172 Fish Starting With S [Ultimate List]

Welcome to the exciting world of fish starting with S! Fish are fascinating creatures that come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and the S-list boasts some of the most unique and interesting fish species out there.

Whether you’re a seasoned fish enthusiast or just starting out on your fish-keeping journey, this article is sure to have something that will pique your interest.

From the majestic Sailfish to the elusive Sandbar Shark, the fish that begin with S alphabet are a diverse group with a wide range of behaviors and characteristics.

Some are prized for their meat or sport fishing potential, while others are simply a joy to observe in their natural habitats. Whatever your interest, we’re sure you’ll find something to love among the fish that start with S.

Fish That Start With S

Sacramento Blackfish

The Sacramento Blackfish (Orthodon microlepidotus) is a freshwater fish that is endemic to California’s Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. The Sacramento Blackfish is a relatively small fish, typically measuring between 10 to 12 inches in length. This fish is characterized by its dark coloration and a row of small scales along the lateral line. The Sacramento Blackfish is primarily found in slow-moving waters, such as sloughs, channels, and backwaters, where it feeds on insects, crustaceans, and small fish.

Sacramento Splittail

The Sacramento Splittail (Pogonichthys macrolepidotus) is another freshwater fish species found in California’s Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. This fish is named for the distinctive split in its tail fin, which is believed to aid in maneuverability. The Sacramento Splittail is a relatively large fish, with adults measuring up to 20 inches in length. This fish has an elongated body, with a dark green back and silver sides. The Sacramento Splittail feeds on aquatic insects, crustaceans, and small fish, and is typically found in slow-moving waters with abundant vegetation.

Sailfin Silverside

The Sailfin Silverside (Menidia beryllina) is a small fish species found in the brackish and freshwater habitats along the western coast of North America. This fish is named for its distinctive sail-like dorsal fin, which is used for display and communication. The Sailfin Silverside is typically less than 4 inches in length and has a silvery body with a dark stripe along its lateral line. This fish feeds on small aquatic invertebrates, algae, and detritus, and is an important prey item for larger fish and birds.

Sailfish

The Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) is a large predatory fish found in the warmer waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This fish is characterized by its long, sail-like dorsal fin, which can be raised and lowered at will. The Sailfish is a highly migratory species that can reach lengths of up to 10 feet and weights of over 200 pounds. This fish feeds on a variety of prey, including smaller fish, squid, and crustaceans. The Sailfish is a popular game fish due to its speed and acrobatic jumps.

Salamanderfish

The Salamanderfish (Lepidogalaxias salamandroides) is a unique fish species found only in New Zealand. This fish is named for its resemblance to a salamander, with its elongated body and small limbs. The Salamanderfish is typically less than 4 inches in length and has a brownish-gray coloration. This fish inhabits cold, clear streams and feeds on small aquatic invertebrates. The Salamanderfish is considered a threatened species due to habitat loss and fragmentation.

Salmon

Salmon is a popular food fish that is found in both freshwater and saltwater habitats throughout the northern hemisphere. Salmon are characterized by their silver coloration and distinctive spots along their sides. There are several species of salmon, including Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, and Pink. Salmon are anadromous, meaning they hatch and spend the early part of their lives in freshwater before migrating to the ocean to feed and grow. Adult salmon then return to their natal streams to spawn. Salmon are an important food source for many animals, including bears, eagles, and humans.

Salmon Shark

The Salmon Shark (Lamna ditropis) is a large predatory shark found in the cold waters of the North Pacific. This shark is named for  its diet, which consists mainly of salmon and other fish. The Salmon Shark can grow up to 10 feet in length and weigh over 1,000 pounds. It has a streamlined body and pointed snout, with a grayish-brown coloration. The Salmon Shark is a fast swimmer and can reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. Despite its size and predatory nature, the Salmon Shark is not considered a significant threat to humans.

Sandbar Shark

The Sandbar Shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus) is a large shark species found in the shallow coastal waters of the western Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. This shark is named for its preference for sandy bottoms and shallow waters. The Sandbar Shark can grow up to 8 feet in length and weigh over 200 pounds. It has a large, triangular dorsal fin and a dark gray coloration. The Sandbar Shark feeds on a variety of prey, including small fish, crustaceans, and squid. It is an important food source for humans, but its population is declining due to overfishing.

Sandburrower

The Sandburrower (Ammodytes americanus) is a small fish species found in the sandy intertidal zones of the eastern coast of North America. This fish is named for its ability to burrow in the sand, which it does by quickly wiggling its body back and forth. The Sandburrower is typically less than 6 inches in length and has a slender, cylindrical body. It feeds on small invertebrates and is an important prey item for larger fish and birds.

Sand Dab

The Sand Dab (Citharichthys sordidus) is a flatfish species found in the sandy and muddy bottoms of the eastern Pacific Ocean, from Alaska to Baja California. This fish is named for its flattened body and its preference for sandy habitats. The Sand Dab is typically less than 10 inches in length and has a brownish coloration with small, scattered spots. It feeds on small crustaceans and other invertebrates and is an important food source for humans.

Sand Diver

The Sand Diver (Synodus intermedius) is a small predatory fish species found in the sandy bottoms of the western Atlantic Ocean, from Florida to Brazil. This fish is named for its ability to quickly burrow in the sand to escape predators. The Sand Diver is typically less than 12 inches in length and has a brownish coloration with irregular markings. It feeds on small fish and crustaceans and is an important prey item for larger fish and birds.

Sand Eel

The Sand Eel (Ammodytes spp.) is a small, slender fish species found in the sandy intertidal zones of the eastern coast of North America and the eastern Atlantic Ocean. Sand Eels are typically less than 6 inches in length and have a silver coloration with a dark back. They feed on small planktonic organisms and are an important prey item for larger fish and birds.

Sandfish

The Sandfish (Arctoscopus japonicus) is a fish species found in the sandy and muddy bottoms of the western Pacific Ocean, from Japan to Korea. This fish is named for its ability to bury itself in the sand using its long, slender body. The Sandfish can grow up to 12 inches in length and has a brownish coloration with irregular markings. It feeds on small crustaceans and other invertebrates.

Sand Goby

The Sand Goby (Pomatoschistus minutus) is a small fish species found in the sandy intertidal zones of the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. This fish is typically less than 2 inches in length and has a brownish coloration with irregular markings. The Sand Goby feeds on small invertebrates and is an important prey item for larger fish and birds. It is also known for its unique behavior of building and guarding a nest in the sand for its eggs.

Sand Knifefish

The Sand Knifefish (Eigenmannia virescens) is a freshwater fish species found in the Amazon River Basin and other rivers in South America. This fish is named for its long, slender body that resembles a knife. The Sand Knifefish can grow up to 12 inches in length and has a dark brown coloration with a greenish iridescence. It feeds on small invertebrates and other fish, using its electroreceptive abilities to detect prey in the murky waters.

Sand Lance

The Sand Lance (Ammodytes spp.) is a small, slender fish species found in the sandy intertidal zones of the eastern coast of North America and the eastern Pacific Ocean. Sand Lances are typically less than 8 inches in length and have a silver coloration with a dark back. They feed on small planktonic organisms and are an important prey item for larger fish and birds.

Sandperch

The Sandperch (Diplectrum formosum) is a fish species found in the sandy and rocky bottoms of the western Atlantic Ocean, from North Carolina to Brazil. This fish is typically less than 10 inches in length and has a brownish coloration with irregular markings. The Sandperch feeds on small invertebrates and other fish and is an important prey item for larger fish and birds.

Sandroller

The Sandroller (Percopsis transmontana) is a freshwater fish species found in the Columbia River Basin and other rivers in western North America. This fish is named for its ability to roll in the sand, which it does to bury itself and avoid predators. The Sandroller can grow up to 6 inches in length and has a silvery coloration with a dark back. It feeds on small invertebrates and other fish.

Sand Stargazer

The Sand Stargazer (Dactyloscopidae spp.) is a fish family found in the sandy and muddy bottoms of the eastern Pacific Ocean, from California to Chile. These fish are named for their upward-facing eyes, which they use to detect prey above them in the water column. Sand Stargazers can grow up to 8 inches in length and have a brownish coloration with irregular markings. They feed on small invertebrates and other fish and are an important prey item for larger fish and birds.

Sand Tiger

The Sand Tiger (Carcharias taurus) is a large shark species found in the sandy and rocky bottoms of the western Atlantic Ocean and the eastern Pacific Ocean. This shark is named for its preference for sandy habitats and its large, protruding teeth that give it a fierce appearance. The Sand Tiger can grow up to 10 feet in length and weigh over 350 pounds. Despite its predatory nature, the Sand Tiger is not considered a significant threat to humans.

Sand Tilefish

The Sand Tilefish (Malacanthus plumieri) is a fish species found in the sandy and rocky bottoms of the western Atlantic Ocean, from North Carolina to Brazil. This fish is typically less than 12 inches in length and has a yellowish coloration with blue markings. The Sand Tilefish feeds on small invertebrates and other fish and is an important prey item for larger fish and birds. It is also a popular game fish due to its delicious flavor.

 

Sandbar Shark

The Sandbar Shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus) is a large shark species found in the sandy coastal waters of the western Atlantic Ocean and the eastern Pacific Ocean. This shark is named for its preference for shallow sandbars and estuaries. The Sandbar Shark can grow up to 8 feet in length and weigh over 200 pounds. It has a grayish-brown coloration and a distinctive triangular dorsal fin. The Sandbar Shark feeds on small fish and invertebrates and is an important predator in its ecosystem.

Sarcastic Fringehead

The Sarcastic Fringehead (Neoclinus blanchardi) is a small fish species found in the rocky intertidal zones of the eastern Pacific Ocean, from California to Mexico. This fish is named for its aggressive behavior and its ability to expand its mouth and display its bright orange coloration as a warning to intruders. The Sarcastic Fringehead is typically less than 7 inches in length and has a brownish coloration with irregular markings. It feeds on small invertebrates and is known for its unique mating behavior, in which the male and female engage in mouth-to-mouth combat.

Sardine

The Sardine (Sardina pilchardus) is a small fish species found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Black Sea. This fish is named for the island of Sardinia, where it was first identified. Sardines are typically less than 6 inches in length and have a silver coloration with a dark back. They feed on planktonic organisms and are an important prey item for larger fish, birds, and marine mammals. Sardines are also a popular food fish and are canned for human consumption.

Sargassum Fish

The Sargassum Fish (Histrio histrio) is a small fish species found in the floating mats of Sargassum seaweed in the Atlantic Ocean. This fish is named for its ability to blend in with the seaweed and ambush its prey. The Sargassum Fish can grow up to 8 inches in length and has a brownish coloration with irregular markings. It feeds on small invertebrates and other fish and is an important predator in its ecosystem.

Sauger

The Sauger (Sander canadensis) is a freshwater fish species found in the rivers and lakes of North America. This fish is closely related to the Walleye and is often mistaken for it. The Sauger can grow up to 24 inches in length and has a yellowish-brown coloration with dark markings. It feeds on small fish and invertebrates and is an important game and food fish.

Saury

The Saury (Cololabis saira) is a small fish species found in the North Pacific Ocean, from Japan to California. This fish is named for its elongated, torpedo-shaped body that allows it to swim at high speeds. The Saury can grow up to 16 inches in length and has a silver coloration with a dark back. It feeds on small planktonic organisms and is an important prey item for larger fish, birds, and marine mammals. The Saury is also a popular food fish in Japan.

Sawfish

The Sawfish (Pristidae spp.) is a group of shark-like fish species found in the shallow coastal waters of the tropics and subtropics. These fish are named for their long, saw-like rostrum that they use to detect and stun prey. Sawfish can grow up to 23 feet in length and are considered a critically endangered species due to overfishing and habitat destruction.

 

Saw Shark

The saw shark is a unique-looking fish with a long, flat snout covered in teeth-like structures. These “teeth” are actually modified scales that the saw shark uses to catch prey. Found in the coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the saw shark primarily feeds on small fish and crustaceans.

Sawtooth Eel

The sawtooth eel is a long, slender fish found in the deep waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Its body is covered in tiny, sharp scales and its jaw is filled with numerous sharp teeth. Despite its fearsome appearance, the sawtooth eel is a relatively harmless fish that feeds on small invertebrates.

Scabbard Fish

The scabbard fish is a deep-sea fish found in the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans. Its long, slender body is covered in silvery scales, and it has a sharp, pointed snout. The scabbard fish is a popular food fish in Europe, where it is often used in fish and chips.

Scaly Dragonfish

The scaly dragonfish is a small fish found in the deep waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Its body is covered in small, iridescent scales that reflect light and help to camouflage the fish in its environment. The scaly dragonfish has a long, pointed snout and a mouth full of sharp teeth that it uses to catch small fish and invertebrates.

Scat

The scat is a tropical fish found in the Indo-Pacific region. It has a round, flat body and a small, downward-facing mouth. The scat feeds on algae and small invertebrates and is often kept as a pet in home aquariums.

Scissortail Rasbora

The scissortail rasbora is a small, peaceful fish found in the freshwater rivers and streams of Southeast Asia. It has a silver body with a black stripe running down its back and a deeply forked tail. The scissortail rasbora is a popular aquarium fish and is often kept in schools.

Scorpionfish

The scorpionfish is a type of venomous fish found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. Its body is covered in spines and its skin has a mottled pattern that helps it blend in with its surroundings. The scorpionfish feeds on small fish and invertebrates and is often found hiding in rocks or coral.

Sculpin

The sculpin is a bottom-dwelling fish found in both freshwater and saltwater habitats around the world. It has a large, flattened head and a body covered in spines and bony plates for protection. Sculpins are often ambush predators, waiting for prey to come within striking distance before pouncing on them.

Scup

The scup, also known as the porgy, is a popular food fish found in the coastal waters of the western Atlantic Ocean. It has a round body with a silver-gray color and can grow up to 18 inches in length. Scup are often caught by recreational fishermen and are also an important commercial fishery.

Sea Bass

The sea bass is a popular food fish found in both saltwater and freshwater habitats around the world. It has a stout body and a large mouth filled with sharp teeth. Sea bass are often prized by recreational fishermen for their fighting ability and are also an important commercial fishery.

Sea Bream

The sea bream, also known as the porgie, is a popular food fish found in the coastal waters of the Atlantic and Mediterranean. It has a round body with a silvery color and can grow up to 18 inches in length. Sea bream are often caught by recreational fishermen and are also an important commercial fishery.

Sea Catfish

The sea catfish is a bottom-dwelling fish found in the shallow coastal waters of the western Atlantic Ocean. It has a long, slender body with a brown or gray color and is covered in small, sharp spines. Sea catfish feed on small invertebrates and are often caught by recreational fishermen.

Sea Chub

The sea chub is a colorful fish found in the shallow waters of the western Atlantic Ocean. It has a rounded body with bright blue and green coloring and can grow up to 12 inches in length. Sea chub are often kept in home aquariums for their striking appearance.

Sea Devil

The sea devil, also known as the anglerfish, is a deep-sea fish known for its unique appearance. It has a large head with a mouth full of sharp teeth and a long, thin body. The sea devil also has a long, thin appendage protruding from its head that it uses to lure prey towards its mouth.

Sábalo

The Sábalo is a freshwater fish that belongs to the tarpon family Megalopidae. This fish is commonly found in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean. It is known for its silvery scales, elongated body, and large, protruding lower jaw. The Sábalo is a popular game fish among anglers due to its impressive size, strength, and ability to put up a good fight. Its diet mainly consists of small fish, crustaceans, and insects.

Sabertooth

The Sabertooth fish, also known as the sabertooth tetra, is a small freshwater fish native to the Amazon Basin in South America. This fish gets its name from the two long, curved teeth that protrude from its lower jaw, resembling those of a saber-toothed cat. The Sabertooth fish is popular among aquarists due to its striking appearance and peaceful nature. It is a schooling fish that thrives in groups, and feeds on small aquatic insects, crustaceans, and plant matter.

Saber-toothed Blenny

The Saber-toothed Blenny, also known as the saber-toothed fang blenny, is a small marine fish that is found in the Western Pacific Ocean. This fish is known for its distinctive elongated lower canine teeth that resemble fangs, and its unique method of feeding by biting off pieces of flesh from other fish. Despite its predatory nature, the Saber-toothed Blenny is a peaceful fish that can be kept in a reef aquarium with caution. It is a colorful fish that feeds mainly on small crustaceans and fish.

Sabertooth Fish

The Sabertooth fish, also known as the wolf fish or tiger fish, is a predatory freshwater fish found in South America. This fish is characterized by its large, powerful jaws and sharp teeth, which it uses to crush and tear apart its prey. The Sabertooth fish is a popular game fish among anglers due to its aggressive behavior and formidable size, which can reach up to 4 feet in length. It feeds on a variety of prey, including smaller fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.

Sablefish

The Sablefish, also known as the black cod, is a deep-sea fish that is found in the North Pacific Ocean. This fish is highly prized for its tender, oily flesh and is a popular food fish in many countries. The Sablefish is a slow-growing fish that can live up to 90 years and can grow up to 3 feet in length. It feeds on a variety of prey, including small fish, crustaceans, and squid.

Stromateidae

Stromateidae is a family of marine fish commonly known as butterfish, harvestfish, or rudderfish. These fish are found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, and are known for their flat, disc-shaped bodies and smooth skin. The Stromateidae family includes several commercially important species that are harvested for food, including the Japanese butterfish and the Pacific harvestfish. They feed on a variety of prey, including small fish, crustaceans, and plankton.

Sacramento Blackfish

The Sacramento Blackfish, also known as the Sacramento Sucker, is a freshwater fish found in California’s Central Valley. This fish is characterized by its elongated body, large head, and prominent sucker mouth. The Sacramento Blackfish is an important species in California’s ecosystem, serving as a food source for predatory fish and birds. It feeds mainly on algae and other plant matter, but also eats small aquatic insects and crustaceans.

Sea Dragon

The sea dragon is a fascinating creature that belongs to the seahorse family. It is native to the waters of Australia and is known for its striking appearance, which includes leaf-like appendages that help it blend in with its surroundings. The sea dragon feeds on small crustaceans and is a popular attraction at aquariums around the world.

Sea Lamprey

The sea lamprey is a parasitic fish that is native to the Atlantic Ocean. It has a long, cylindrical body with a suction cup-like mouth filled with sharp teeth. The sea lamprey uses its mouth to attach itself to other fish, and then feeds on their blood and body fluids. It is considered a pest in many areas and efforts have been made to control their population.

Sea Raven

The sea raven is a bottom-dwelling fish found in the coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It has a large, flat head and a body covered in bony plates for protection. The sea raven is often caught by recreational fishermen and is also an important commercial fishery.

Sea Snail

The sea snail is a type of marine mollusk that is found in all the world’s oceans. It has a spiral-shaped shell that is often brightly colored and decorated with intricate patterns. The sea snail feeds on algae and other small organisms and is often used for food or as an ingredient in traditional medicines.

Sea Toad

The sea toad is a bottom-dwelling fish found in the shallow waters of the western Atlantic Ocean. It has a round, flattened body with a brown or gray color and is covered in small, sharp spines. The sea toad feeds on small invertebrates and is often caught by recreational fishermen.

Seahorse

The seahorse is a unique fish that is found in the shallow coastal waters of the tropical and temperate regions around the world. It has a long, thin body and a head that resembles a horse’s head. The seahorse is known for its ability to change color to blend in with its surroundings and is often used in traditional medicines.

Seamoth

The seamoth is a bottom-dwelling fish found in the coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It has a flattened body with a brown or gray color and is covered in small, sharp spines. The seamoth feeds on small invertebrates and is often caught by recreational fishermen.

Searobin

The searobin is a benthic fish that uses its pectoral fins to “walk” along the ocean floor.

Sevan Trout

The Sevan trout is a species of salmonid fish that is found in Lake Sevan in Armenia and is known for its unique flavor.

Sergeant Major

The sergeant major is a small, brightly colored fish that is commonly found in the shallow waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Shad

The shad is a migratory fish that spends most of its life in the ocean, but returns to freshwater rivers and streams to spawn.

Shark

Sharks are a diverse group of fish that have been around for over 400 million years and play an important role in the marine ecosystem.

Sharksucker

This enigmatic fish, with its peculiar dorsal fin, has evolved to attach itself to sharks and other large marine animals for transportation and food scraps.

Sharpnose Puffer

The sharpnose puffer’s adorable appearance belies the toxicity of its organs, which contain tetrodotoxin, a deadly nerve toxin.

Sheatfish

The elusive and aggressive sheatfish is known to prey on other fish, amphibians, and even small mammals.

Sheepshead

The sheepshead is a popular gamefish with a set of powerful teeth that it uses to crush shellfish.

Sheepshead Minnow

This tiny, secretive fish inhabits saltwater marshes and estuaries, where it feeds on small crustaceans and insects.

Shiner

Shiners, a type of minnow, are small but active fish that inhabit streams, ponds, and lakes throughout North America.

Shortnose Chimaera

Also known as the “ratfish,” the shortnose chimaera is a deep-sea fish with a long, pointed snout and venomous spines on its dorsal fin.

Shortnose Sucker

The shortnose sucker is a bottom-dwelling fish that feeds on algae, invertebrates, and small fish in freshwater rivers and lakes.

Shovelnose Sturgeon

This ancient fish has a long, flattened snout that it uses to dig through the river bottom in search of food.

Shrimpfish

The shrimpfish’s transparent, shrimp-like body and small size make it a popular choice for home aquariums.

Siamese Fighting Fish

The brilliantly colored and fiercely territorial siamese fighting fish, also known as a betta, is a popular ornamental fish.

Sillago

Sillago, or whiting, are a popular food fish in Australia and Southeast Asia, where they are often served fried or grilled.

Silver Carp

Silver carp are known for their leaping ability and their tendency to jump out of the water when startled by boats or other disturbances.

Silver Dollar

Silver dollars, named for their circular shape and metallic sheen, are popular aquarium fish known for their peaceful nature.

Silver Dory

The silver dory is a deep-sea fish found in the waters off Australia and New Zealand, where it is prized for its delicate flavor.

Silver Hake

Also known as the whiting, the silver hake is a popular commercial fish in the northeastern United States.

Silverside

The silverside is a small, silvery fish found in both saltwater and freshwater environments, where it feeds on plankton and small invertebrates.

Silvertip Tetra

The silvertip tetra is a popular aquarium fish known for its striking metallic coloration and peaceful demeanor.

Sind Danio

The Sind danio, a small freshwater fish native to India and Pakistan, is prized by aquarists for its striking coloration and active nature.

Sixgill Ray

The sixgill ray is a large, deep-sea fish with a distinctive six-gilled respiratory system and a venomous spine on its tail.

Sixgill Shark

The sixgill shark, one of the oldest and largest shark species in the world, can grow up to 20 feet in length and weigh over 1,000 pounds.

Skate

Skates, a type of cartilaginous fish related to sharks and rays, are found in both freshwater and saltwater environments and are prized for their firm, white flesh.

Skilfish

The skilfish, a deep-sea fish found in the North Pacific, has a delicate flavor and is often served smoked

Snake Mackerel

With its elongated body and sharp teeth, the snake mackerel is a formidable predator in the open ocean.

Snapper

A popular game fish, the snapper is known for its delicious white flesh and distinctive red skin.

Snipe Eel

The snipe eel has a long, slender body and a pointed snout, which it uses to probe the ocean floor for food.

Snipefish

With its elongated snout and brightly colored body, the snipefish is a fascinating and unusual species of fish.

Snook

A prized game fish found in warm coastal waters, the snook is known for its fierce fighting ability and delicious flavor.

Snubnose Eel

The snubnose eel has a distinctive blunt snout and a long, slender body that allows it to move gracefully through the water.

Snubnose Parasitic Eel

As its name suggests, the snubnose parasitic eel is a small, parasitic species that feeds on the blood of larger fish.

Sockeye Salmon

One of the most sought-after species of Pacific salmon, the sockeye is prized for its rich, flavorful flesh and distinctive red color.

Soldierfish

The soldierfish is a colorful species found in warm, shallow waters, often in large schools.

Sole

A flatfish with a delicate flavor, the sole is a popular seafood item around the world.

South American Darter

The South American darter is a small, predatory fish found in rivers and streams throughout the continent.

South American Lungfish

An ancient species that can breathe air as well as water, the South American lungfish is a unique and fascinating creature.

Southern Dolly Varden

A type of char found in cold, clear waters, the Southern Dolly Varden is prized by anglers for its strong fighting ability.

Southern Flounder

A flatfish found in coastal waters, the Southern flounder is prized for its delicate, flaky flesh and mild flavor.

Southern Hake

A deep-sea species found off the coasts of South America, the Southern hake is an important commercial fish.

Southern Sandfish

The Southern sandfish is a small, bottom-dwelling species found in the shallow waters off the coast of Australia.

Southern Smelt

A small, silvery fish found in the southern hemisphere, the Southern smelt is an important food source for many marine predators.

Spadefish

With its distinctive shape and bold black-and-white coloring, the spadefish is a popular game fish in warm coastal waters.

Spaghetti Eel

The spaghetti eel, also known as the snake eel, is a long, thin species found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific.

Spanish Mackerel

A fast-swimming predator found in warm waters around the world, the Spanish mackerel is prized by anglers for its strong fighting ability.

Spearfish

A sleek, fast-swimming predator found in warm waters around the world, the spearfish is a popular game fish.

Speckled Trout

A popular game fish found in freshwater rivers and streams throughout North America, the speckled trout is known for its distinctive speckled pattern.

Spiderfish

The spiderfish is a deep-sea species found in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, with a distinctive spider-like appearance.

Spikefish

With its sharp, spiky fins and colorful markings, the spikefish is a strikingly beautiful species found in warm waters around the world.

Spinefoot

The spinefoot is a small, brightly colored species found in shallow waters around the Indo-Pacific.

Skilfish

Its elongated body and sharp teeth make it a top predator in the deep-sea ecosystem, while its flesh is prized for its mild and delicate flavor.

Skipjack Tuna

As a highly migratory and fast-swimming fish, the skipjack tuna is a popular catch among recreational and commercial fishermen alike, known for its firm and flavorful flesh.

Slender Mola

The slender mola, also known as the slender sunfish, is an elusive and rarely sighted ocean sunfish species with a distinctive elongated body and small mouth.

Slender Snipe Eel

With its slender and elongated body, the snipe eel is a master of the deep-sea environment, using its long jaws and sharp teeth to capture prey in the darkness.

Sleeper

Often found hiding in the sand or under rocks, the sleeper is a small but fierce predator with a unique ability to camouflage and ambush its prey.

Sleeper Shark

The sleeper shark, also known as the Greenland shark, is a slow-moving and deep-dwelling species that can grow up to 7 meters long and live for over 200 years.

Slickhead

As a deep-sea fish with a slimy and scaleless body, the slickhead relies on its sharp teeth and powerful jaws to capture prey in the dark and cold waters.

Slimehead

Although often overlooked due to its unappetizing name, the slimehead is a valuable and sustainable seafood choice with firm and sweet white flesh.

Slimy Mackerel

With its oily and flavorful flesh, the slimy mackerel is a popular ingredient in many Asian cuisines, often served raw or grilled with a variety of seasonings.

Slimy Sculpin

Despite its small size, the slimy sculpin is a fierce and territorial predator that can be found in rocky reefs and kelp beds along the Pacific coast.

Slipmouth

The slipmouth, also known as the blackthroat seaperch, is a small and colorful fish species with a distinctive black spot on its gill cover.

Smalleye Squaretail

The smalleye squaretail, also known as the blue-spot trout, is a beautiful and highly sought-after game fish found in clear mountain streams and lakes.

Smalltooth Sawfish

The smalltooth sawfish, a critically endangered species, has a long and toothy snout that it uses to detect and stun prey in murky coastal waters.

Smelt

As a small and oily fish species, the smelt is a popular baitfish for recreational fishermen and a tasty ingredient in many regional cuisines.

Smelt-whiting

The smelt-whiting, also known as the hokkigai, is a cold-water fish species prized for its delicate and sweet flesh in Japanese and Korean cuisines.

Smooth Dogfish

As a small and coastal shark species, the smooth dogfish is often caught for its meat and fins, and its tough skin is used for leather production.

Snailfish

The snailfish, found at depths of up to 8,000 meters in the ocean trenches, is a resilient and fascinating fish species adapted to extreme pressure and cold temperatures.

Snake Eel

The snake eel, with its elongated and flexible body, can slither through tight crevices and burrows in the ocean floor to hunt for prey.

Snakehead

The snakehead, also known as the Frankenfish, is an invasive and aggressive fish species that can breathe air and survive out of water for up to 4 days.

Spiny Basslet

A beautifully patterned fish with a spiky appearance that can be found in coral reefs, characterized by its ability to change color and even sex over the course of its life.

Spiny Dogfish

A small but fearsome shark species, known for its sharp spines along its dorsal fins, often used for medicinal purposes and to create leather goods.

Spiny Dwarf Catfish

A tiny, spiny fish that lives in shallow, murky waters and is often kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and small size.

Spiny Eel

A long, slender fish with sharp spines along its body that inhabits the muddy bottoms of freshwater rivers and lakes, and is known for its nocturnal hunting habits.

Spinyfin

A rare and elusive deep-sea fish with a spiny dorsal fin, found in the dark, cold depths of the ocean and prized by fishermen for its tender, flaky flesh.

Splitfin

A small, peaceful fish with a distinctive split tail fin, native to the freshwater streams and rivers of South America.

Spookfish

A deep-sea fish with ghostly, translucent skin and large eyes that can detect the faintest glimmers of light in the darkness.

Spotted Climbing Perch

A unique fish that can breathe air and climb trees using its modified pectoral fins, found in the slow-moving waters and marshes of Southeast Asia.

Spotted Danio

A small, colorful freshwater fish with distinctive spots, often kept as a pet in aquariums due to its hardiness and ease of care.

Spottail Pinfish

A small but feisty fish with a spotty body and a sharp, needle-like nose that can be found in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.

Sprat

A small, oily fish with a silver color and delicate flavor that is commonly used for bait, as well as being a staple food source in many parts of the world.

Springfish

A small, freshwater fish that lives in cold, clear streams and is known for its ability to jump great distances out of the water.

Squarehead Catfish

A bottom-dwelling fish with a square-shaped head and a spiny body, found in the slow-moving rivers and streams of the southeastern United States.

Squaretail

A small, freshwater fish with a distinctive square-shaped tail, found in the clear mountain streams of North America and prized by anglers for its fighting spirit.

Squeaker

A small, freshwater fish with a unique vocalization that sounds like a high-pitched squeak, found in the rivers and streams of West Africa.

Squirrelfish

A brightly colored fish with large, protruding eyes and sharp spines along its dorsal fin, found in the warm waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Staghorn Sculpin

A bottom-dwelling fish with a bumpy, mottled appearance and large, spiny fins, found in the cold, rocky waters of the North Pacific.

Stargazer

A unique fish with eyes located on the top of its head that can camouflage itself in the sand, found in the shallow waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Starry Flounder

A flatfish with a star-shaped pattern on its skin and a flattened body that lives on the sandy bottoms of the Pacific Ocean.

Steelhead

A large, migratory trout with a silvery color and steel-like strength, prized by anglers for its fighting ability and delicate flavor.

Stickleback

A small, freshwater fish with sharp spines along its back and a distinctive mating behavior where males build elaborate nests to attract females.

Stingfish

A venomous fish with  a sharp spine on its dorsal fin that it uses for self-defense, found in the coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific.

Stingray

A large, flat fish with a venomous barb on its tail that it uses for protection, often found in the warm, shallow waters of the tropics.

Stonecat

A small, freshwater fish with a stone-like appearance and a carnivorous diet, found in the clear streams and rivers of eastern North America.

Stonefish

A highly venomous fish that camouflages itself as a rock and waits for prey to come close, found in the warm waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Stoneroller Minnow

A small, bottom-dwelling fish with a flattened body and a habit of rolling rocks in search of food, found in the freshwater streams of North America.

Stream Catfish

A small, freshwater catfish with a sleek, eel-like body and the ability to cling to rocks in fast-moving currents, found in the clear, cold streams of the western United States.

Striped Bass

A large, predatory fish with distinctive stripes and a powerful jaw, found in the Atlantic Ocean and prized by anglers for its fighting spirit.

Striped Burrfish

A spiny, pufferfish-like fish with a striped appearance and a unique ability to inflate itself when threatened, found in the warm waters of the western Atlantic.

Sturgeon

A prehistoric-looking fish with a bony, armor-like body and a long, pointed snout, found in the rivers and estuaries of North America and Eurasia.

Sucker

A small, freshwater fish with a sucker-like mouth and a tendency to attach itself to rocks and other objects, found in the rivers and streams of North America.

Suckermouth Armored Catfish

A bottom-dwelling catfish with a mouth shaped like a suction cup and a tough, armored body that protects it from predators, found in the rivers and streams of South America.

Summer Flounder

A flatfish with a brownish color and a distinctive left-side placement of its eyes, found in the warm waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Sundaland Noodlefish

A rare and elusive fish found only in the deep, dark waters of the Sundaland region, characterized by its long, thin body and noodle-like appearance.

Sunfish

A large, bony fish with a distinctive round shape and a unique ability to absorb sunlight through its skin, found in the freshwater lakes and rivers of North America.

Surf Sardine

A small, silvery fish that lives in the surf zone and is often used as bait by anglers, found in the warm waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Surfperch

A small, bottom-dwelling fish with a distinctive red color and a tendency to live in the surf zone, found in the coastal waters of the western United States.

Surgeonfish

A brightly colored fish with a sharp, scalpel-like spine on its tail that it uses for self-defense, found in the coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific.

Swallower

A deep-sea fish with a unique ability to swallow prey whole, even larger than its own body size, found in the dark, cold waters of the ocean.

Swamp-eel

A long, slender fish that lives in the muddy waters of swamps and marshes, characterized by its ability to breathe air and move across land.

Swampfish

A small, freshwater fish that lives in the murky waters of swamps and marshes and is known for its ability to breathe air through a specialized organ.

Sweeper

A small, schooling fish with a distinctive silver color and a tendency to live in large  schools near the ocean floor, found in the warm waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Swordfish

A large, predatory fish with a long, pointed bill that it uses to slash through schools of prey, found in the open waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.

Swordtail

A small, colorful fish with a distinctive sword-like extension on its tail, found in the freshwater streams and rivers of Central America.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we hope you’ve enjoyed learning about the many fishes starting with S alphabet. From the stunning colors of the Sargassum Fish to the playful nature of the Seahorse, there’s no denying the unique and fascinating qualities of these creatures. Whether you’re a fan of freshwater or saltwater fish, large or small, carnivorous or herbivorous, there’s a fish that starts with S out there for you.

So, the next time you’re looking to add a new fish to your aquarium, or just want to learn more about the incredible diversity of the natural world, remember to explore the wonderful world of fishes beginning with the letter S. You never know what fascinating new species you might discover!