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“Types of fish” can mean individual species or broad groups. The count answers the species question; a useful overview of the broad groups is jawless fishes, cartilaginous fishes, and bony fishes.
What does “type of fish” mean?
“Type of fish” is an everyday phrase, not one precise scientific category. Someone asking how many types there are may mean species, broad evolutionary groups, families such as catfish, or aquarium varieties. Here, the count refers to recognized species.
The three broad groups of living fish
| Broad group | What distinguishes it | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Jawless fishes | Lack hinged jaws | Hagfishes and lampreys |
| Cartilaginous fishes | Skeletons made primarily of cartilage | Sharks, rays, skates, and chimaeras |
| Bony fishes | Skeletons made primarily of bone | Most familiar freshwater and marine fishes |
These are useful broad groupings, not three equally species-rich or perfectly parallel taxonomic categories. “Fish” is a familiar umbrella term rather than one single formal class containing all fishes.
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Jawless fishes
Jawless fishes include hagfishes and lampreys. Lampreys have a round, sucker-like mouth; hagfishes are eel-shaped marine animals known for producing slime when disturbed.
Cartilaginous fishes
This group includes sharks, rays, skates, and chimaeras. Their skeletons are primarily cartilage rather than bone.
Bony fishes
Bony fishes include a very large diversity of lineages and account for most fish species. Familiar examples include minnows, catfish, salmon, tuna, cichlids, gobies, and flatfishes. Ray-finned fishes make up most of this diversity; lobe-finned fishes include lungfishes and coelacanths.
How many fish species does FishBase report?
| FishBase report | Species | Other displayed figures |
|---|---|---|
| February 2026 statistics | 36,535 | 5,274 genera, 626 families, 84 orders, and 10 classes |
| June 2026 statistics | 36,761 | 5,276 genera and 629 families |
These dated statistics are from FishBase, a global information system on finfishes. The June 2026 figure is a sensible basis for the rounded answer “about 37,000.” FishBase explains that databases can differ in their coverage, update schedules, and taxonomic treatment; counts of available names should not be confused with counts of currently accepted species.
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Why does the fish species count change?
Species totals change as researchers describe species and revise classification. A fish once treated as one widespread species may be split into several, while names once thought to represent different species may be treated as synonyms. A change in classification can also move a fish into another group without changing the species total.
FishBase’s February 2026 and June 2026 statistics show why it is useful to name the database and date when giving a precise count. “About 37,000 recognized fish species” is more reliable as a general answer than presenting one snapshot as permanent.
Further reading on fish classification
For a specialist discussion of fish classification and relationships among groups, Fishes of the World, Fifth Edition by Joseph S. Nelson, Terry C. Grande, and Mark V. H. Wilson is a taxonomy reference. It is not a current database for counting recognized species.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
How many fish species are there in the world?
There are about 37,000 recognized fish species. FishBase reported 36,761 in its June 2026 statistics.
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What are the three broad types of fish?
A useful broad overview distinguishes jawless fishes, cartilaginous fishes, and bony fishes. These groups differ in features such as jaws and the material that makes up the skeleton.
Which broad group includes the most fish species?
Bony fishes include most living fish diversity and many familiar species, such as minnows, catfish, salmon, tuna, and cichlids.
Is the number of fish species fixed?
No. Database totals change as species are described and researchers revise names and classification. FishBase’s reported totals also depend on the date of the statistics.
Does “fish species” mean the same as “fish names”?
No. A database may record names that are not currently accepted species, including names treated as synonyms. Check whether a source is counting accepted species or names.
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