"fish are" vs "fishes are"

Question

"fish are" vs "fishes are"

Both 'fishes are' and 'fish are' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Fish' is the plural form of 'fish' and is used when referring to multiple fish of the same species. 'Fishes' is also correct when referring to multiple fish of different species.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

Use 'fish are' when you are talking about multiple fish of the same species. It is the plural form of 'fish' used in this context.

Examples:

The fish are swimming in the ocean.
These fish are colorful.

Alternatives:

Multiple fish are
A group of fish is

Use 'fishes are' when you are talking about multiple fish of different species. It is the plural form of 'fish' used in this context.

Examples:

There are many fishes in the aquarium.
The fishes are swimming in the pond.

Alternatives:

Different species of fish are
Various fish are

Answer 1

fish are

This phrase is correct when referring to multiple fish of the same species.

Answer 2

fishes are

This phrase is correct when referring to multiple fish of different species.

"fish are" vs "fishes are"

fish are

fishes are

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