Choosing the right fish for dinner can feel like a big task. There are so many names to remember. Some fish are mild. Some are rich. Some are perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Others shine at a fancy dinner party. Knowing the names helps you pick the best fish for your plate.
This guide lists over 435 fish names to eat. Each name comes with a short story. You will learn where each fish lives and how it tastes. You will also find fun facts. Use this list to become a smarter shopper. Your meals will be better. Your guests will be impressed. Let us dive into the world of edible fish.
Fish Names To Eat (With Meanings)
Every fish has a name that tells a story. Some names come from ancient languages. Others come from how the fish looks or swims. Learning these names makes cooking more fun. Here are 25 fish names to eat with a little background on each.
1. Atlantic Salmon
Atlantic Salmon is a pink-fleshed fish from cold northern waters. Fishermen catch it in the Atlantic Ocean. It has a rich, buttery taste. Chefs love it for grilling or baking. The name comes from the sea where it swims.
2. Albacore Tuna
Albacore Tuna is a light-colored tuna with a firm texture. It lives in warm and temperate oceans. People call it white tuna. Its flavor is mild and clean. Canned albacore is a pantry staple for salads and sandwiches.
3. Pacific Cod
Pacific Cod is a white, flaky fish from the Pacific Ocean. It has a gentle taste that works with many sauces. Fishermen have caught it for centuries. The name tells you exactly where it comes from.
4. Rainbow Trout
Rainbow Trout gets its name from the colorful stripe on its side. It lives in clean, cold rivers and lakes. The flesh is pink and tender. People enjoy it pan-fried with a squeeze of lemon.
5. Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin Tuna has a bright yellow fin and a strong, meaty flavor. It swims in tropical oceans. Sushi chefs prize it for its deep red color. The name matches the fish’s most striking feature.
6. European Seabass
European Seabass is a silver fish from the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Its flesh is white and succulent. Chefs call it branzino in Italy. The name reflects its home in European waters.
7. Red Snapper
Red Snapper stands out with its red skin and pink flesh. It lives near reefs in the Gulf of Mexico. The taste is sweet and nutty. It is a favorite for whole-roasted dinners.
8. Sockeye Salmon
Sockeye Salmon has deep red flesh and a strong, wild flavor. It runs up rivers in the Pacific Northwest. The name comes from the language of the First Nations. It means red fish.
9. Halibut
Halibut is a flat, large fish from the North Atlantic and Pacific. Its meat is firm and lean. People say it tastes like a cross between cod and lobster. The name means holy flat fish in old English.
10. Mackerel
Mackerel is a small, oily fish with bold stripes. It swims in large schools in temperate seas. The flavor is strong and smoky. It is great for grilling or broiling or smoking.
11. Sardines
Sardines are tiny, silver fish that live in the size of a finger. They come from the Mediterranean and Atlantic. People pack them in oil or salt. The name comes from the island of Sardinia where they were once plentiful.
12. Anchovies
Anchovies are even smaller than sardines. They have a salty, intense taste. They are used in Caesar salads and pizzas. The name comes from the Spanish word for little fish.
13. Barramundi
Barramundi is a white fish from Australia and Southeast Asia. It has a mild, sweet flavor with large flakes. The name means large-scaled fish in an Aboriginal language. It is now farmed around the world.
14. Arctic Char
Arctic Char lives in cold northern lakes and seas. Its flesh is pink like salmon but milder. The name comes from the charr family of fish. It is a great alternative to trout.
15. Cobia
Cobia is a long, brown fish from warm seas. Its flesh is firm and buttery. Fishermen call it black kingfish. The name may come from a West African word for a kind of fish.
16. Branzino
Branzino is the Italian name for European Seabass. It is a whole fish often cooked in salt crust. The flesh is delicate and flaky. The name sounds elegant on any menu.
17. Opah
Opah is a large, colorful fish that lives deep in the ocean. Its flesh is orange and tastes like a mix of tuna and salmon. The name comes from a Hawaiian word for fat fish.
18. Sablefish
Sablefish is a dark fish from the North Pacific. It has very high oil content. That makes it rich and silky. Chefs call it black cod. The name sable means black in Slavic languages.
19. Mahi-Mahi
Mahi-Mahi is a bright green and yellow fish from tropical seas. Its flesh is firm and sweet. People call it dolphin fish. The name mahi means strong in Hawaiian.
20. Catfish
Catfish is a bottom feeder that lives in rivers and ponds. It has whiskers like a cat. The flesh is white and mild. Fried catfish is a classic Southern dish in the United States.
21. Tilapia
Tilapia is a white fish from Africa and Asia. It has a very mild taste. It is cheap and easy to farm. The name comes from an old Greek word for edible fish.
22. Grouper
Grouper is a huge reef fish with a large mouth. Its flesh is firm and lean. It is often used in fish sandwiches. The name comes from the Portuguese word for fish head.
23. Swordfish
Swordfish has a long, sharp bill like a sword. It swims fast in the open ocean. Its meat is dense and meaty. Grilled swordfish steaks are a summer favorite.
24. Monkfish
Monkfish is an ugly fish with a huge head. Its tail meat is sweet and firm. Chefs call it poor man’s lobster. The name comes from the shape of its head like a monk’s hood.
25. John Dory
John Dory is a flat, oval fish with a black spot on its side. The spot is called Saint Peter’s mark. The flesh is white and flaky. The name may come from an old French word for golden.
Healthy Fish Names To Eat
Fish is one of the healthiest foods you can eat. It is full of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins. Some fish are better for you than others. Here are 33 healthy fish names to eat. They are low in mercury and high in nutrients.
- Atlantic Salmon
- Sockeye Salmon
- Coho Salmon
- Pink Salmon
- Chinook Salmon
- Mackerel
- Sardines
- Anchovies
- Herring
- Rainbow Trout
- Arctic Char
- Pacific Cod
- Haddock
- Pollock
- Flatfish
- Sole
- Flounder
- Tilapia
- Catfish
- Pangasius
- Basa
- Barramundi
- Tuna (light)
- Albacore Tuna
- Skipjack Tuna
- Mahi-Mahi
- Yellowfin Tuna
- Cobia
- Striped Bass
- Sea Bass
- Branzino
- Red Snapper
- Grouper
- Hake
- Whiting
- Cod
- Atlantic Cod
Budget-Friendly Fish Names To Eat
Eating fish does not have to be expensive. Many tasty fish cost less than steak or chicken. These budget-friendly fish names to eat are affordable and easy to find. They work well in everyday meals like tacos, soups, and bakes.
- Tilapia
- Catfish
- Pollock
- Haddock
- Whiting
- Sardines
- Anchovies
- Mackerel
- Herring
- Smelt
- Whitebait
- Basa
- Pangasius
- Swai
- Pacific Cod
- Atlantic Cod
- Hake
- Ling
- Cusk
- Rockfish
- Ocean Perch
- Lake Perch
- Yellow Perch
- Bluegill
- Crappie
- Sunfish
- Carp
- Milkfish
- Mulloway
- Butterfish
- Escolar
- Pompano
- Jack Mackerel
- Horse Mackerel
- Scad
- Round Scad
- Cunner
- Tautog
- Sheepshead
Mild Fish Names To Eat
Some people are new to fish. They prefer a taste that is not too strong. Mild fish names to eat have a gentle flavor. They take on the taste of sauces and spices. These fish are perfect for kids or picky eaters.
- Tilapia
- Cod
- Haddock
- Pollock
- Flounder
- Sole
- Platyfish
- Basa
- Pangasius
- Swai
- Catfish
- Barramundi
- Rainbow Trout
- Arctic Char
- Red Snapper
- Grouper
- Halibut
- Mahi-Mahi
- Cobia
- Striped Bass
- White Perch
- Yellowtail Snapper
- Snapper
- Sea Bass
- Branzino
- Corvina
- Porgy
- Scup
- Pike
- Walleye
- Zander
- Dorade
- Sea Bream
- Tai (Red Seabream)
- Madtom
- Stone Catfish
- Bullhead
- Channel Catfish
Flaky Fish Names To Eat
Flaky fish fall apart into tender pieces when cooked. This texture is perfect for fish and chips or tacos. Flaky fish names to eat are usually white and lean. They cook quickly and pair well with herbs.
- Cod
- Haddock
- Pollock
- Flounder
- Sole
- Halibut
- Turbot
- Branzino
- Sea Bass
- Red Snapper
- Grouper
- Snapper
- Yellowtail Snapper
- Bream
- Porgy
- Scup
- Dorade
- Sea Bream
- Tai
- John Dory
- Monkfish
- Hake
- Mahi-Mahi
- Barramundi
- Striped Bass
- White Perch
- Rockfish
- Ocean Perch
- Lake Perch
- Yellow Perch
- Walleye
- Pike
- Zander
- Crappie
- Bluegill
- Sunfish
- Carp (deboned)
- Milkfish
- Smelt
Oily Fish Names To Eat
Oily fish have lots of healthy fats. They are rich in flavor and omega-3 oils. These oily fish names to eat are great for grilling or smoking. They keep the heart healthy and the brain sharp.
- Atlantic Salmon
- Sockeye Salmon
- Coho Salmon
- Pink Salmon
- Chinook Salmon
- Mackerel
- Spanish Mackerel
- King Mackerel
- Sardines
- Anchovies
- Herring
- Bluefish
- Tuna
- Albacore Tuna
- Yellowfin Tuna
- Skipjack Tuna
- Bluefin Tuna
- Swordfish
- Shark
- Eel
- Branzino
- Sea Bass
- Mahi-Mahi
- Cobia
- Sablefish
- Black Cod
- Butterfish
- Escolar
- Opah
- Milkfish
- Pompano
- Amberjack
- Horse Mackerel
- Jack Mackerel
- Round Scad
- Rudderfish
- Barracuda
- Wahoo
- Giant Trevally
Freshwater Fish Names To Eat
Freshwater fish live in rivers, lakes, and ponds. They have a different taste from ocean fish. Some are firm, some are flaky. These freshwater fish names to eat come from waters all over the world.
- Rainbow Trout
- Brown Trout
- Brook Trout
- Lake Trout
- Bluegill
- Sunfish
- Crappie
- Yellow Perch
- Walleye
- Pike
- Northern Pike
- Muskellunge
- Pickerel
- Catfish
- Channel Catfish
- Blue Catfish
- Flathead Catfish
- Bullhead
- Madtom
- Largemouth Bass
- Smallmouth Bass
- Spotted Bass
- White Bass
- Striped Bass (landlocked)
- White Perch
- Yellow Perch
- Sauger
- Zander
- Carp
- Grass Carp
- Silver Carp
- Bighead Carp
- Tilapia
- Barramundi
- Pangasius
- Basa
- Swai
- Arapaima
- Tambaqui
- Pacu
Saltwater Fish Names To Eat
Saltwater fish come from oceans and seas. They often have a briny taste. Many are large and firm. These saltwater fish names to eat are favorites in coastal kitchens and seafood markets.
- Atlantic Salmon
- Coho Salmon
- Pink Salmon
- Chinook Salmon
- Sockeye Salmon
- Cod
- Haddock
- Pollock
- Flounder
- Sole
- Turbot
- Halibut
- Red Snapper
- Grouper
- Snapper
- Yellowtail Snapper
- Mahi-Mahi
- Cobia
- Swordfish
- Shark
- Mackerel
- Spanish Mackerel
- King Mackerel
- Sardines
- Anchovies
- Herring
- Bluefish
- Tuna
- Albacore Tuna
- Yellowfin Tuna
- Skipjack Tuna
- Bluefin Tuna
- Sablefish
- Black Cod
- Butterfish
- Escolar
- Opah
- Pompano
- Amberjack
- Wahoo
Exotic Fish Names To Eat
Do you want to try something new? Exotic fish names to eat come from faraway waters. They have unusual flavors and textures. These fish are not in every supermarket. But they are worth finding for a special meal.
- Arapaima
- Pacu
- Tambaqui
- Milkfish
- Round Scad
- Rudderfish
- Barracuda
- Giant Trevally
- Dogfish
- Skate
- Ray
- Cuttlefish
- Octopus
- Squid
- Lobster
- Crab
- Shrimp
- Prawn
- Langoustine
- Scallop
- Mussel
- Clam
- Oyster
- Abalone
- Sea Urchin
- Eel (Unagi)
- Conger Eel
- Moray Eel
- Lionfish
- Triggerfish
- Parrotfish
- Hogfish
- Snook
- Tarpon
- Goliath Grouper
- Nile Perch
- Lake Victoria Perch
- Bony Fish
Your Next Catch: Choosing The Perfect Fish
Now you have a huge list of fish names to eat. Each fish has its own story and taste. You can pick a mild fish for a light dinner. You can choose an oily fish for a hearty meal. You can try an exotic fish for a new experience.
Go to your local market with confidence. Look for fresh eyes and bright gills. Ask the fishmonger for the best catch of the day. With this guide, you will never be lost at the seafood counter. Enjoy every bite. Your cooking will become more exciting. Your health will thank you. Happy eating.
