Plural of Fish
The animal noun “fish” has two recorded plural forms, “fish” and “fishes.” The reviewed dictionaries record both without establishing a universal rule that one must always mean multiple species. Separately, “fish” can be uncountable when it means fish as food. Choose the construction from the actual sense and any controlling specialist/style convention.
Both “fish” and “fishes” are dictionary-recorded plurals of “fish.” “Fish” is also uncountable when it means the food.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| one animal | fish | Singular. |
| more than one animal | fish / fishes | Both recorded plurals. |
| food / flesh | fish | Commonly uncountable. |
Quick tests
Plural-choice test
Are you referring to more than one animal?
If yes: Use accepted plural “fish” or “fishes,” subject to context/style.
If no: Use singular “fish” for one animal or uncountable “fish” for food.
Caveat: Some specialist communities may prefer one plural in certain contexts, but the general dictionaries reviewed here record both.
Examples
Several fish were swimming near the dock.
“Fish” is a recorded plural.
The reef supports many colorful fishes.
“Fishes” is also a recorded plural.
We had fish for dinner.
The food sense can be uncountable.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use “fish” or “fishes” as recorded plurals for the animal noun; use uncountable “fish” for the food sense.
Fast Test
First decide whether you mean animals or food, then follow any relevant house/specialist convention for the plural.
Usage Boundary
Do not invent a universal species-count rule unless a stronger specialist source governs the context.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- FISH | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Cambridge records both fish and fishes as plurals of fish and distinguishes countable animal use from uncountable food use.
- FISH Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster (opens in a new tab)Merriam-Webster · Merriam-Webster likewise records plural fish or fishes.