Fish Fun for Kids

Fish are water animals that come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. Kids can find fish in oceans, rivers, lakes, and even small ponds. They swim with fins and breathe using gills. Fish are fun to watch and learn about because some glow, some jump, and some swim in big schools!

Watch a Fish in Action!

See how fish swim and move in the water—it looks so graceful and smooth!

What Is a Fish?

Fish are cold-blooded animals that live in water and breathe through gills. They use fins to swim and have scales to protect their bodies. Fish are vertebrates, which means they have a backbone.

• They have gills to breathe under water
• They use fins to move and steer
• They have scales covering their bodies
• They come in many bright colors and sizes

Where Do Fish Live?

Fish live in many kinds of water habitats all around the world.

• Oceans – where salt water lives
• Rivers and streams – where fresh water flows
• Lakes and ponds – still water places
• Aquariums – man-made homes for fish

What Do Fish Eat?

Different fish eat different foods based on what is in their habitat and how big they are.

• Small fish and plankton for tiny fish
• Plants and algae for some fish
• Other smaller fish or insects for bigger fish
• Fish flakes or pellets in aquariums

How Big Is a Fish?

Fish sizes can be easy to imagine by comparing them with things you know.

• Tiny fish like neon tetras are about as long as your finger (5 cm ~ 2 in)
• Goldfish are about the size of your palm (15 cm ~ 6 in)
• Bigger fish like trout can be as long as a school ruler (30 cm ~ 12 in)
• Huge fish like whale sharks can be as long as a school bus (12 m ~ 40 ft)

What Sound Do Fish Make?

Most fish do not make noises you can hear easily, but some wiggle, grunt, or click in the water. These sounds help them talk with other fish.

Cool Fish Facts

Fish are fascinating creatures with amazing features. Here are some fun facts:

• Some fish can glow in the dark to hide or find food
• Tropical fish like clownfish have bright, rainbow colors
• Schools are groups of fish that swim together for safety
• Salmon swim upstream to the place they were born to lay eggs
• Some fish, like seahorses, are less than 2 cm (~1 in) tall
• A shark is also a fish, but it has no bones—only cartilage
• Some fish can breathe air and live partly on land
• Fish help keep water clean by eating algae

Printables and Coloring Fun

Coloring fish and playing games is a fun way to learn about these water friends!

• Download Fish Coloring Page (PDF)

Fish in the Eco-System

Fish play a very important role in nature and need clean water to grow strong.

• They help keep rivers, lakes, and oceans healthy by eating tiny plants and animals
• Many animals like birds and bears eat fish, so fish are part of a food chain
• Some fish are endangered, and many places protect them to make sure they can survive
• Scientists say there are about 34,000 different fish species in the world

Ask a Grown‑Up to Learn More

There are lots of interesting and trustworthy websites with more fish facts! Ask a grown‑up to check these out:

• National Geographic Kids – Fish
• National Geographic – Fish Facts
• Britannica Kids – Fish

Fun Questions About Fish

Ways to Donate and Support Fish

You can help protect fish and their homes by supporting nature groups that keep water clean and safe.

Donate to Fish In Need