Fish Species Database - Complete Guide to Freshwater, Saltwater & Brackish Fish

A bottom-feeding fish known for its whisker-like barbels around the mouth.

A fearsome predatory fish known for its impressive speed and sharp, fang-like teeth. Often found patrolling coral reefs and open seawaters, where it ambushes smaller fish. Juveniles may enter lagoons and sheltered coastal areas.

A large, iconic predatory fish native to the Indo-Pacific region. Catadromous - adults live in freshwater rivers and billabongs, migrating to estuaries to spawn. A highly prized sport and food fish known for its powerful fights and excellent taste.

A popular surf-dwelling fish known for its vertical bars and ability to give birth to live young. Commonly caught by shore anglers in the Pacific surf zone. Feeds on sand crabs, mollusks, and other invertebrates in the sandy wash.

A large, graceful ray common along the Pacific coast. Known for its distinctive pointed pectoral fins and long, whip-like tail. Often found in bays and estuaries where it uses its wing-like fins to uncover clams, worms, and crustaceans buried in the sand.

A schooling predator fish often seen in large groups around reefs, known for its agility.

A deep-dwelling tuna species characterized by its large eyes adapted for low-light conditions in mesopelagic zones. Prefers warmer tropical waters and undertakes vertical daily migrations, feeding at depth during the day and near surface at night. Important commercially for sashimi and canned products.

A large, fast-growing fish that feeds on zooplankton and phytoplankton.

A large fish known for its sucker mouth and importance in commercial fisheries.

A popular panfish known for its distinctive markings and excellent flavor.

A large, bottom-dwelling drum known for its robust body, chin barbels, and the drumming sound it produces. Juveniles are striped, fading to a dark gray/black in adults. Prefers estuaries and bays with soft bottoms where it feeds on crustaceans and mollusks.

A large, solitary grouper species found in western Atlantic waters. Prefers structure-rich habitats like coral reefs, rocky ledges, and wrecks in deeper waters. A formidable ambush predator and highly valued food fish.

A large, powerful billfish found in tropical Indo-Pacific waters. Known for its incredible speed and strength, making it one of the most prized big game fishes. Prefers warmer waters and is often found near continental drop-offs and coral reefs.

A coastal fish found in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, known for its versatility, mild sweet flavor, and importance in commercial fisheries. Often forms small schools over structured bottoms.

The smallest tuna species, found in the western Atlantic Ocean. Prefers warm waters near the surface and is often associated with sargassum weed lines and current edges. A fast, schooling predator popular in sport fishing.

A widely distributed grouper species found in tropical Indo-Pacific reefs. Recognizable by the black tips on its dorsal fins and tail. A solitary predator that ambushes small fish and crustaceans among coral and rocks.

A common shark species found in warm coastal waters worldwide, recognized by the black tips on its fins. Blacktip sharks are active, fast-swimming predators known for their acrobatic leaps.

The largest species of North American catfish, known for its distinctive blue hue.

A highly prized game fish and apex predator of tropical and temperate oceans. Known for its incredible size, speed, and strength. Uses its long bill to stun prey. Undertakes long migrations across open ocean waters.

A robust, schooling game fish known for its speed and iridescent blue-green back. Forms large aggregations in open coastal waters and over reefs. A common species in the western Atlantic, often used as bait for larger predators.