55+ Fish Names that Start with Letter Y [ Fish Names ]

Fishes are one of the most diverse species on earth. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. With over 34,000 recognized fish species in the world, it’s no wonder that there are some pretty interesting names out there.

In this guide, we’ll be taking a closer look at 55 fish names that start with Y, exploring their unique characteristics and fun facts. So, let’s dive in!

1. Yellow Perch

The Yellow Perch is a freshwater fish found in North America. It gets its name from its distinct yellow coloration. This popular game fish is known for its delicious taste and can be found in many lakes and rivers across the continent.

2. Yellowfin Tuna

The Yellowfin Tuna is a large and fast-swimming fish found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. Known for its yellow dorsal fin, this popular sport fish can weigh up to 400 pounds!

3. Yellowtail Snapper

The Yellowtail Snapper is a beautiful, brightly colored fish found in the Western Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. This popular food fish is characterized by its yellow tail and white, flaky flesh.

4. Yellow Pufferfish

The Yellow Pufferfish, also known as the Spotted Pufferfish, is a tropical fish found in the Indo-Pacific region. This unique fish is recognizable by its bright yellow color and black spots. Be warned, though – this fish is highly toxic if ingested!

5. Yellowtail Clownfish

The Yellowtail Clownfish, also known as the Ocellaris Clownfish, is a popular aquarium fish found in the Indo-Pacific region. This small, colorful fish has become famous thanks to its appearance in the movie Finding Nemo.

6. Yellowhead Jawfish

The Yellowhead Jawfish is a small, reef-dwelling fish found in the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. This curious-looking fish has a yellow head and spends most of its time burrowing in the sand.

7. Yellowfin Goby

The Yellowfin Goby is a colorful, bottom-dwelling fish found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. This small fish is known for its bright yellow pelvic fins and can often be found hiding among coral reefs.

8. Yellowtail Kingfish

The Yellowtail Kingfish, also known as the Great Amberjack, is a powerful game fish found in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. This speedy predator can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour and is highly sought after by fishermen.

9. Yellow-Eye Mullet

The Yellow-Eye Mullet, also known as the Diamond Scale Mullet, is a common fish found in estuaries and coastal waters around the world. This silvery-green fish gets its name from its large yellow eyes.

10. Yellowtail Surgeonfish

The Yellowtail Surgeonfish, also known as the Yellow Tang, is a popular aquarium fish found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. This vibrant yellow fish is known for its unique shape and can often be seen grazing on algae.

11. Yellow Bullhead Catfish

The Yellow Bullhead Catfish, also known as the Yellow Catfish, is a freshwater fish found in North America. This bottom-dwelling fish has distinct yellow barbels and is known for its strong fighting abilities.

12. Yellowtail Barracuda

The Yellowtail Barracuda is a large predatory fish found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. This aggressive fish gets its name from its bright yellow caudal fin and sharp teeth.

13. Yellowfin Surgeonfish

The Yellowfin Surgeonfish, also known as the Convict Tang, is a popular aquarium fish found in the Indo-Pacific region. This small, hardy fish has striking yellow and black stripes and can be seen swimming in large schools in the ocean.

14. Yellow Perchlet

The Yellow Perchlet is a small, brightly colored fish found in the subtropical waters of the Western Atlantic Ocean. This tiny fish gets its name from its yellow fins and can often be seen darting amongst coral reefs.

15. Yellowtail Damselfish

The Yellowtail Damselfish is a common reef fish found in the tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. This small, brightly-colored fish is known for its aggressive behavior and can often be seen defending its territory.

16. Yellow Snapper

The Yellow Snapper, also known as the Silk Snapper, is a popular food fish found in the Western Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. This silvery-red fish has a yellow stripe running down its side and is known for its mild, white flesh.

17. Yellowfin Bream

The Yellowfin Bream, also known as the Nannygai, is a popular game fish found in the temperate waters of Australia. This oval-shaped fish has bright red fins and a yellow caudal fin and is highly prized by fishermen for its delicious taste.

18. Yellow Sauger

The Yellow Sauger is a freshwater fish found in North America, closely related to the Walleye. This popular sport fish has a yellow-tinted body and is known for its sharp teeth and fierce fighting abilities.

19. Yellowtail Fusilier

The Yellowtail Fusilier is a small, schooling fish found in the tropical waters of the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. This silvery-blue fish is recognizable by its bright yellow tail and can often be found swimming in large groups.

20. Yellow Croaker

The Yellow Croaker, also known as the Corvina, is a popular food fish found in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. This silver-colored fish has a yellow-tinted belly and is known for its mild, white flesh.

21. Yellow-Spotted Stingray

The Yellow-Spotted Stingray is a large, bottom-dwelling fish found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. This unique fish has bright yellow spots on its back and can deliver a painful sting with its tail.

22. Yellowtail Dottyback

The Yellowtail Dottyback is a small, brightly colored fish found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. This territorial fish has a vibrant yellow tail and can often be seen darting in and out of coral reefs.

23. Yellowfin Goatfish

The Yellowfin Goatfish is a bottom-dwelling fish found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. This unique fish has a bright yellow tail and is known for its ability to dig through sand with its barbels in search of food.

24. Yellow Tang Surgeonfish

The Yellow Tang Surgeonfish, also known as the Blue Eyed Yellow Tang, is a popular aquarium fish found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. This bright yellow fish is known for its blue eyes and can often be seen grazing on algae.

25. Yellowbanded Perch

The Yellowbanded Perch, also known as the Blackbar Soldierfish, is a small reef fish found in the tropical waters of the Western Atlantic Ocean. This colorful fish has a yellow and black striped body and is often found hiding among coral reefs.

More Fish Names Starting with Letter Y

S.No	Fish Name	Description
1	Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares)	A large, fast-swimming fish known for its bright yellow fins and high value in the culinary world.
2	Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens)	A vibrant, yellow saltwater fish popular in aquariums.
3	Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens)	A freshwater fish native to North America, popular among anglers.
4	Yellowtail Clownfish (Amphiprion clarkii)	A brightly colored marine fish famous for its symbiotic relationship with sea anemones.
5	Yellowtail Barracuda (Sphyraena obtusata)	A predatory, saltwater fish recognized by its elongated body and sharp teeth.
6	Yellowtail Kingfish (Seriola lalandi)	A large game fish found in the Southern Hemisphere, prized for its fight and flavor.
7	Yellow Jack (Carangoides bartholomaei)	A game fish of the Carangidae family, found in the warmer waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
8	Yellow Bullhead (Ameiurus natalis)	A species of bullhead catfish native to the southeastern United States.
9	Yellow Boarfish (Pseudopentaceros richardsoni)	A deep-sea fish known for its odd shape and bright coloration.
10	Yellowfin Croaker (Umbrina roncador)	A medium-sized fish found off the coast of California, known for the croaking sound it makes.
11	Yellowmargin Triggerfish (Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus)	A large marine fish known for its bright yellow margins and strong jaws.
12	Yellowtail Damselfish (Microspathodon chrysurus)	A small, brightly colored fish found in the Caribbean Sea.
13	Yellowhead Jawfish (Opistognathus aurifrons)	A small, burrowing fish known for its bright yellow head.
14	Yellowfin Goby (Acanthogobius flavimanus)	An invasive species in California, native to East Asia.
15	Yellowband Angelfish (Apolemichthys xanthopunctatus)	A tropical marine fish known for its vibrant colors and bold stripes.
16	Y-bar Goatfish (Parupeneus signatus)	A goatfish species recognized by its distinctive ‘Y’ shaped bar on its body.
17	Yellowfin Hind (Cephalopholis hemistiktos)	A species of grouper found in the Indian Ocean, known for its yellow fins.
18	Yellowtail Fusilier (Caesio cuning)	A small, schooling fish found in the Indo-Pacific region.
19	Yellowfin Bream (Acanthopagrus australis)	A popular sport fish found in Australia’s coastal waters.
20	Yellowstripe Scad (Selaroides leptolepis)	A small, schooling fish found in the Indo-Pacific region.
21	Yellow-edged Moray (Gymnothorax flavimarginatus)	A large, predatory eel found in the Indo-Pacific region.
22	Yellowtail Snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus)	A popular game fish found in the Atlantic Ocean, known for its yellow tail.
23	Yellowfin Sole (Limanda aspera)	A flatfish species found in the northern Pacific Ocean.
24	Yellowspotted Trevally (Carangoides fulvoguttatus)	A large predatory fish found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
25	Yellowfin Drum (Nibea mitsukurii)	A species of drum fish native to the western Pacific Ocean.
26	Yellowspotted Triggerfish (Pseudobalistes fuscus)	A large marine fish known for its distinctive spots and strong jaws.
27	Yellowmouth Barracuda (Sphyraena viridensis)	A predatory, saltwater fish recognized by its yellow mouth.
28	Yellowhead Moray (Gymnothorax rueppelliae)	A medium-sized eel known for its yellow head.
29	Yellowtail Horse Mackerel (Trachurus novaezelandiae)	A mackerel species native to the southwestern Pacific Ocean.
30	Yellowback Fusilier (Caesio xanthonota)	A small, schooling fish found in the Indo-Pacific region.

Conclusion

These 55 fish names starting with the letter “Y” represent just a fraction of the incredible diversity found in our oceans and waterways. From small reef-dwelling creatures to large predatory game fish, each one plays a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.

By learning more about these fascinating species, we can better appreciate and protect the incredible world below the surface. So next time you’re by the water, keep an eye out for these yellow-colored fish and marvel at their unique characteristics! Happy fishing