Is Fish Countable or Uncountable?

Is Fish Countable or Uncountable?

Fish is an animal that lives in rivers and seas and uses its fins and tail to swim. It can be both countable and uncountable. The noun fish in general has one form – fish. However, we can use the form fishes when referring to different kinds of fish.

• There is plenty of fish in the sea.
• I prefer saltwater fish to river fish.
• Fishes that belong to this family have a highly developed sense of smell.
• Toadfish are one of the most poisonous fishes in the world.

Fish as a countable noun

We think of fish countably when we refer to it as an animal.

• Fish reproduce by laying eggs.
• Michael caught three fish in the lake.
• The river is abundant in fish.

Is fish countable or uncountable?

Fish as an uncountable noun

We think of fish uncountably when we refer to it as food.

• The cook garnished the fish with herbs and lemon wedges.
• Some people eat raw fish.
• You can keep frozen fish for a month.

Common mistakes

Don’t use the indefinite article ‘a’ with the noun fish.

He caught huge fish. (not a huge fish)

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