Fish That Start With R [Full List]

From the stealthy and elusive Round Stingray to the shimmering beauty of the Round Herring, these fish are sure to capture your attention and leave you in awe.

As we journey through this underwater wonderland, we’ll discover the many shapes, sizes, and colors of these magnificent creatures. From the diminutive Rudd to the majestic Russian Sturgeon, we’ll explore the various habitats, diets, and behaviors of each species. So buckle up, grab your snorkel gear, and let’s dive right in this list of fishes beginning with R alphabet!

Fish That Start With R

Rabbitfish

The Rabbitfish, also known as the Spinefoot fish, is a marine herbivorous fish found in the Indo-Pacific region. It belongs to the family Siganidae and is characterized by its compressed body, long dorsal and anal fins, and rabbit-like snout. The color of the Rabbitfish varies according to its species, and it can be yellow, green, or brown, with some species having stripes or spots.

Raccoon Butterfly Fish

The Raccoon Butterflyfish is a small, colorful reef fish that inhabits the waters of the Pacific Ocean. It belongs to the family Chaetodontidae and is characterized by its distinctive black mask-like pattern around its eyes and its yellow-orange body with black spots. The Raccoon Butterflyfish feeds on small invertebrates and algae, and it is commonly found in shallow coral reefs.

Ragfish

The Ragfish is an eel-like fish that belongs to the family Icosteidae. It is found in the North Pacific Ocean, primarily in deep waters. The Ragfish has a slimy and scaleless skin that is olive-green in color. It has a long, tapered body with a small head and a long, whip-like tail. The Ragfish is known to have a very high oil content, which makes it an important prey for larger marine mammals.

Rainbow Trout

The Rainbow Trout is a freshwater fish that is native to the Pacific Coast of North America. It belongs to the family Salmonidae and is characterized by its colorful body, which varies from olive-green to blue-green, with a pink or red stripe along its sides. The Rainbow Trout feeds on insects, small fish, and plankton and is an important game fish in many areas.

Rainbowfish

The Rainbowfish is a small, colorful freshwater fish that belongs to the family Melanotaeniidae. It is native to Australia and New Guinea and is characterized by its vibrant coloration, which varies according to its species. The Rainbowfish is a schooling fish that feeds on small invertebrates and algae and is popular among aquarium hobbyists.

Rasbora

The Rasbora is a small freshwater fish that belongs to the family Cyprinidae. It is found in Southeast Asia and is characterized by its colorful body, which varies from silver to gold, with a black or dark blue stripe along its sides. The Rasbora feeds on small invertebrates and algae and is popular among aquarium hobbyists.

Rock Gunnel

The Rock Gunnel, also known as the Rock Eel, is a small marine fish found in the North Atlantic Ocean. It belongs to the family Pholidae and is characterized by its long, slender body and pointed head. The Rock Gunnel has a brownish-green coloration and can camouflage itself against the rocky seabed where it lives.

Ratfish

The Ratfish, also known as the Chimaera, is a cartilaginous fish that inhabits the deep waters of the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It belongs to the family Chimaeridae and is characterized by its long, tapered body, large head, and rabbit-like teeth. The Ratfish has a brownish-gray coloration and feeds on small fish, squid, and crustaceans.

Rattail

The Rattail, also known as the Grenadier, is a deep-sea fish that belongs to the family Macrouridae. It is found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans and is characterized by its elongated body and slender tail. The Rattail has a grayish-brown coloration and feeds on crustaceans, small fish, and squid.

Ray

The Ray is a cartilaginous fish that is found in both saltwater and freshwater environments around the world. It belongs to the family Myliobatidae and is characterized by its flattened body, which is shaped like a diamond. Rays have a spiny tail, which they use for self-defense, and they can range in color from brown to gray to black.

Razorback Sucker

The Razorback Sucker is a freshwater fish that is found in the Colorado River Basin in the western United States. It belongs to the family Catostomidae and is characterized by its long, slender body, which is covered in bony plates. The Razorback Sucker has a brownish-gray coloration and feeds on algae and other small aquatic organisms.

Razorfish

The Razorfish is a small marine fish that belongs to the family Labridae. It is found in the tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean and is characterized by its razor-sharp scales, which it can raise for protection. The Razorfish has a greenish-blue coloration and feeds on small invertebrates and algae.

Red Grouper

The Red Grouper is a popular game fish that is found in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. It belongs to the family Serranidae and is characterized by its large size and reddish-brown coloration. The Red Grouper feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks and is prized by commercial and recreational fishermen alike.

Red Salmon

The Red Salmon, also known as the Sockeye Salmon, is a species of salmon that is found in the North Pacific Ocean and its tributaries. It is characterized by its bright red coloration, which it develops during spawning season. The Red Salmon feeds on plankton and small fish and is an important commercial fishery in many areas.

Red Snapper

The Red Snapper is a popular game fish that is found in the Gulf of Mexico and the western Atlantic Ocean. It belongs to the family Lutjanidae and is characterized by its reddish-pink coloration and sharp, pointed fins. The Red Snapper feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks and is highly sought after by recreational and commercial fishermen.

Redfin Perch

The Redfin Perch is a small freshwater fish that is found in Australia and New Zealand. It belongs to the family Perchidae and is characterized by its red dorsal fin, which gives it its name. The Redfin Perch feeds on small invertebrates and is popular among aquarium hobbyists.

Redfish

The Redfish, also known as the Red Drum, is a popular game fish that is found in the western Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. It belongs to the family Sciaenidae and is characterized by its reddish-brown coloration and black spots on its tail. The Redfish feeds on small fish and crustaceans and is prized by recreational fishermen for its fighting ability.

Redhorse Sucker

The Redhorse Sucker is a freshwater fish that is found in North America. It belongs to the family Catostomidae and is characterized by its long, slender body and red coloration on its fins and tail. The Redhorse Sucker feeds on algae and other small aquatic organisms.

Redlip Blenny

The Redlip Blenny is a small marine fish that is found in the tropical waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It belongs to the family Blenniidae and is characterized by its bright red lips and greenish-yellow coloration. The Redlip Blenny feeds on small invertebrates and algae.

Redmouth Whalefish

The Redmouth Whalefish is a deep-sea fish that is found in the Atlantic and Southern Oceans. It belongs to the family Cetomimidae and is characterized by its elongated body and large mouth, which is red in color. The Redmouth Whalefish feeds on small invertebrates and plankton and is an important part of the deep-sea ecosystem.

Redtooth Triggerfish

The Redtooth Triggerfish is a marine fish that is found in the Indo-Pacific region. It belongs to the family Balistidae and is characterized by its bright red teeth and yellowish-green coloration. The Redtooth Triggerfish feeds on small invertebrates and crustaceans and is popular among aquarium hobbyists.

Red Velvetfish

The Red Velvetfish is a small marine fish that is found in the tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean. It belongs to the family Apogonidae and is characterized by its bright red coloration and spiny fins. The Red Velvetfish feeds on small invertebrates and is popular among aquarium hobbyists.

Red Whalefish

The Red Whalefish is a deep-sea fish that is found in the Atlantic and Southern Oceans. It belongs to the family Barbourisiidae and is characterized by its elongated body and red coloration. The Red Whalefish feeds on small invertebrates and plankton and is an important part of the deep-sea ecosystem.

Reedfish

The Reedfish, also known as the Snakehead, is a freshwater fish that is found in Africa. It belongs to the family Polypteridae and is characterized by its elongated body and snake-like appearance. The Reedfish feeds on small fish and invertebrates and is popular among aquarium hobbyists.

Reef Triggerfish

The Reef Triggerfish, also known as the Clown Triggerfish, is a marine fish that is found in the tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It belongs to the family Balistidae and is characterized by its colorful markings and sharp, pointed fins. The Reef Triggerfish feeds on small invertebrates and crustaceans and is popular among aquarium hobbyists.

Remora

The Remora, also known as the Suckerfish, is a marine fish that is found in the tropical waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. It belongs to the family Echeneidae and is characterized by its flattened head and dorsal fin, which it uses to attach itself to larger fish or marine mammals. The Remora feeds on the scraps of its host’s meals and is often seen attached to sharks and rays.

Requiem Shark

The Requiem Shark is a large predatory shark that is found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the world’s oceans. It belongs to the family Carcharhinidae and is characterized by its streamlined body and sharp teeth. The Requiem Shark feeds on a variety of prey, including fish, squid, and crustaceans.

Ribbon Eel

The Ribbon Eel, also known as the Leaf-nosed Moray Eel, is a marine fish that is found in the tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It belongs to the family Muraenidae and is characterized by its elongated, ribbon-like body and pointed snout. The Ribbon Eel feeds on small fish and crustaceans and is popular among aquarium hobbyists.

Ribbon Sawtail Fish

The Ribbon Sawtail Fish is a deep-sea fish that is found in the Atlantic Ocean. It belongs to the family Alepocephalidae and is characterized by its elongated body and sharp, saw-like teeth. The Ribbon Sawtail Fish feeds on small fish and crustaceans and is an important part of the deep-sea ecosystem.

Ribbonfish

The Ribbonfish, also known as the Hairtail, is a marine fish that is found in the tropical and temperate waters of the world’s oceans. It belongs to the family Trachipteridae and is characterized by its long, ribbon-like body and toothed jaws. The Ribbonfish feeds on small fish and plankton and is often used as a food fish.

Rice Eel

The Rice Eel, also known as the Chinese Longfin Eel, is a freshwater fish that is found in East Asia. It belongs to the family Synbranchidae and is characterized by its elongated, snake-like body and small fins. The Rice Eel feeds on small fish and invertebrates and is often used as a food fish.

Ricefish

The Ricefish is a freshwater fish that is found in Asia and parts of Africa. It belongs to the family Adrianichthyidae and is characterized by its small size and colorful markings. The Ricefish feeds on small invertebrates and is popular among aquarium hobbyists.

Ridgehead

The Ridgehead, also known as the Snubnose Eel, is a deep-sea fish that is found in the Atlantic Ocean. It belongs to the family Nemichthyidae and is characterized by its elongated, eel-like body and small head with a flattened snout. The Ridgehead feeds on small fish and crustaceans and is an important part of the deep-sea ecosystem.

Riffle Dace

The Riffle Dace is a freshwater fish that is found in North America. It belongs to the family Cyprinidae and is characterized by its small size and streamlined body. The Riffle Dace feeds on small invertebrates and is an important part of the aquatic food chain.

Righteye Flounder

The Righteye Flounder is a marine fish that is found in the temperate and tropical waters of the world’s oceans. It belongs to the family Pleuronectidae and is characterized by its flattened body and both eyes on the right side of its head. The Righteye Flounder feeds on small fish and crustaceans and is an important commercial and recreational fish.

Rio Grande Perch

The Rio Grande Perch is a freshwater fish that is found in North America. It belongs to the family Percidae and is characterized by its small size and colorful markings. The Rio Grande Perch feeds on small invertebrates and is popular among anglers.

River Loach

The River Loach is a freshwater fish that is found in Europe and Asia. It belongs to the family Cobitidae and is characterized by its elongated body and small fins. The River Loach feeds on small invertebrates and is often used as a food fish.

River Shark

The River Shark, also known as the Bull Shark, is a large predatory shark that is found in the freshwater rivers of the world. It belongs to the family Carcharhinidae and is characterized by its aggressive behavior and tolerance for freshwater. The River Shark feeds on a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and even other sharks.

River Stingray

The River Stingray, also known as the Potamotrygonidae Stingray, is a freshwater fish that is found in the rivers of South America. It belongs to the family Potamotrygonidae and is characterized by its flattened body and venomous tail spine. The River Stingray feeds on small fish and invertebrates and is popular among aquarium hobbyists.

Rivuline

The Rivuline, also known as the Killifish, is a freshwater fish that is found in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It belongs to the family Rivulidae and is characterized by its small size and vibrant coloration. The Rivuline feeds on small invertebrates and is popular among aquarium hobbyists due to its colorful appearance.

Roach

The Roach is a freshwater fish that is found in Europe and Asia. It belongs to the family Cyprinidae and is characterized by its small size and silver-colored body. The Roach feeds on small invertebrates and is a popular game fish in many regions.

Roanoke Bass

The Roanoke Bass, also known as the Redeye Bass, is a freshwater fish that is found in the eastern United States. It belongs to the family Centrarchidae and is characterized by its small size and colorful markings. The Roanoke Bass feeds on small fish and invertebrates and is a popular sport fish among anglers.

Rock Bass

The Rock Bass is a freshwater fish that is found in North America. It belongs to the family Centrarchidae and is characterized by its small size and brownish-green coloration. The Rock Bass feeds on small invertebrates and is popular among anglers due to its willingness to bite on bait.

Rock Beauty

The Rock Beauty is a marine fish that is found in the tropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean. It belongs to the family Pomacanthidae and is characterized by its bright yellow and blue coloration. The Rock Beauty feeds on small invertebrates and is popular among aquarium hobbyists due to its colorful appearance.

Rock Cod

The Rock Cod is a marine fish that is found in the rocky reefs and kelp forests of the temperate and tropical waters of the world’s oceans. It belongs to the family Scorpaenidae and is characterized by its spiny fins and colorful markings. The Rock Cod feeds on small fish and crustaceans and is an important commercial fish in many regions.

Rocket Danio

The Rocket Danio, also known as the Celestial Pearl Danio, is a freshwater fish that is found in Southeast Asia. It belongs to the family Cyprinidae and is characterized by its small size and metallic blue and orange coloration. The Rocket Danio feeds on small invertebrates and is popular among aquarium hobbyists due to its unique appearance.

Rockfish

The Rockfish is a marine fish that is found in the rocky reefs and kelp forests of the temperate and subarctic waters of the world’s oceans. It belongs to the family Scorpaenidae and is characterized by its spiny fins and colorful markings. The Rockfish feeds on small fish and crustaceans and is an important commercial fish in many regions.

Rockling

The Rockling is a marine fish that is found in the rocky areas of the North Atlantic Ocean. It belongs to the family Lotidae and is characterized by its elongated body and small fins. The Rockling feeds on small invertebrates and is often used as a food fish.

Rockweed Gunnel

The Rockweed Gunnel is a marine fish that is found in the intertidal zones of the North Atlantic Ocean. It belongs to the family Pholidae and is characterized by its elongated body and small fins. The Rockweed Gunnel feeds on small invertebrates and is an important part of the intertidal ecosystem.

Rohu

The Rohu is a freshwater fish that is found in South Asia. It belongs to the family Cyprinidae and is characterized by its large size and silver-colored body. The Rohu feeds on small invertebrates and is an important food fish in many regions.

Ronquil

Ronquil is a small, elongated fish with a compressed body that is found in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Its body is covered with small scales that are colored in a combination of gray, brown, and green, giving the fish a camouflage effect to blend in with its environment. Ronquils are commonly found in rocky reef areas, where they hide in crevices or caves during the day and emerge at night to feed on small crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish. These fish have a sharp, pointed snout, which they use to catch their prey. Despite their small size, ronquils have sharp teeth that can inflict a painful bite on humans.

Roosterfish

Roosterfish is a popular game fish found in the eastern Pacific Ocean, particularly along the coasts of Mexico and Central America. This fish gets its name from the elongated, comb-like dorsal fin on its head, which resembles the crest on a rooster’s head. Roosterfish can grow up to 5 feet in length and weigh up to 100 pounds. They are known for their speed and fighting ability, making them a popular target for sport fishing. Roosterfish feed on a variety of prey, including small fish, crustaceans, and squid.

Ropefish

Ropefish, also known as reedfish or snakefish, is a species of freshwater fish found in Africa. They are known for their unique appearance, which resembles a snake more than a fish. Ropefish can grow up to 3 feet in length and have a cylindrical body covered in large scales. They are bottom-dwellers and are typically found in slow-moving rivers, swamps, and marshes. Ropefish are carnivorous and feed on a variety of prey, including fish, insects, and small crustaceans.

Rough Scad

Rough scad is a small, pelagic fish found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic and Indian oceans. They have a compressed body with large scales that give them a rough texture, hence their name. Rough scad are schooling fish and feed on plankton and small fish. They are an important food source for larger predatory fish, such as tuna and marlin.

Rough Sculpin

Rough sculpin is a species of small, bottom-dwelling fish found in the cool waters of the North Pacific. They have a broad, flattened head and a body covered in bony plates that give them a rough texture. Rough sculpins are ambush predators that feed on small fish and invertebrates, such as crabs and shrimp. They are an important food source for larger fish, such as halibut and rockfish.

Roughy

Roughy, also known as orange roughy, is a deep-sea fish found in the waters of the Southern Hemisphere. They have a distinctive bright-orange color and a large head with a large mouth full of sharp teeth. Roughy are slow-growing and can live up to 100 years. They are typically found in deep waters, where they feed on small fish and crustaceans. Roughy is a popular commercial fish, but its slow growth and vulnerability to overfishing have led to concerns about its conservation status.

Roundhead

Roundhead, also known as blackbelly rosefish, is a species of deep-sea fish found in the western Atlantic Ocean. They have a round, bony head and a compressed body covered in large scales. Roundhead are bottom-dwelling fish that feed on crustaceans, small fish, and squid. They are an important food source for larger predatory fish, such as grouper and snapper.

Round Herring

The round herring, also known as the Atlantic herring, is a small, oily fish that is found in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is an important commercial fish species that is used for food and bait. The round herring is a silver-colored fish that has a long, streamlined body and a small head. It feeds on plankton and small fish, and is an important food source for many marine animals, including whales, dolphins, and seabirds.

Round Stingray

The round stingray, also known as the bullseye stingray, is a species of stingray that is found in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, from California to Peru. It has a round, flattened body and a short tail with a venomous spine. The round stingray is typically found in sandy or muddy habitats, where it feeds on small fish, crabs, and other invertebrates.

Round Whitefish

The round whitefish, also known as the lake whitefish, is a freshwater fish that is found in the Great Lakes region of North America. It is a popular game fish that is prized for its delicate flavor. The round whitefish has a round body and a small head, with a silvery-brown color. It feeds on zooplankton and small invertebrates, and is an important food source for many birds and mammals.

Rudd

The rudd is a freshwater fish that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a member of the carp family and is prized for its sporting value as a game fish. The rudd has a deep body and a small head, with a golden color and red fins. It feeds on aquatic insects and plants, and is often found in slow-moving rivers and lakes.

Rudderfish

The rudderfish, also known as the amberjack, is a saltwater fish that is found in the Atlantic Ocean, from Nova Scotia to Brazil. It is a popular game fish that is prized for its fighting ability and meat quality. The rudderfish has a long, slender body and a large head, with a blue-green color and yellow fins. It feeds on smaller fish and squid, and is often found near wrecks and reefs.

Ruffe

The ruffe is a freshwater fish that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a small, colorful fish that is often found in cold, clear streams and rivers. The ruffe has a round body and a small head, with a mottled brown and green color. It feeds on aquatic insects and small fish, and is often preyed upon by larger fish such as trout and pike.

Russian Sturgeon

The Russian sturgeon is a large, freshwater fish that is found in the Caspian and Black Sea basins. It is an important commercial fish species that is used for its meat and caviar. The Russian sturgeon has a long, slender body and a small head, with a dark gray color and five rows of bony plates. It feeds on small fish and crustaceans, and is an important food source for many people and animals.

Conclusion

And there you have it, folks! Our exploration of the Fish starting with R alphabet has come to an end, but our journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. We’ve seen how these fascinating creatures have evolved to adapt to their unique environments, from the swift and agile Round Whitefish to the bottom-dwelling Ruffe.

We hope this deep dive has opened your eyes to the wonders that lie beneath the ocean’s surface and inspired you to learn more about these incredible creatures. So go forth, explore, and discover the many wonders that await you in the vast and mysterious world of the fish that begin with R!