84+ Dazzling Fish Names Starting with Letter D [ Fish Names ]

Have you ever wondered how many fish species start with the letter “D”? Well, wonder no more! We have compiled a list of 85 fish names that all begin with the letter “D”. From freshwater to saltwater, from small to large, this list covers a wide range of fish types.

1. Discus

Discus fish are a popular freshwater species known for their vibrant colors and round body shape. They originated from the Amazon River basin and require specific water conditions to thrive. Discus fish are peaceful creatures and prefer to live in groups.

2. Darter

Darters are a type of perch that can be found in freshwater streams and rivers across North America. They have elongated bodies with pointed heads and feed on small aquatic insects. Some darter species are threatened due to habitat destruction.

3. Dragonfish

Dragonfish, also known as the deep-sea dragonfish, are a group of bioluminescent fish found in deep ocean waters. They have large heads and mouths with sharp teeth, making them effective predators. Dragonfish are able to produce their own light through specialized organs called photophores.

4. Doctorfish

Doctorfish, also known as surgeonfish, are colorful tropical fish found in coral reefs. They have distinctive spines on their sides that resemble a surgeon’s scalpel, hence the name. These fish are herbivores and play an important role in maintaining the health of coral reef ecosystems.

5. Dogfish

Dogfish is a collective name for various species of small sharks found in oceans around the world. They have slender bodies and are known for their sharp teeth. Dogfish are often used for human consumption, but some species have experienced population declines due to overfishing.

6. Dolly Varden

Dolly Varden is a type of trout found in rivers and lakes in North America. They have colorful spots on their sides that resemble the traditional dress of a character from Charles Dickens’ book, A Christmas Carol. Dolly Varden are popular among anglers for their fight and agility.

7. Drum

Drum fish are a group of saltwater fish with distinctive round bodies and flat heads. They make a loud drumming sound by vibrating their swim bladder, hence the name. Some species, such as the red drum, are highly prized game fish, while others are commercially fished for food.

8. Darter goby

Darter gobies are small, colorful fish found in tropical and subtropical waters. They have elongated bodies with large eyes and live among rocks and corals on the ocean floor. Darter gobies feed on plankton and serve as an important source of food for larger fish.

9. Dwarf gourami

Dwarf gouramis are a popular freshwater aquarium fish known for their bright colors and peaceful nature. They come in various color variations, such as powder blue, gold flame, and neon red. These small fish do best in schools and require a well-maintained tank to thrive.

10. Dace

Dace is a common name for various freshwater fish species found in Europe and North America. They have slender bodies and are often used as bait by anglers. Dace are an important part of the food chain, serving as prey to larger fish and birds.

11. Dartfish

Dartfish are a group of small, colorful saltwater fish found in tropical and subtropical waters. They have elongated bodies with large fins and are often seen darting among corals or hiding in crevices. Dartfish are popular among aquarium enthusiasts for their vibrant colors and peaceful nature.

12. Denison barb

Denison barbs, also known as red line torpedo barbs, are a species of freshwater fish found in India. They have a striking appearance, with dark red and black stripes running down their bodies. Denison barbs are active swimmers and do best in large tanks with plenty of room to swim.

13. Dunkleosteus

Dunkleosteus is an extinct genus of armored fish that lived during the Late Devonian period, around 360 million years ago. They were one of the largest fish species to ever exist, reaching lengths of up to 33 feet (10 meters). Dunkleosteus had powerful jaws and sharp teeth, making them fierce predators in their underwater world.

14. Damselfish

Damselfish are a family of colorful saltwater fish found in tropical and subtropical waters. They have flat, oval-shaped bodies and are often seen swimming among corals in shallow reefs. Damselfish play an important role in coral reef ecosystems by grazing on algae and defending their territory from other fish.

15. Diamond tetra

Diamond tetras are a popular freshwater aquarium fish known for their silvery bodies and diamond-shaped markings. They originate from South America and are peaceful fish that do well in community tanks. Diamond tetras prefer to live in groups and require a well-planted tank with hiding spots.

16. Dolphin fish

Dolphin fish, also known as mahi-mahi or dorado, are a highly sought-after saltwater game fish found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. They have a distinctive appearance, with iridescent blue and green scales and a long dorsal fin. Dolphin fish are popular for their acrobatic jumps and strong fight when caught.

17. Dusky grouper

Dusky grouper is a large saltwater fish found in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. They have a brownish-gray coloration and can reach sizes of up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) in length. Dusky grouper are an important food source for humans, but their populations have declined due to overfishing.

18. Dolphinfish

Dolphinfish, also known as pompano dolphin or lampuga, are a species of saltwater fish found in tropical and subtropical waters. They have a streamlined body shape and can reach lengths of up to 6 feet (1.8 meters). Dolphinfish are popular among anglers for their tasty meat and acrobatic jumps when caught.

19. Dwarf lionfish

Dwarf lionfish, also known as zebra turkeyfish, are a species of venomous saltwater fish found in the Indo-Pacific region. They have a distinctive appearance, with red and white stripes on their bodies and spines on their back that contain venom. Dwarf lionfish are popular among aquarium enthusiasts for their striking looks, but they require special care due to their venom.

20. Dottyback

Dottybacks are a family of small, colorful saltwater fish found in tropical and subtropical waters. They have elongated bodies with large fins and are often seen swimming among corals on the ocean floor. Dottybacks are popular among aquarium enthusiasts for their vibrant colors, but they can be territorial and aggressive towards other fish.

21. Dragonet

Dragonets, also known as mandarinfish, are a group of colorful saltwater fish found in the Indo-Pacific region. They have an elongated body and can be found in various color variations such as blue, green, and red. Dragonets have unique behaviors, such as walking on their fins, and require a well-established tank with plenty of live rock.

22. Driftwood catfish

Driftwood catfish, also known as whiptail catfish, are a species of freshwater fish found in South America. They have an elongated body with a flat head and can reach lengths of up to 8 inches (20 cm). Driftwood catfish get their name from their habit of using pieces of driftwood as shelter. They are peaceful fish and do well in community tanks.

23. Dwarf loach

Dwarf loaches are small, peaceful freshwater fish found in Southeast Asia. They have an elongated body with a striped pattern and are known for their ability to eat snails, making them popular among aquarium enthusiasts. Dwarf loaches prefer to live in groups and require a well-planted tank with hiding spots.

24. Diamond cichlid

Diamond cichlids, also known as diamond tetras, are a popular freshwater aquarium fish originating from South America. They have a silvery body with diamond-shaped markings and do well in community tanks with other peaceful fish. Diamond cichlids require a well-maintained tank with plenty of hiding spots and plants to thrive.

25. Dragon goby

Dragon gobies, also known as dragonfish or violet gobies, are a species of freshwater fish found in Asia. They have an elongated body with large fins and a unique ability to change color depending on their mood. Dragon gobies are bottom-dwellers and require a tank with sandy substrate and plenty of hiding spots. They also have a specialized diet and should only be kept by experienced aquarium enthusiasts. Some species of dragon gobies can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) in length, making them an impressive addition to any tank.

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Conclusion:

Overall, these 84 fish names starting with D showcase the incredible diversity found within the world of fish. From colorful reef inhabitants to fierce predators, each fish has its own unique characteristics and behaviors. Whether you’re an aquarium enthusiast or a fishing enthusiast, there’s always something new to learn about these fascinating creatures.