Fish That Start With N [Full List]

Whether you’re an experienced angler or just looking to expand your fish knowledge, this list will have something for everyone. So grab your fishing gear and let’s dive in!

Fish That Start With N

Fish that begin with “N” come from a wide variety of environments, from freshwater rivers to the depths of the ocean. Each species has its unique characteristics and behaviors that make them fascinating to learn about.

Some are prized for their flavor and are popular in the seafood industry, while others are admired for their vibrant colors and stunning patterns. So, without further ado, let’s explore some of the most intriguing fish that start with “N”.

Naked-back Knifefish

This peculiar species, known as the naked-back knifefish, is often found in the Amazon River Basin in South America. Its scientific name is Gymnotus inaequilabiatus, which refers to the asymmetry of its anal fin. This nocturnal fish is characterized by its elongated body, which can grow up to 80 centimeters long. Its skin lacks scales and is smooth to the touch, hence the name “naked-back.” The naked-back knifefish is an electric fish, which means that it can produce and sense electric fields. This ability is used for communication, navigation, and hunting.

Nase

The nase, also known as Chondrostoma nasus, is a freshwater fish that can be found in rivers and lakes throughout Europe and western Asia. This species is part of the carp family and can grow up to 50 centimeters long. Its elongated body is covered with small scales that are colored brownish-silver on the back and silver on the sides. The nase is a bottom-dwelling fish that feeds on small aquatic insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. This species is popular among anglers for its sporty nature and challenging catch.

Needlefish

The needlefish, or Belonidae, is a group of predatory fish that are known for their slender, elongated bodies and sharp beaks. This species can be found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, and some species can grow up to 1.5 meters in length. The needlefish is a fast swimmer and is capable of leaping out of the water to escape predators. Its sharp beak is used to catch small fish and crustaceans, which it swallows whole.

Neon Tetra

The neon tetra, or Paracheirodon innesi, is a small freshwater fish that is native to the Amazon Basin in South America. This species is characterized by its bright blue and red colors, which make it a popular choice for home aquariums. The neon tetra is a schooling fish that prefers to live in densely planted aquariums. Its diet consists of small aquatic invertebrates and algae.

New World Rivuline

The New World rivuline, or Rivulus hartii, is a small freshwater fish that can be found in Central and South America. This species is part of the killifish family and can grow up to 6 centimeters in length. The New World rivuline is characterized by its elongated body, which is colored brownish-gray on the back and silver on the sides. This species is an egg-laying fish and prefers to live in slow-moving, shallow waters.

New Zealand Sand Diver

The New Zealand sand diver, or Trichodontidae, is a species of fish that is native to New Zealand’s coastal waters. This species is characterized by its elongated body, which can grow up to 40 centimeters in length. The New Zealand sand diver is a bottom-dwelling fish that feeds on small crustaceans and mollusks. Its coloration is brownish-gray on the back and silver on the sides.

New Zealand Smelt

The New Zealand smelt, or Retropinnidae, is a small freshwater fish that is native to New Zealand. This species is characterized by its slender, elongated body, which can grow up to 15 centimeters in length. The New Zealand smelt is a schooling fish that feeds on small aquatic invertebrates and algae. Its coloration is silver on the sides and back.

Nibble Fish

The nibble fish, or Garra rufa, is a species of fish that is commonly used in spa treatments for their unique feeding behavior. This small freshwater fish, also known as the doctor fish, has a specialized mouth structure that allows it to feed on dead skin cells and other debris from the skin of larger animals. This behavior, known as “ichthyotherapy,” has become popular in recent years for its potential therapeutic benefits for people with skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

Noodlefish

The noodlefish, or Ophichthidae, is a group of eel-like fish that can be found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. This species is characterized by its elongated body and lack of pectoral fins. The noodlefish is a bottom-dwelling fish that feeds on small crustaceans and mollusks. Its body is colored brownish-gray on the back and silver on the sides.

North American Darter

The North American darter, or Etheostoma, is a group of small freshwater fish that can be found in rivers and streams throughout North America. This species is characterized by its elongated body and vibrant coloration, which can vary depending on the species. The North American darter is a bottom-dwelling fish that feeds on small aquatic invertebrates and crustaceans.

North American Freshwater Catfish

The North American freshwater catfish, or Ictaluridae, is a group of freshwater fish that can be found in rivers and lakes throughout North America. This species is characterized by its scaleless skin and barbels, which are used to locate food in murky waters. The North American freshwater catfish is a bottom-dwelling fish that feeds on a variety of prey, including insects, crustaceans, and small fish.

North Pacific Daggertooth

The North Pacific daggertooth, or Aulopiformes, is a deep-sea fish that can be found in the North Pacific Ocean. This species is characterized by its elongated body and large, sharp teeth, which it uses to catch small fish and crustaceans. The North Pacific daggertooth is a predator that can grow up to 30 centimeters in length.

Northern Anchovy

The northern anchovy, or Engraulidae, is a small, schooling fish that can be found in the Pacific Ocean from Alaska to Mexico. This species is characterized by its silver coloration and large, protruding eyes. The northern anchovy is an important prey species for a variety of predators, including seabirds, marine mammals, and larger fish.

Northern Clingfish

The northern clingfish, or Gobiesocidae, is a small, bottom-dwelling fish that can be found in the rocky intertidal zones of the North Pacific Ocean. This species is characterized by its flattened body and strong suction cup-like fins, which allow it to cling to rocky surfaces in strong currents. The northern clingfish feeds on small crustaceans and mollusks.

Northern Lampfish

The northern lampfish, or Stenobrachius leucopsarus, is a deep-sea fish that can be found in the North Pacific Ocean. This species is characterized by its elongated body and large, bioluminescent eyes. The northern lampfish is a predator that feeds on smaller fish and crustaceans.

Northern Pike

The northern pike, or Esox lucius, is a freshwater fish that can be found in lakes and rivers throughout North America and Europe. This species is characterized by its elongated body and greenish-brown coloration. The northern pike is a predator that feeds on a variety of prey, including fish, frogs, and small mammals.

Northern Sea Robin

The northern sea robin, or Prionotus carolinus, is a bottom-dwelling fish that can be found in the North Atlantic Ocean from Nova Scotia to the Gulf of Mexico. This species is characterized by its reddish-brown coloration and large, pectoral fins that resemble wings. The northern sea robin feeds on small crustaceans and mollusks.

Northern Squawfish

The northern squawfish, or Ptychocheilus oregonensis, is a freshwater fish that can be found in rivers and lakes throughout western North America. This species is characterized by its elongated body and large mouth, which it uses to feed on a variety of prey, including other fish, insects, and crustaceans. The northern squawfish is an important sport fish and is also used for commercial purposes.

Northern Stargazer

The northern stargazer, or Astroscopus guttatus, is a bottom-dwelling fish that can be found in the Atlantic Ocean from North Carolina to Florida. This species is characterized by its flattened body and upward-facing mouth, which it uses to ambush prey. The northern stargazer can produce an electric shock from specialized organs located behind its eyes, which it uses to deter predators and stun prey.

Notothen

The notothen, or Notothenioidei, is a group of fish that can be found in the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica. This species is characterized by its antifreeze proteins, which allow it to survive in the frigid waters of the Antarctic. The notothen feeds on krill and other small crustaceans.

Nurseryfish

The nurseryfish, or Kurtus gulliveri, is a species of freshwater fish that can be found in the rivers and swamps of Southeast Asia. This species is characterized by its elongated body and bright green coloration. The nurseryfish is unique in that the male carries the fertilized eggs in its mouth until they hatch.

Nurse Shark

The nurse shark, or Ginglymostoma cirratum, is a species of shark that can be found in the western Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. This species is characterized by its large, flattened head and barbels around its mouth. The nurse shark is a bottom-dwelling predator that feeds on a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. The nurse shark is also known for its docile nature and is often kept in public aquariums.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fish that start with “N” are a diverse and exciting group of aquatic creatures. From the quirky nibble fish to the elusive notothen, there’s no shortage of fascinating species to discover. Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or a curious onlooker, this list has provided a glimpse into the amazing world of fish that start with “N”.

So, next time you’re out on the water or strolling through an aquarium, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and complexity of these incredible creatures. Who knows, you might even catch a glimpse of a naked-back knifefish or a northern clingfish, and add a new species to your own personal fish list. Until next time, happy fishing!