Fascinating Facts About Fish

Fish make up over 50% of all known vertebrate species on Earth.

Some fish can change their gender throughout their lifespan.

The largest fish in the world is the whale shark, which can grow up to 40 feet long.

Fish communicate with each other through a series of noises and movements.

Some fish have the ability to see ultraviolet light.

The fastest fish in the ocean is the sailfish, which can swim up to 68 miles per hour.

Fish have been found at depths of over 26,000 feet in the Mariana Trench.

The gulf corvina is a fish that produces sounds so loud, it can deafen dolphins.

Some species of fish can walk on land for short distances.

The male seahorse carries and gives birth to the babies.

Fish have been shown to have impressive problem-solving abilities.

Some fish have the ability to generate an electric current to navigate and communicate.

The hagfish can produce slime that expands in water, allowing it to escape from predators.

Flying fish can glide through the air for distances of up to 650 feet.

The lionfish has venomous spines that can cause severe pain and even be fatal to humans.

Some fish can survive out of water for short periods of time by breathing air.

The anglerfish uses a bioluminescent lure to attract prey in the depths of the ocean.

Fish have been found living in some of the harshest environments on Earth, including volcanic vents and icy waters.

The pufferfish can inflate itself into a ball shape to deter predators.

Some fish, like the archerfish, can shoot jets of water to knock prey into the water.

The teeth of a shark are replaced continuously throughout their lifetime.

The cleaner fish has a mutualistic relationship with other fish, as it eats parasites off their bodies in exchange for food.

The lungfish possesses both gills and lungs, allowing it to breathe in both water and air.

The clownfish lives among the tentacles of sea anemones, which provide them protection from predators.

Fish have been found to use tools in the wild, such as using rocks to crack open shells.

The mudskipper is a fish that can walk on land using its pectoral fins.

Some fish, like the salmon, have the ability to navigate thousands of miles to return to their birthplace to spawn.

The Japanese pufferfish is a delicacy, but it’s also one of the most poisonous fish in the world.

Some fish, like the lanternfish, migrate vertically in the ocean, moving closer to the surface at night to feed.

The ocean sunfish is the heaviest bony fish in the world, weighing up to 5,000 pounds.

The red-lipped batfish has the appearance of wearing bright red lipstick.

The archerfish can shoot water at insect prey above the water’s surface with astonishing accuracy.

Fish have taste buds located all over their bodies, allowing them to taste things by simply touching them.

The electric eel can generate a shock of up to 600 volts to defend itself and stun prey.

The blind cavefish has no eyes, as it lives in complete darkness.

The coelacanth is a prehistoric fish that was thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 19

Some fish, like the Siamese fighting fish, have the ability to breathe oxygen from the air.

The mantis shrimp has the most complex eyes of any known animal, with 16 different types of color receptors.

The clownfish can change its gender from male to female in dominant social groups.

Some fish, like the Atlantic cod, can live up to 25 years or more.

The vampire fish, also known as the payara, has long fangs that can reach up to 6 inches in length.

The tigerfish is known for its aggressive hunting behavior, often leaping out of the water to catch birds in mid-flight.

Fish scales are composed of the same material as teeth and can be used to determine their age.

The deep-sea anglerfish has a bioluminescent lure that dangles from its head to attract prey in the darkness.

Some species of fish, like the Japanese rice fish, can survive in extremely low oxygen environments, such as rice paddies.