85+ Cute Fish Names Starting with Letter C [ Fish Names ]

When it comes to the diverse world of aquatic creatures, there are endless options to choose from. From colorful tropical fish to deep-sea dwellers, each has its own unique characteristics and traits. In this article, we’ll explore 85 different fish names that all start with the letter C.

1. Clownfish

One of the most recognizable fish in the world, clownfish are known for their bright orange and white stripes. These small fish are found in tropical waters and have a symbiotic relationship with anemones. Clownfish are also known for their ability to change genders, with the dominant fish in a group becoming female and the second-in-command becoming male.

2. Catfish

Catfish are bottom-dwelling fish that are found in freshwater habitats all over the world. Known for their long barbels (whiskers) and smooth, scaleless bodies, catfish are popular in the fishing and aquaculture industries. They are also a staple in many cuisines, with different varieties found in countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and the United States.

3. Carp

Carp are a type of freshwater fish that have been domesticated for food production since ancient times. They have a distinctive shape with large scales and barbels on their upper lips. Carp are known for their adaptability and can thrive in a wide range of habitats, including rivers, lakes, and even brackish waters.

4. Cod

One of the most commercially important fish in the world, cod is a cold-water species found in the North Atlantic and Arctic oceans. They have a flaky white flesh and are a popular choice for fish and chips in many countries. Cod is also a key player in the fishing industry, with strict regulations in place to prevent overfishing.

5. Cichlid

Cichlids are a diverse family of freshwater fish found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. They come in various sizes, colors, and patterns, with some species known for their aggressive behavior. Cichlids are popular among aquarium enthusiasts and have a unique reproductive strategy where they care for their young until they reach maturity.

6. Cuttlefish

Cuttlefish may look like squid or octopus, but they actually belong to a separate order of mollusks. These intelligent creatures are masters of disguise, able to change their skin color and texture to blend in with their surroundings. Cuttlefish are also known for their ability to communicate through changes in their skin patterns.

7. Crappie

A popular game fish, crappie are found in freshwater habitats throughout North America. They have a silvery-green body and are known for their excellent taste when cooked. Crappie are also a highly sought-after target for anglers, with competitions held specifically for this species.

8. Croaker

Croakers are a family of fish found in both saltwater and freshwater habitats. They are known for the distinctive croaking sound they produce by vibrating their swim bladders. Croakers play an essential role in marine ecosystems as they feed on small invertebrates, helping to keep populations in balance.

9. Conger Eel

Conger eels are a type of marine fish with long, snake-like bodies and sharp teeth. They are found in temperate and tropical waters around the world and can grow up to 3 meters in length. Conger eels are known for their voracious appetite and are considered a delicacy in many countries, especially in sushi.

10. Chub

Chub is a common name for several freshwater fish species found in North America and Europe. They have a cylindrical body shape and can vary in color from greenish to silver depending on the species. Chub are small but fierce predators, feeding on insects, crustaceans, and small fish.

11. Cobia

Cobia is a large, warm-water fish found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. They have a distinctive elongated body with dark stripes along their sides. Cobia are considered a game fish and are prized for their firm white flesh and mild flavor.

12. Candlefish

Also known as eulachon, candlefish are anadromous fish found in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. They have a unique trait of having high oil content in their flesh, making them literally “candle-like” as they were traditionally used as a source of light by indigenous peoples.

13. Cardinalfish

Cardinalfish are small tropical fish with bright red, orange, or yellow bodies. They are found in coral reefs and lagoons in the Indo-Pacific region. Cardinalfish get their name from the bright coloration of some species, which resembles the robes worn by Catholic cardinals.

14. Clingfish

As their name suggests, clingfish have a unique ability to stick to surfaces using a suction cup-like system on their bellies. They are found in shallow waters around the world and have a distinctive flattened head and elongated body. Clingfish are an important part of marine food chains, feeding on algae, small invertebrates, and even other fish.

15. Chromis

Chromis is a genus of small tropical fish found in coral reefs and lagoons in the Indo-Pacific region. They have a slender, oval-shaped body and come in a variety of colors, including blue, green, and yellow. Chromis are popular among aquarium enthusiasts and are relatively easy to care for.

16. Cowfish

Cowfish have a distinctive boxy shape with sharp spines on their bodies. They are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world and are known for their ability to inflate themselves when threatened. Cowfish also have a unique defense mechanism where they release a toxin from their skin, making them unappetizing to predators.

17. Chum Salmon

Chum salmon, also known as dog salmon, are found in the Pacific Ocean and rivers along the coast of North America and Asia. They have a silver body with dark vertical bars and are an important source of food for humans and wildlife. Chum salmon also play a crucial role in the ecosystem by transporting nutrients from the ocean to freshwater systems.

18. Cuy

Cuy, also known as guinea pig, is a domesticated rodent found in South American countries such as Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador. They are a popular source of protein for indigenous communities and have been consumed since ancient times. Cuy is also now considered a delicacy in some high-end restaurants.

19. Crevalle Jack

Crevalle jack, also known as common jack or horse-eye jack, is a large predatory fish found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. They have a distinctive yellow-green body with black vertical bars and are known for their speed and aggressive behavior. Crevalle jack is an important target for recreational fishing.

20. Crayfish

Crayfish, also known as crawfish or crawdads, are freshwater crustaceans found in rivers, lakes, and streams. They have a hard exoskeleton and are characterized by their large claws. Crayfish are an important part of aquatic food chains, feeding on plants, insects, and small fish.

21. Catfish

Catfish is a diverse group of fish found in freshwater habitats around the world. They have barbels (whisker-like appendages) around their mouths and are known for their excellent sense of smell. Catfish come in a variety of sizes, from small species to the giant Mekong catfish, which can grow up to 9 feet long.

22. Cobia

Cobia is a large, warm-water fish found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. They have a distinctive elongated body with dark stripes along their sides. Cobia are considered a game fish and are prized for their firm white flesh and mild flavor.

23. Cichlid

Cichlids are a diverse family of freshwater fish found in tropical regions around the world. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors and are popular among aquarium enthusiasts. Cichlids are known for their complex social behavior and are also a food source for humans in some parts of the world.

24. Clownfish

Clownfish, also known as anemonefish, are small tropical fish found in coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific region. They have a bright orange body with white stripes and are popular among aquarium owners due to their striking appearance. Clownfish have a symbiotic relationship with anemones, where they live among the tentacles and provide protection for the anemone in exchange for shelter.

25. Chimaera

Chimaeras, also known as ghost sharks or ratfish, are deep-sea fish found in temperate and tropical oceans around the world. They have a unique appearance with a long, rat-like tail and large pectoral fins. Chimaeras are sometimes confused with sharks but belong to a separate subclass of cartilaginous fish. They are considered a delicacy in some countries, particularly in Asia.

More Fish Names Starting with Letter C:

S.No	Fish Name	Description
1	Clownfish	Known for their symbiotic relationship with sea anemones, Clownfish are popular in home aquariums.
2	Carp	A freshwater species known for its size and adaptability, Carp are common in both fishing and aquaculture.
3	Catfish	Named for their whisker-like barbels, Catfish are a diverse group of bottom-dwelling fish.
4	Cod	A cold-water fish prized for its flaky white flesh, Cod is a staple in many types of cuisine.
5	Crayfish	Though technically a crustacean, not a fish, Crayfish are aquatic animals often found in freshwater habitats.
6	Cobia	Known for its long, slim body and broad head, Cobia are popular targets for sport fishing.
7	Chub	A term used for several species of freshwater fish, Chubs are known for their robust bodies and large scales.
8	Char	A group of trout-like fish, Char are known for their distinctive coloration and cold-water habitats.
9	Cherry Barb	A small, colorful freshwater fish, Cherry Barbs are popular in home aquariums.
10	Cichlid	A diverse family of fish known for their bright colors and complex behaviors, Cichlids are popular among aquarium enthusiasts.
11	Cowfish	Known for their boxy shape and horns or “cow-like” protrusions, Cowfish are a unique addition to saltwater aquariums.
12	Cardinalfish	Small, brightly colored marine fish, Cardinalfish are known for their nocturnal habits and peaceful nature.
13	Candiru	A small, parasitic catfish native to the Amazon River, Candiru are known for their invasive behavior.
14	California Halibut	Found along the coast of California, these flatfish are popular targets for sport and commercial fishing.
15	Canary Rockfish	Known for their bright yellow color, Canary Rockfish are a common sight along the Pacific coast of North America.
16	Coelacanth	A “living fossil,” the Coelacanth is a rare, deep-sea fish known for its lobed fins.
17	Cuttlefish	Despite their name, Cuttlefish are actually mollusks, not fish, but are worth mentioning for their unique behaviors and ability to change color.
18	Coral Trout	A brightly colored fish found on coral reefs, Coral Trout are prized by both commercial and sport fishermen.
19	Channel Catfish	Named for their preference for deep channels in rivers and lakes, Channel Catfish are a popular target for freshwater fishing.
20	Convict Cichlid	Named for their black and white stripes, Convict Cichlids are a common choice for home aquariums.
21	Capelin	Small, schooling fish, Capelin are an important part of the marine food chain in the North Atlantic.
22	Clown Triggerfish	Known for their vibrant colors and patterns, Clown Triggerfish are a popular choice for saltwater aquariums.
23	Crawfish	Also known as crayfish or crawdads, these freshwater crustaceans are often associated with Southern cuisine.
24	Common Carp	A large, adaptable freshwater fish, the Common Carp is one of the most widely distributed fish species.
25	Cleaner Wrasse	Known for their symbiotic relationships with other fish, Cleaner Wrasse eat parasites off their “clients.”
26	Copperband Butterflyfish	Named for the coppery bands across its eyes and body, this species is a common sight on tropical reefs.
27	Chinook Salmon	The largest species of Pacific salmon, Chinook are highly prized by sport fishermen.
28	Common Pleco	A popular aquarium fish, the Common Pleco is known for its ability to control algae.
29	Chocolate Cichlid	Named for its rich brown color, the Chocolate Cichlid is a peaceful freshwater fish often kept in home aquariums.
30	Cottonmouth Jack	A predatory species found in the Atlantic Ocean, the Cottonmouth Jack is known for its large mouth.
31	Combfish	A small, brightly colored marine fish, the Combfish is often found in coral reefs.
32	Cookiecutter Shark	Known for its unique feeding habits, the Cookiecutter Shark uses its specialized teeth to take circular bites out of larger animals.
33	Cubera Snapper	The largest species of snapper, the Cubera is a powerful predator found in the western Atlantic Ocean.
34	Crevalle Jack	Known for their strength and speed, Crevalle Jack are a popular target for sport fishing.
35	Croaker	Named for the croaking sound they make, Croakers are a group of bottom-dwelling fish found in oceans worldwide.
36	Chimaera	Also known as ghost sharks, Chimaeras are deep-sea fish known for their elongated bodies and wing-like pectoral fins.
37	Clown Loach	A popular aquarium fish, the Clown Loach is known for its bright colors and active behavior.
38	Cusk	A deep-sea species found in the North Atlantic, the Cusk is known for its long, tapering body and barbel on its chin.
39	Clingfish	Named for their ability to cling to rocks and other surfaces, Clingfish have a suction disk on their undersides.
40	Cornetfish	Known for their long, slender bodies and elongated snouts, Cornetfish are a unique sight in warm seas.
41	Chilipepper Rockfish	A deep-sea species known for its bright red color, the Chilipepper Rockfish is found along the Pacific coast of North America.
42	Cunner	A small, bottom-dwelling fish, the Cunner is found along the Atlantic coast of North America.
43	Cuckoo Wrasse	Known for their vibrant colors, Cuckoo Wrasse are a common sight in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.
44	Chub Mackerel	A small, schooling fish, the Chub Mackerel is an important commercial fish species.
45	Chain Moray	A type of eel known for its chain-like pattern, the Chain Moray is found in tropical reefs in the Atlantic Ocean.
46	Celebes Rainbowfish	A small, brightly colored freshwater fish, the Celebes Rainbowfish is popular in home aquariums.
47	Cape Cod Hake	A species of hake found off the coast of Cape Cod, known for its delicate, white flesh.
48	Coral Cat Shark	A small, bottom-dwelling shark, the Coral Cat Shark is known for its attractive pattern and ability to live in home aquariums.
49	Chiseltooth Wrasse	Known for their specialized teeth used for feeding on hard-shelled invertebrates, Chiseltooth Wrasse are found in the Indo-Pacific region.
50	Crimson Snapper	A brightly colored, tropical snapper, the Crimson Snapper is a popular target for commercial and sport fishing.
51	Clown Goby	A small, brightly colored reef fish, the Clown Goby is popular in saltwater aquariums.
52	Chevron Tang	Known for the chevron pattern on its body, the Chevron Tang is a common sight on coral reefs.
53	Cavefish	A group of fish adapted to living in dark caves, Cavefish have unique adaptations like loss of pigment and eyesight.
54	Coachwhip Rays	Known for their long, whip-like tails, Coachwhip Rays are a group of rays found in tropical oceans.
55	Cherry Shrimp	While technically not a fish, Cherry Shrimp are often included in freshwater aquariums for their bright red color.
56	Ceylon Pufferfish	A species of pufferfish found in the Indian Ocean, known for its ability to inflate when threatened.
57	Copper Rockfish	A species of rockfish known for its coppery color, found along the Pacific coast of North America.
58	Ctenopoma	Also known as climbing perches, Ctenopoma are a group of freshwater fish native to Africa.
59	Comet Goldfish	A type of goldfish known for its long, flowing tail that resembles a comet’s tail.
60	Checkerboard Cichlid	A small, freshwater cichlid, the Checkerboard Cichlid is known for its checkerboard-like pattern.

So there you have it – 85 different types of fish that all start with the letter C! From freshwater chimaeras to tropical clownfish and everything in between, these fish represent the diversity and wonder of aquatic life. Whether you’re an avid angler, a curious aquarium enthusiast, or just someone interested in learning about different species, there’s always something new to discover when it comes to the world of fish. So dive in and explore the fascinating world of C fish!