75+ Magnificent Fish Names that Start with M [ Fish Names ]

If you’re someone who loves to explore the underwater world and discover new species of fish, then this guide is for you. Today, we will be taking a deep dive into the ocean and learning about 25 fish names that start with M.

1. Marlin

The Marlin is a large and fast swimming fish that is found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. They are known for their long, pointed bill and are popular among sports fishermen. They are also a prized catch in many cuisines, especially in Japan.

2. Manta Ray

The Manta Ray is a majestic creature that can grow up to 23 feet wide and weigh over 3,000 pounds. They are known for their graceful movements and are found in all the world’s oceans. Despite their size, they feed on tiny plankton and are harmless to humans.

3. Mahi Mahi

Also known as the Dorado or Dolphin Fish, the Mahi Mahi is a colorful fish found in tropical and subtropical waters. They are popular among sport fishermen for their acrobatic jumps when hooked and are also a delicious food fish, often served grilled or blackened.

4. Mackerel

Mackerels are a group of fast-swimming fish found in both saltwater and freshwater. They have a distinctive striped pattern on their back and are known for their oily, flavorful flesh. This makes them a popular fish for commercial fishing and also a favorite among recreational anglers.

5. Minnow

Minnows are small, silvery fish found in freshwater habitats like streams, lakes, and ponds. They are commonly used as bait for fishing and can also be kept as pets in aquariums. Owing to their small size, they are an important part of the food chain for larger aquatic animals.

6. Moray Eel

The Moray Eel is a long and slender fish with a scaleless body and sharp teeth. They are found in warmer ocean waters and are known for their menacing appearance. However, they are shy creatures and only attack when provoked.

7. Milkfish

The Milkfish is a popular food fish in many Asian countries, especially the Philippines. They have a unique elongated body with a large dorsal fin and swim in large schools. They are also an important part of the aquaculture industry due to their fast growth rate.

8. Mudskipper

The Mudskipper is a small fish that can breathe both underwater and on land. They have adapted to living in tidal pools and mangroves, where they use their pectoral fins to “walk” on land. These unique fish are found in tropical and subtropical regions.

9. Monkfish

Monkfish, also known as Anglerfish, have a distinctive appearance with a large flattened head and sharp teeth. They are bottom-dwelling fish found in the Atlantic Ocean and are highly valued for their firm, white flesh. However, they can be tricky to catch due to their camouflage abilities.

10. Moonfish

The Moonfish is a large, flat fish found in tropical and temperate waters around the world. They are known for their unique circular shape and can weigh over 600 pounds. Despite their size, they feed mainly on plankton and are not considered a commercial food fish.

11. Mullet

Mullets are a group of fish with elongated bodies and small heads. They are found in both saltwater and freshwater and are known for their jumping abilities, which they use to escape predators. Some species are also farmed for their roe, which is considered a delicacy.

12. Marbled Sleeper Goby

The Marbled Sleeper Goby is a small freshwater fish found in Southeast Asia. They have a unique marbled pattern on their body and are popular among hobbyists for their peaceful nature. They are also known to help control mosquito populations, making them beneficial to the environment.

13. Mosquitofish

As the name suggests, Mosquitofish is a small freshwater fish that feeds on mosquito larvae. They are often introduced into ponds and lakes to control mosquito populations. However, they can also be found in natural habitats in North America, Central America, and many other countries.

14. Megamouth Shark

The Megamouth Shark is a rare species of deep-sea shark that was only discovered in 1976. They have a distinctive large mouth with over 50 rows of teeth and are filter feeders, meaning they only eat plankton. There have been less than 100 sightings of this mysterious shark to date.

15. Mudfish

The Mudfish, also known as Bowfin, is a freshwater fish found in North America. They have an elongated body with dark green or brown markings and can grow up to 3 feet in length. They are also known for their hardiness, as they can survive in low-oxygen or polluted waters.

16. Moorish Idol

The Moorish Idol is a beautiful reef fish found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. They have a distinctive black, white, and yellow coloration with long, trailing dorsal fins. Due to their striking appearance, they are a popular addition to home aquariums.

17. Morwong

Morwongs, also known as Butterfish or Sea Breams, are bottom-dwelling fish found in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. They have a distinctive oval-shaped body and are often caught for commercial and recreational purposes. Some species of Morwong are also eaten raw as sushi in Japan.

18. Mudminnow

The Mudminnow is a small freshwater fish found in North America and some parts of Europe. They have an elongated body with a dark brown or black coloration and prefer slow-moving, shallow waters. They are primarily used as bait for fishing but can also be kept as pets in home aquariums.

20. Milk Shark

The Milk Shark is a small, bottom-dwelling shark found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. They have a unique flattened shape and are named for the white milk-like substance they secrete when threatened. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are harmless to humans.

21. Mahseer

Mahseer is a group of freshwater fish found in Asia, particularly in rivers and streams in the Himalayas. They have a large, powerful body and are highly prized among anglers for their strength and fighting abilities. However, many species of Mahseer are endangered due to overfishing and habitat destruction.

22. Mackerel

Mackerels are a group of fast-swimming fish found in both saltwater and freshwater habitats around the world. They have a distinctive streamlined body and are known for their oily, flavorful flesh. Some species of mackerel, such as the Atlantic Mackerel, are popular among commercial fishermen.

23. Mud Catfish

The Mud Catfish, also known as Bullhead or Channel Catfish, is a common freshwater fish found in North America. They have a scaleless body and long whiskers, which they use to sense their surroundings. They are also popular among anglers for their large size and delicious taste.

24. Muskie

The Muskie, also known as Muskellunge or “the fish of 10,000 casts,” is a popular freshwater gamefish in North America. They have a slender, elongated body and sharp teeth, making them formidable predators. They are also prized for their challenging nature, as they can be difficult to catch.

More Fish Names Starting with Letter M:

S.No	Fish Name	Description
1	Madagascar Rainbowfish	Brightly-colored, small fish native to Madagascar.
2	Malawi Eye-Biter	Aggressive cichlid species from Lake Malawi in Africa.
3	Mangrove Red Snapper	Saltwater fish that prefers mangrove swamps and estuaries.
4	Many Banded Shell-Dweller	Cichlid species that lives and breeds within shells.
5	Marbled Hatchetfish	Small freshwater fish known for its unique shape and marbled pattern.
6	Mackerel	Fast-swimming, silvery sea fish popular for food.
7	Mackerel Shark	Also known as the great white shark, one of the ocean’s most notorious predators.
8	Mahi-Mahi	Large, colorful pelagic fish known for its speed and agility.
9	Mahseer	Type of large freshwater fish found in rivers across Asia.
10	Mail-Cheeked Fish	Refers to several species of fish with bony plates covering their gills.
11	Mako Shark	Large, fast-swimming shark known for its agility and ferocity.
12	Mandarinfish	Small, brightly colored reef fish known for intricate patterns.
13	Moray Eel	Large, elongated fish known for its ability to hide in crevices and its strong bite.
14	Milksop Pygmy Angelfish	Small, brightly colored reef fish.
15	Molly Fish	Small, live-bearing freshwater fish popular in aquariums.
16	Moon Wrasse	Brightly colored reef fish known for its crescent-shaped tail.
17	Monkfish	Bottom-dwelling fish known for its large mouth and angler-like fishing strategy.
18	Mudskipper	Unique fish capable of living both in and out of water.
19	Moorish Idol	Brightly colored reef fish known for its tall, thin dorsal fin.
20	Mullet	Coastal sea fish known for its ability to leap out of the water.
21	Muskellunge	Large, predatory freshwater fish found in North America.
22	Mudfish	Small, eel-like fish that can survive in very low oxygen environments.
23	Mummichog	Small killifish that lives in brackish waters along the Atlantic coast.
24	Mountain Whitefish	Small freshwater fish found in cold, clear rivers and lakes.
25	Marlin	Large, fast-swimming pelagic fish known for its long, pointed bill.
26	Magnificent Rasbora	Small, brightly colored freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia.
27	Malabar Pufferfish	Small, freshwater pufferfish native to India.
28	Madtom	Small catfish species found in North America.
29	Manefish	Deep-sea fish known for its flowing, mane-like fins.
30	Manta Ray	Largest species of ray, known for its graceful swimming and ‘wings’.
31	Megamouth Shark	Rare, large shark species known for its wide mouth.
32	Mediterranean Horse Mackerel	Small, silver fish found in the Mediterranean Sea.
33	Mexican Tetra	Small freshwater fish, some populations of which live in caves and are blind.

Conclusion:

Aside from the aforementioned fish names that start with M, there are many other interesting fish species that deserve recognition. Some honorable mentions include the Mandarinfish, Megalodon Shark, Moon Jellyfish, and Mahi-Mahi. These and many more offer a diverse and fascinating glimpse into the underwater world. So next time you see a fish with a name starting with M, take a moment to appreciate its unique qualities and the role it plays in our ecosystem. Happy exploring!