unique shape and slow movements make it fascinating to observe
Shark	Their reputation and unique appearance make them a favorite in aquariums and popular culture
Skate	Their unique shape and mild flavor make them a different choice for cooking
Snapper	Their delicious taste and bright color make them popular for both cooking and aquariums
Sole	Their delicate flavor and flat body make them a popular choice for a variety of dishes
Stingray	Its unique shape and sting make it intriguing
Sunfish	Their unique shape and large size make them a popular sight in freshwater bodies
Surgeonfish	These bright blue fish are easily recognizable and often associated with 'Finding Nemo'
Swordtail	Named after the long, sword-like tail of the males
Tarpon	Their acrobatic fights make them a popular game fish
Tetra	Small, colorful, and easy to care for, making them a popular choice
Tilapia	Due to their fast growth and palatability, they are one of the most farmed fish
Triggerfish	Its unique shape and bright colors make it popular
Tuna	Famous for its commercial value and being a major food source
Turbot	Their large size and delicious flavor make them a high-end choice for cooking
Uaru	Their unique shape and peaceful nature make them a favorite among hobbyists
Unicorn	Recognized for the horn-like extension on its head
Unicornfish	Its horn-like extension on its head make it unique
Vampire	Its sharp teeth and nocturnal behavior give it a vampire-like image
Vampirefish	Its sharp teeth make it look like a vampire
Viperfish	Intriguing deep-sea species known for their fearsome appearance
Walleye	Their size, fight, and delicious flavor make them a top choice for freshwater fishing
Whale	Its immense size and gentle nature make it popular
Whiting	Their light, delicious flavor make them a favorite for fried fish dishes
Wolf	Its aggressive nature and sharp teeth make it a fierce predator
Wrasse	Diverse family of fish known for their vibrant patterns
X-ray	Named for their translucent bodies, through which their bones can be seen
Xenotilapia	Its unique shape and vibrant colors make it a favorite among aquarists
Xingu	Its unique appearance and vibrant colors make it attractive
Yellowfin	Its bright yellow fins make it easily identifiable
YellowfinTuna	Its bright yellow fins make it easily identifiable
Yellowtail	Their vibrant yellow tails make them a colorful addition to any tank
Zander	Its great fighting spirit makes it a favorite among anglers
Zebra	Its black and white striped pattern make it easily recognizable
Zebrafish	Their striped pattern and ease of care make them a favorite among beginners
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Names Based on Mythology

Fish are sometimes named after mythical creatures or gods.

Name	Description
Aegean	Named after the Aegean Sea in Greece, the site of many myths
Aphrodite	Derived from the Greek goddess of love and beauty, often associated with the sea
Atlantis	A mythical island said to have sunk into the sea
Cetus	A sea monster in Greek mythology
Charybdis	A sea monster from Greek mythology
Fenrir	Legendary monstrous wolf in Norse mythology
Gorgon	In ancient Greek mythology, Gorgon was a terrifying female creature
Hermes	Greek god often associated with water through his role as a messenger
Hydra	A water serpent in Greek and Roman mythology
Kraken	A legendary sea monster of gigantic size in Scandinavian folklore
Leviathan	A sea monster referenced in the Hebrew Bible
Medusa	One of the Gorgons in Greek mythology
Mermaid	A mythological aquatic creature with a human head and torso, and a fish tail
Naiad	Water nymphs in Greek mythology
Neptune	Roman god of freshwater and the sea
Nereus	In Greek mythology, he was the old man of the sea
Oceanus	In ancient Greek religion, he personified the sea
Odysseus	Greek hero known for his long sea voyage
Poseidon	Named after the Greek god of the sea
Proteus	An early prophetic sea-god in Greek mythology
Scylla	A monster from Greek mythology
Siren	In Greek mythology, Sirens were dangerous creatures who lured sailors with their enchanting music
Spartan	In honor of the ancient Greek city-state known for its naval power
Thetis	A sea nymph in Greek mythology
Triton	Greek god who was the messenger of the sea

Names Based on Personality

Some fish names reflect their unique personalities.

Name	Description
Bashful	This is a cute name for a fish that is a bit shy
Bold	For a fish that stands out and isn't afraid of anything
Bubbly	For fishes that seem to have a playful and energetic personality
Cheeky	For a fish that likes to steal food from others
Chill	A great name for a fish that never seems to be bothered by anything
Curious	For a fish that seems interested in its surroundings
Daring	A great name for a fish that loves to explore and isn't scared of anything
Dopey	A cute name for a fish that always looks a bit confused
Feisty	A fitting name for a fish that has a lot of energy
Fierce	Ideal for a fish that appears aggressive or dominant
Flashy	An ideal name for a fish with bright colors and a flamboyant personality
Friendly	This name is perfect for a fish that seems to get along with all the other fish
Grumpy	A cute name for a fish that always seems to be in a bad mood
Jumpy	For a fish that is always on the move and never stays still
Lazy	This is a perfect name for a fish that doesn't move around much
Mellow	A cool name for a fish that seems to be always calm
Nippy	This is a fun name for a fish that is quick and always moving
Sassy	Great for a fish that has a bit of an attitude
Shadow	For a fish that likes to stay hidden or lurks in darker areas
Shy	A perfect name for a fish that likes to hide away
Snappy	This name suits a fish that is quick to react
Sneaky	Perfect for a fish that always finds a way to hide
Wary	A suitable name for a fish that always seems to be on guard
Wiggly	For a fish that moves around in a fun, wiggly way
Zippy	Ideal for a fish that moves around swiftly in the tank

Names Based on Famous Characters

People often name their fish after famous characters from movies, books, or TV shows.

Name	Description
Aladdin	The main character from the Disney movie
Ariel	After the mermaid character from Disney's 'The Little Mermaid'
Bella	From the character in 'Twilight'
Darth	A character from 'Star Wars', Darth Vader
Donatello	One of the 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'
Draco	From the character Draco Malfoy in 'Harry Potter'
Frodo	A popular character from J.R.R. Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings'
Gandalf	From the wise wizard character in 'The Lord of the Rings'
Gatsby	Inspired by the main character in 'The Great Gatsby'
Gollum	From the character in 'The Lord of the Rings'
Hagrid	Inspired by the character from the 'Harry Potter' series
Hamlet	Named after Shakespeare's tragic hero
Hannibal	From the infamous character Hannibal Lecter
Hercules	Named after the powerful hero from Greek mythology
Hulk	Named after the Marvel superhero
Morpheus	From the character in 'The Matrix'
Odysseus	Named after the Greek hero from Homer's 'Odyssey'
Poirot	A famous detective character by Agatha Christie
Rambo	Inspired by the action movie hero
Romeo	Naming your fish after Shakespeare's romantic hero
Scarlett	Based on the character Scarlett O'Hara from 'Gone with the Wind'
Sherlock	Inspired by the famous detective character, Sherlock Holmes
Simba	From Disney's 'The Lion King'
Tarzan	After the character from Edgar Rice Burroughs' 'Tarzan of the Apes'
Wolverine	Inspired by the Marvel Comics character

Names Based on Species

Many popular fish names are derived from their species.

Name	Description
Angelfish	Renowned for their unique shape and variety of patterns
Arowana	Known for their large size and predatory nature
Barb	Their active nature and bold colors are appealing to many
Betta	Known for their vibrant colors and long, flowing fins
Catfish	Valued for their scavenging abilities, helping to keep tanks clean
Cichlid	Known for their diversity in size, color, and behavior
Danio	Their active swimming and hardiness make them popular for beginners
Discus	Renowned for their distinct shape and stunning colors
Goldfish	Common choice for home aquariums due to their hardy nature
Gourami	Their unique shape and variety of colors make them a popular choice
Guppy	Their small size makes them ideal for beginner aquarists
Killifish	Known for their vibrant colors and striking patterns
Koi	Popular in outdoor ponds due to their large size and beautiful patterns
Loach	Their unusual appearance and behavior make them interesting to watch
Molly	Easy to care for and breed, making them a favorite for beginners
Oscar	Their intelligence and personality make them a popular choice
Platy	Their active and peaceful nature makes them a favorite in community tanks
Pleco	Known for their algae-eating habits, which help maintain tank cleanliness
Puffer	Unique for their ability to inflate their bodies when threatened
Rainbowfish	Known for their stunning colors, especially when in a group
Rasbora	Their peaceful nature and schooling behavior are appealing to many
Shark	Despite their name, they are peaceful and add interest to a tank
Snapper	Their large size and interesting behavior make them popular among advanced aquarists
Swordtail	Characterized by the long, sword-like tail of the males
Tetra	Their bright colors and schooling behavior are appealing to many

Names Based on Appearance

Fish often get their names from their distinctive physical characteristics.

Name	Description
Blotchy	It's named for its blotchy skin
Bumpy	Its skin has a bumpy texture
Checker	Its checkered pattern is distinctive
Dotty	It's named for its dotted pattern
Finny	Its fins are quite prominent
Flashy	The bright colors of this fish are flashy
Glimmer	Its scales glimmer in the light
Glitter	Its scales glitter in the light
Glossy	Its scales have a glossy finish
Goldie	Its golden scales inspire its name
Inky	Its dark color is reminiscent of ink
Puffy	Its puffed body shape is distinctive
Rainbow	Its multicolored scales reflect a rainbow
Ripple	Named for the ripple-like patterns on its body
Shadow	Its dark color is like a shadow
Shimmer	The fish's scales have a shimmery quality
Silky	Its smooth skin feels like silk
Spike	Its spiky fins are notable
Spot	It's named for its spotted pattern
Streak	Named for the streaks of color on its body
Stripe	This fish has prominent stripes
Swirl	Named for the swirl-like patterns on its body
Velvet	Its smooth skin feels like velvet
Whiskers	It has whisker-like barbels
Ziggy	Named for its zigzag pattern