Fish That Start With M [Full List]

Fish have been a source of fascination and wonder for centuries. Their vibrant colors, unique features, and diverse behaviors have captivated both scientists and hobbyists alike.

In this article, we will explore some of the most fascinating fish that start with M. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting to dip your toes into the world of fish, there is something here for everyone.

Fish That Start With M

Mackerel

The mackerel, also known as Scomber scombrus, is a popular fish among anglers and seafood enthusiasts. With its torpedo-shaped body, silver and blue scales, and forked tail, this species can be easily recognized. Mackerels are an important food source for many marine animals, including larger fish, sharks, and seabirds.

Mackerel Shark

The mackerel shark, also known as Isurus oxyrinchus, is a large predatory fish that belongs to the family Lamnidae. It can be found in temperate and tropical waters worldwide and is a fast swimmer, capable of reaching speeds of up to 60 mph. This species is known for its sharp teeth and fierce hunting behavior, making it a prized catch among sport fishermen.

Madtom

The madtom, also known as Noturus species, is a small catfish that is native to North America. It has a flattened head, smooth skin, and small, sharp spines on its dorsal and pectoral fins. Madtoms are typically found in freshwater streams and rivers and are known for their nocturnal habits and elusive nature.

Mahi-mahi

The mahi-mahi, also known as Coryphaena hippurus, is a popular game fish that is found in warm waters around the world. This species has a distinctive bright green and yellow coloring and a long, slender body that is ideal for fast swimming. Mahi-mahi are often caught using trolling or live bait fishing techniques and are prized for their firm, flavorful flesh.

Mahseer

The mahseer, also known as Tor species, is a large freshwater fish that is found in rivers and lakes throughout South and Southeast Asia. This species can grow up to 9 feet long and weigh over 100 pounds, making it a prized catch among anglers. Mahseer are known for their powerful swimming abilities and are often considered a challenging catch.

Mail-cheeked Fish

The mail-cheeked fish, also known as Osteichthyes, is a diverse group of fish that includes over 30,000 species. This group is characterized by the presence of bony skeletons, a swim bladder for buoyancy, and a protective covering of scales. Mail-cheeked fish can be found in virtually all aquatic environments, from freshwater streams and lakes to the deep ocean.

Mako Shark

The mako shark, also known as Isurus spp., is a large predatory fish that is found in temperate and tropical waters worldwide. It is known for its sleek, streamlined body, powerful jaws, and incredible speed, with some individuals capable of reaching speeds of up to 60 mph. Mako sharks are often considered one of the most challenging game fish to catch due to their fierce nature and strong swimming abilities.

Mandarinfish

The mandarinfish, also known as Synchiropus splendidus, is a small, brightly colored fish that is native to the Pacific Ocean. It has a distinctively patterned body, with blue, orange, and green hues and delicate, fluttering fins. Mandarinfish are known for their unusual mating behavior, where pairs rise from the reef at sunset and perform an elaborate dance before spawning.

Manefish

The manefish, also known as Caristioides spp., is a deep-sea fish that is found in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. It has a long, slender body and a distinctive, flattened head that is covered in bony plates. Manefish are known for their unusual feeding habits, where they use their elongated jaws to suck up small crustaceans and plankton from the ocean floor.

Man-of-war Fish

The man-of-war fish, also known as Nomeus gronovii, is a small, translucent fish that is found in open ocean waters worldwide. It is named after the Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish, as it is often found swimming near or under these creatures. Man-of-war fish are known for their ability to swim among the stinging tentacles of jellyfish without getting stung, and they may even feed on the jellyfish’s prey.

Manta Ray

The manta ray, also known as Manta birostris, is a large, gentle giant of the ocean that can reach up to 23 feet in width. It is distinguished by its broad, flat body and two horn-shaped cephalic fins, which it uses to channel plankton-rich water into its gaping mouth. Manta rays are known for their graceful swimming style and are often sought after by tourists for their up-close encounters.

Marblefish

The marblefish, also known as Marmaronetta angustirostris, is a small freshwater fish that is found in wetlands and marshes across Europe and Asia. It has a distinctive marbled pattern of black and white scales, and a slender, pointed snout. Marblefish are known for their elusive nature and are often difficult to spot due to their ability to blend in with their surroundings.

Marine Hatchetfish

The marine hatchetfish, also known as Argyropelecus spp., is a small, deep-sea fish that is found in oceanic waters worldwide. It has a unique body shape, with a deep belly and thin, elongated fins that resemble a hatchet. Marine hatchetfish are known for their bioluminescent abilities, which they use to attract prey and communicate with others of their species.

Marlin

The marlin, also known as Istiophorus spp., is a large game fish that is found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. It has a distinctive, elongated body, a sharp bill, and a striking blue or black coloring. Marlins are known for their powerful swimming abilities and are often considered one of the most challenging fish to catch due to their size and strength.

Masu Salmon

The masu salmon, also known as Oncorhynchus masou, is a species of salmon that is native to Japan and Russia. It has a distinctive, spotted body and is known for its firm, flavorful flesh. Masu salmon are typically found in freshwater rivers and streams and are an important food source for many indigenous communities.

Medaka

The medaka, also known as Oryzias latipes, is a small freshwater fish that is native to East Asia. It has a slender body, a pointed snout, and a distinctive, iridescent coloring. Medaka are often used in scientific research due to their short generation time and ease of genetic manipulation.

Medusafish

The medusafish, also known as Icichthys lockingtoni, is a small, deep-sea fish that is found in the eastern Pacific Ocean. It has a distinctive, transparent body and a large, bioluminescent organ on its head. Medusafish are known for their ability to mimic the appearance and movements of jellyfish, which may help them avoid predators.

Megamouth Shark

The megamouth shark, also known as Megachasma pelagios, is a rare and elusive deep-sea shark that was only discovered in 1976. It has a large head and mouth, small eyes, and a unique bioluminescent organ on its chin. Megamouth sharks are known for their slow swimming style and are often caught accidentally by deep-sea fishermen.

Menhaden

The menhaden, also known as Brevoortia spp., is a small, oily fish that is found in coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It is an important forage fish for larger predators, such as dolphins, sharks, and seabirds, and is also used for human consumption and as bait for fishing. Menhaden are known for their distinctive silver scales and their role in supporting the food web of coastal ecosystems.

Merluccid Hake

The merluccid hake, also known as Merluccius spp., is a deep-sea fish that is found in waters around the world. It has a slender body, a large mouth, and sharp teeth. Merluccid hake are an important commercial fishery species and are used for human consumption and animal feed.

Mexican Golden Trout

The Mexican golden trout, also known as Oncorhynchus chrysogaster, is a species of trout that is native to the high mountain streams of Mexico. It has a distinctive, golden-yellow body with black spots and is prized for its beauty and game qualities. Mexican golden trout are threatened by habitat loss and overfishing and are currently listed as a species of concern.

Midshipman Fish

The midshipman fish, also known as Porichthys spp., is a small, nocturnal fish that is found in rocky coastal habitats of the Pacific Ocean. It has a flattened body, a large head, and a distinctive “lure” on its forehead that it uses to attract prey. Midshipman fish are known for their ability to produce a humming sound by vibrating their swim bladder, which is used for communication and territorial defense.

Milkfish

The milkfish, also known as Chanos chanos, is a popular food fish that is found in tropical and subtropical coastal waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It has a slender, silvery body and is known for its delicate, sweet flesh. Milkfish are often farmed in aquaculture operations and are an important source of protein and income for many coastal communities.

Minnow

The minnow, also known as Phoxinus spp., is a small freshwater fish that is found in streams and rivers around the world. It has a streamlined body, a pointed snout, and a characteristic dark stripe along its side. Minnows are an important food source for larger predators and are often used as bait for fishing.

Minnow Of The Deep

The minnow of the deep, also known as Bathylagus spp., is a small, deep-sea fish that is found in oceanic waters worldwide. It has a slender body, a large head, and a bioluminescent organ on its belly that it uses to attract prey. Minnows of the deep are an important food source for larger predators, such as whales and deep-sea sharks.

Modoc Sucker

The Modoc sucker, also known as Catostomus microps, is a small freshwater fish that is found in the Klamath River basin of California and Oregon. It has a distinctive, flat head and a sucker-like mouth that it uses to feed on algae and other aquatic vegetation. Modoc suckers are threatened by habitat loss and overfishing and are currently listed as a species of concern.

Mojarra

The mojarra, also known as Eucinostomus spp., is a small, silvery fish that is found in coastal waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It has a slender, elongated body and a distinctive black spot at the base of its tail. Mojarra are an important food source for larger predators and are also used for human consumption and as bait for fishing.

Mola Mola

The mola mola , also known as the ocean sunfish, is a large and unusual-looking fish that is found in oceans around the world. It has a flattened, circular body that can reach up to 10 feet in length and weigh up to 5,000 pounds, making it one of the heaviest bony fish in the world. Mola mola feed primarily on jellyfish and other small, gelatinous creatures, and are often seen basking near the surface of the water.

Monkeyface Prickleback

The monkeyface prickleback, also known as Cebidichthys violaceus, is a small, elongated fish that is found in rocky intertidal zones of the Pacific coast of North America. It has a distinctive, mottled appearance and is named for the spines that line its back. Monkeyface pricklebacks are a favorite food of sea otters and are also eaten by humans.

Monkfish

The monkfish, also known as Lophius spp., is a large, bottom-dwelling fish that is found in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It has a large head, a wide mouth, and a long, tapering body that can reach up to 4 feet in length. Monkfish are prized for their mild, white flesh and are an important commercial fishery species.

Mooneye

The mooneye, also known as Hiodon spp., is a small freshwater fish that is found in streams and lakes throughout North America. It has a silvery, elongated body and a large, upturned mouth that it uses to feed on small insects and other invertebrates. Mooneye are an important food source for larger predators and are also used as bait for fishing.

Moonfish

The moonfish, also known as Mene maculata, is a small, silvery fish that is found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. It has a flat, disc-shaped body and a distinctive, crescent-shaped tail fin. Moonfish are an important food source for larger predators and are also used for human consumption and as bait for fishing.

Moorish Idol

The Moorish idol, also known as Zanclus cornutus, is a strikingly beautiful fish that is found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. It has a distinctive, black-and-white striped body, a long, pointed snout, and a prominent dorsal fin. Moorish idols are often kept in aquariums and are considered a prized catch by recreational anglers.

Mora

The mora, also known as Lepidion spp., is a deep-sea fish that is found in waters around the world. It has a slender, elongated body and is often caught by commercial fishermen using longline gear. Mora are an important food source for larger predators, such as sharks and tuna, and are also used for human consumption.

Moray Eel

The moray eel, also known as Muraenidae spp., is a long, slender fish that is found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. It has a serpentine body, a large mouth, and a powerful bite that it uses to catch prey. Moray eels are often found hiding in rocky crevices and are a popular target for spearfishing.

Morid Cod

The morid cod, also known as Gadella spp., is a deep-sea fish that is found in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It has a long, tapered body and a distinctive, downward-pointing mouth. Morid cod are an important commercial fishery species and are used for human consumption.

Morwong

The morwong, also known as Cheilodactylus spp., is a group of bottom-dwelling fish that are found in rocky and coral reef habitats in the Southern Hemisphere. They have a distinctive, elongated body and are known for their bright colors and patterns. Morwong are a popular target for recreational anglers and are also caught commercially for human consumption.

Moses Sole

The Moses sole, also known as Pardachirus marmoratus, is a small fish that is found in shallow waters around the Red Sea and the eastern coast of Africa. It has a mottled, brown-and-white body and is often found buried in the sand. Moses sole are a popular target for recreational anglers and are also caught commercially for human consumption.

Mosquitofish

The mosquitofish, also known as Gambusia spp., is a small freshwater fish that is found in rivers, streams, and ponds throughout North and Central America. It has a short, stocky body and is named for its habit of feeding on mosquito larvae. Mosquitofish are often introduced to new waterways as a means of controlling mosquito populations.

Mouthbrooder

The mouthbrooder, also known as Cichlidae spp., is a group of freshwater fish that are found in Africa and South America. They are named for their unique reproductive strategy, in which the female holds the fertilized eggs in her mouth until they hatch. Mouthbrooders are popular among aquarium hobbyists and are also an important food source for local communities.

Mozambique Tilapia

The Mozambique tilapia, also known as Oreochromis mossambicus, is a freshwater fish that is native to southeastern Africa. It has a sturdy, oval-shaped body and is often found in warm, shallow waters. Mozambique tilapia are an important food source for local communities and are also kept in aquaculture for commercial purposes.

Mrigal

The mrigal, also known as Cirrhinus cirrhosus, is a freshwater fish that is found in rivers and lakes throughout South and Southeast Asia. It has a elongated, silver-colored body and is an important food source for local communities. Mrigal are also kept in aquaculture and are a popular target for recreational anglers.

Mud Catfish

The mud catfish, also known as Ameiurus nebulosus, is a freshwater fish that is found in rivers and lakes throughout North America. It has a long, cylindrical body and is named for its habit of burying itself in the mud. Mud catfish are an important food source for local communities and are also caught recreationally.

Mudfish

The mudfish, also known as Clarias spp., is a group of freshwater fish that are found in Africa, Asia, and Australia. They have a long, cylindrical body and are often found in stagnant or muddy water. Mudfish are an important food source for local communities and are also kept in aquaculture.

Mud Minnow

The mud minnow, also known as Umbra limi, is a small freshwater fish that is found in the eastern United States. It has a slender, elongated body and is often found in shallow, weedy areas of lakes and streams. Mud minnow are an important food source for larger predators and are also used as bait for fishing.

Mudskipper

The mudskipper, also known as Periophthalmus spp., is a small fish that is found in mangrove swamps and tidal flats throughout Southeast Asia and Australia. It has a unique ability to breathe air and is often seen jumping or crawling across the mud. Mudskipper are a popular target for aquarium hobbyists and are also used for human consumption.

Mudsucker

The mudsucker, also known as Gillichthys spp., is a group of small fish that are found in sandy and muddy habitats along the Pacific coast of North America. They have a flattened body and are known for their ability to tolerate low-oxygen environments. Mudsuckers are an important food source for larger predators and are also used as bait for fishing.

Mullet

The mullet, also known as Mugil spp., is a group of fish that are found in coastal waters throughout the world. They have a streamlined body and are known for their jumping ability. Mullet are an important food source for many communities and are also caught recreationally.

Mummichog

The mummichog, also known as Fundulus heteroclitus, is a small fish that is found in saltmarshes and estuaries along the Atlantic coast of North America. It has a slender, silvery body and is known for its ability to tolerate varying levels of salinity. Mummichog are an important food source for many predators and are also used as bait for fishing.

Murray Cod

The Murray cod, also known as Maccullochella peelii, is a large freshwater fish that is found in rivers and lakes throughout Australia. It has a elongated, greenish-brown body and is known for its predatory behavior. Murray cod are an important food source for many communities and are also a popular target for recreational anglers.

Muskellunge

The muskellunge, also known as Esox masquinongy, is a large freshwater fish that is found in North America. It has a long, slender body and is known for its sharp teeth and aggressive behavior. Muskellunge are a popular target for recreational anglers and are also caught commercially for human consumption.

Mustache Triggerfish

The mustache triggerfish, also known as Rhinecanthus verrucosus, is a small fish that is found in coral reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific region. It has a oval-shaped body and is named for the distinctive markings on its face. Mustache triggerfish are a popular target for aquarium hobbyists and are also caught for the live fish trade.

Mustard Eel

The mustard eel, also known as Synaphobranchus spp., is a group of deep-sea eels that are found in oceans throughout the world. They have a long, slender body and are known for their bioluminescent capabilities. Mustard eels are rarely encountered by humans and are not commercially fished.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have discovered a vast array of fish that start with M. From the nimble Minnow to the powerful Murray Cod, these aquatic creatures never cease to amaze us with their beauty and resilience. Whether you’re a marine biologist studying their intricate behavior or simply an admirer of their stunning colors and patterns, there is always something new to learn and discover about these magnificent creatures.

So, the next time you’re out on the water or strolling along the beach, take a moment to appreciate the incredible diversity of fish that inhabit our oceans and waterways. Who knows what other amazing creatures are waiting to be discovered? The possibilities are endless. Happy fishing!