32 Popular Types of Fish Around the World

Fish are a big part of many people’s diets worldwide. But it’s not always easy to know what to pick when you’re at the market or restaurant. There are so many types of fish out there!

I’ve got good news. As someone who loves to cook, eat, keep them as their pet, and explore fish, I’m here to help you learn about different fish varieties. In this post, I’ll show you 32 popular types of fish from around the world.

You’ll find out what these fish look like and where they’re from. By the end, you’ll feel more confident choosing fish for your next plan.

Classification Based on Habitat

1. Trout

Trout are native to cold-water streams and rivers across North America, Europe, and Asia. They have a streamlined body with spots on their sides, adapting them to life in fast-moving waters.

Scientific Name: Salmo trutta
Weight: 1-3 kg on average
Lifespan: 5-7 years

2. Catfish

Catfish are freshwater dwellers that originate from regions of North America and Africa. They are easily recognizable by their whisker-like barbels, which they use to sense food in murky waters.

Scientific Name: Ictalurus punctatus
Weight: 1-20 kg
Lifespan: 8-20 years

3. Tuna

Tuna are fast-swimming saltwater fish found in oceans worldwide. Their streamlined body allows them to cover vast distances, making them highly migratory.

Scientific Name: Thunnus albacares
Weight: 15-200 kg
Lifespan: 10-15 years

4. Salmon

Salmon are born in freshwater but migrate to the ocean, only to return to their birth rivers to spawn. They are known for their distinctive silver bodies and are a popular food source.

Scientific Name: Salmo salar
Weight: 2-4 kg
Lifespan: 3-8 years

5. Marlin

Marlin are large, fast-swimming fish found in deep ocean waters. They have a spear-like snout and are highly prized in sport fishing.

Scientific Name: Istiophoridae
Weight: 50-200 kg
Lifespan: 9-10 years

6. Barramundi

Barramundi are silver-colored fish that thrive in brackish and freshwater environments in Indo-West Pacific regions, including Australia and Southeast Asia.

Scientific Name: Lates calcarifer
Weight: 5-10 kg
Lifespan: 10-20 years

Classification Based on Body Shape

7. Flounder

Flounders are flat fish that live on the seafloor of coastal waters across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Their asymmetrical bodies help them blend into the seabed.

Scientific Name: Paralichthys lethostigma
Weight: 2-5 kg
Lifespan: 7-12 years

8. Halibut

Halibut are large flatfish found in the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans. They have a broad, flattened body and are popular for commercial fishing.

Scientific Name: Hippoglossus stenolepis
Weight: 30-230 kg
Lifespan: 30-50 years

9. Sole

Sole is a type of flatfish found in coastal waters around Europe and North America. They have oval-shaped bodies and are known for their delicate taste.

Scientific Name: Solea solea
Weight: 0.5-1 kg
Lifespan: 8-10 years

10. Eel

Eels have an elongated, snake-like body and are found in both freshwater and marine environments around the world. Their smooth, scaleless skin allows them to navigate through narrow spaces.

Scientific Name: Anguilla anguilla
Weight: 1-3 kg
Lifespan: 15-20 years

11. Cod

Cod are round-bodied fish found in cold waters of the North Atlantic. Their stocky body and large mouth make them well-adapted for life near the ocean floor.

Scientific Name: Gadus morhua
Weight: 2-12 kg
Lifespan: 13-20 years

12. Haddock

Haddock are round-bodied fish found in the North Atlantic, often close to the sea floor. They are closely related to cod but are smaller in size.

Scientific Name: Melanogrammus aeglefinus
Weight: 1-3 kg
Lifespan: 10-14 years

Classification Based on Feeding Habits

13. Shark

Sharks are carnivorous fish found in oceans worldwide, ranging from shallow seas to deep waters. They have sleek, muscular bodies with sharp teeth designed for hunting prey.

Scientific Name: Carcharodon carcharias
Weight: 500-1,000 kg
Lifespan: 20-30 years

14. Barracuda

Barracudas are fast-swimming, carnivorous fish found in tropical and subtropical oceans. Their long body and sharp teeth make them fierce hunters.

Scientific Name: Sphyraena
Weight: 5-15 kg
Lifespan: 10-14 years

15. Surgeonfish

Surgeonfish are herbivorous fish found in coral reefs in tropical waters around the world. They have sharp spines on either side of their tails for defense.

Scientific Name: Acanthurus
Weight: 0.5-2 kg
Lifespan: 5-7 years

16. Rabbitfish

Rabbitfish are small herbivorous fish found in coral reefs and lagoons in the Indo-Pacific region. They have a slender body with a pointed head and are known for their peaceful nature.

Scientific Name: Siganus
Weight: 0.5-1 kg
Lifespan: 3-5 years

17. Carp

Carp are omnivorous fish found in freshwater lakes and rivers around the world. They have a stocky body and barbels on their mouth, which they use to find food.

Scientific Name: Cyprinus carpio
Weight: 2-14 kg
Lifespan: 15-20 years

18. Bluegill

Bluegills are small omnivorous fish found in freshwater lakes and rivers across North America. They have a round body and are often found in shallow waters, feeding on insects and plants.

Scientific Name: Lepomis macrochirus
Weight: 0.5-1 kg
Lifespan: 4-6 years

Classification Based on Human Consumption

19. Tilapia

Tilapia is a freshwater fish native to Africa and widely farmed across the world for its mild taste. Its firm white flesh makes it one of the most popular fish in the world.

Scientific Name: Oreochromis niloticus
Weight: 0.5-2 kg
Lifespan: 5-10 years

20. Perch

Perch are freshwater fish commonly found in North America and Europe. They have a mild, sweet flavor and are often pan-fried or grilled.

Scientific Name: Perca fluviatilis
Weight: 0.2-1 kg
Lifespan: 7-11 years

21. Bass

Bass, particularly Largemouth Bass, are widely consumed in North America for their mild taste and firm texture. They thrive in freshwater lakes and rivers.

Scientific Name: Micropterus salmoides
Weight: 1-4 kg
Lifespan: 10-16 years

22. Walleye

Walleye is a popular freshwater fish found in North America, prized for its delicate and sweet-tasting white flesh. It is often grilled, baked, or fried.

Scientific Name: Sander vitreus
Weight: 1-5 kg
Lifespan: 7-10 years

23. Shrimp

Shrimp are small, swimming crustaceans found in both salt and freshwater. They are a highly versatile seafood, popular in dishes like shrimp scampi and stir-fry.

Scientific Name: Caridea
Weight: 0.02-0.05 kg
Lifespan: 1-6 years

24. Lobster

Lobsters are large, clawed crustaceans found in saltwater along the continental shelf. They are prized for their sweet, tender meat, which is often served boiled or grilled.

Scientific Name: Homarus americanus
Weight: 1-8 kg
Lifespan: 45-50 years

25. Mackerel

Mackerel is a small, fast-swimming fish known for its rich, oily meat. It is considered a sustainable choice due to its rapid reproduction and population stability.

Scientific Name: Scomber scombrus
Weight: 0.5-1.5 kg
Lifespan: 8-12 years

26. Sardines

Sardines are small, oily fish often consumed whole, known for being rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. They reproduce quickly, making them a sustainable seafood option.

Scientific Name: Sardina pilchardus
Weight: 0.05-0.1 kg
Lifespan: 1-4 years

27. Mahi-Mahi

Mahi-Mahi is a colorful saltwater fish found in tropical and subtropical waters. It has firm, lean flesh and is often grilled or baked, making it a popular choice in coastal cuisines.

Scientific Name: Coryphaena hippurus
Weight: 7-18 kg
Lifespan: 4-5 years

Classification Based on Popular Aquarium Fish

28. Guppies

Guppies are small tropical freshwater fish native to South America. They are known for their bright colors and active behavior, making them popular in aquariums.

Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
Weight: 0.002-0.005 kg
Lifespan: 2-3 years

29. Angelfish

Angelfish are strikingly beautiful tropical fish native to the Amazon River basin. They have flat, triangular bodies and long, flowing fins.

Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare
Weight: 0.05-0.07 kg
Lifespan: 10-12 years

30. Goldfish

Goldfish are one of the most popular coldwater aquarium fish, originating from East Asia. They come in various sizes and colors and are known for their long lifespan.

Scientific Name: Carassius auratus
Weight: 0.05-0.5 kg
Lifespan: 10-20 years

31. Koi

Koi are ornamental coldwater fish commonly found in garden ponds. Originating from Japan, they are large and brightly colored, often living for decades.

Scientific Name: Cyprinus rubrofuscus
Weight: 5-15 kg
Lifespan: 20-30 years

32. White Cloud Mountain Minnow

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are small, peaceful coldwater fish from China. They are hardy and thrive in both aquariums and outdoor ponds.

Scientific Name: Tanichthys albonubes
Weight: 0.002-0.005 kg
Lifespan: 3-5 years

Conclusion

Now you know about 32 different types of fish from all over the world! I hope this list helps you feel more confident when you’re exploring the world, especially while picking the fish.

Remember, exploring new types of fish can be fun. Each fish has its own characteristics. Why not challenge yourself to try a new fish from this list next time you visit a new country?

If you’re worried about making the right choice, don’t be. Start with milder fish like cod or tilapia, then work your way up to stronger flavors.

What’s your favorite type of fish? Did you learn about any new ones today?

Let me know in the comments!