Fish vs. Fishes: How to Use Them Correctly
Have you ever wondered if you should say “three fish” or “three fishes”?
They look almost the same, but there’s a small difference in how we use them.
Today, Midoo AI will explain when to use “fish” and when “fishes” is correct, with easy examples to help you remember.
Fish — The Usual Plural
“Fish” is the most common plural form of fish.
We use it when talking about multiple fish of the same species or grouped together.
Examples:
- We caught five fish in the lake.
- The aquarium has many colorful fish.
- She saw a school of fish swimming together.
- I love watching the fish in the pond.
- These fish are tropical species.
💡 Tip: If you’re talking about quantity or a group, use fish.
Fishes — When Species Are Different
“Fishes” is used when talking about different kinds (species) of fish.
It’s more formal and often used in scientific writing or when you want to emphasize variety.
Examples:
- There are over 30,000 species of fishes in the ocean.
- The exhibit shows the fishes of the Amazon River.
- These two fishes belong to different families.
- Scientists are studying the fishes of the coral reef.
- The book describes all the fishes found in this region.
💡 Tip: If you mean different types or species, use fishes.
Quick Recap
| Word | Used for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| fish | plural of one kind/group | We caught ten fish. |
| fishes | different kinds/species | There are many fishes in the ocean. |
Memory Trick from Midoo AI:
- fish = number
- fishes = kinds
FAQS:
Q: Can I always just use “fish” for plural?
A: Yes, in everyday English “fish” is fine and most common.
Q: Is “fishes” wrong in casual writing?
A: It’s not wrong, but it sounds formal or scientific.
Q: Do native speakers ever say “fishes”?
A: Yes, when they want to talk about types or species (like “the fishes of the Pacific”).
Q: Which one should I use in school essays or daily conversation?
A: Use fish unless you are specifically talking about different kinds.
Final Tip from Midoo AI
Here’s the simple rule:
- fish = plural for number
- fishes = plural for kinds
If you keep this tiny difference in mind, you’ll sound more natural and accurate every time you talk about sea life 🐟