46 Fish That Start With H (Common Names & Pictures)

Embarking on a journey through the aquatic world, we often encounter an astonishing variety of fish, each unique in its characteristics and habitat. In this exploration of fish that start with the letter ‘H,’ we delve into the fascinating diversity of these creatures.

From the Haddock to the Halibut, Horn Shark, and Hogfish, join us as we uncover the complete list of these ‘H’ named fish, enhancing our appreciation for the diversity of aquatic life.

Popular Fish That Start With H

Some of the most popular fish that start with H include Hagfish, Hake, Haddock, Halibut, Horn Shark, and Herring. Read on to find out more about them below.

Hagfish (Myxinidae family)

Hagfish, known for their slimy nature, are unique creatures residing in oceanic depths. Unlike typical fish, they lack dorsal fins and instead have elongated, eel-like bodies. Hagfish feed primarily on dead or dying fish and marine invertebrates, scavenging the seafloor with their sharp teeth and sensory tentacles around their mouths. They can secrete slime as a defense mechanism, deterring predators. Interesting in both behavior and physiology, hagfish challenge our traditional view of what constitutes a fish.

Hamlet (Hypoplectrus spp.)

Hamlets are small, colorful reef fish known for their striking patterns and diverse color morphs. They inhabit coral reefs, where they primarily feed on small fishes and invertebrates. Unique among fish, hamlets exhibit simultaneous hermaphroditism, where individuals possess both male and female reproductive organs, and can alternate roles during breeding. They are not commercially fished due to their small size but are a delight to observe in their natural habitat.

Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus)

Haddock, a member of the cod family, is a popular food dish in many cultures. Found in the cooler waters of the North Atlantic, they are a grayish-silver fish distinguished by a black lateral line and a characteristic spot above their pectoral fins. Haddock feed on small invertebrates and fish, often forming large schools. They are a staple in both commercial and recreational fishing, valued for their lean, flaky white meat.

Halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus)

Halibut are among the largest flatfish, dwelling on the seafloor of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. These large fish are an important delicacy and are targeted for their substantial size and delicious meat. Halibut primarily feed on fish, crabs, and other small marine creatures. Their bodies are adapted for a bottom-dwelling lifestyle, with both eyes situated on the upper side of their bodies. The females generally grow larger than the males, and their size makes them formidable predators in their ecosystem.

Horn Shark (Heterodontus francisci)

Horn sharks are distinctive for their short, blunt head with high ridges above the eyes, resembling horns. They inhabit rocky reefs and kelp forests at depths usually less than 40 feet, although they can dive deeper. These nocturnal predators primarily feed on sea urchins, crustaceans, mollusks, and small fishes, using their powerful jaws and sharp teeth. Horn sharks lay spiral-shaped eggs, which they wedge into crevices for protection. Their spines provide defense against larger predators.

Herring (Clupea harengus)

Herring are small, silver-colored fish, forming immense schools in coastal waters. They are a critical part of marine food chains, serving as prey for larger fish, mammals, and birds. Herring feed on plankton, which they filter through their gill rakers. They are known for their large schools, which can be several square miles in area and provide protection from predators. Herring are also a popular food fish, with their delicate flesh considered a delicacy in many cultures.

Hake (Merluccius merluccius)

Hake, part of the cod family, are found in deep waters of many oceans. They have elongated bodies and large heads with sharp teeth, adept at feeding on small fishes and invertebrates. Hake are important commercially, often marketed as a cheaper alternative to cod. They are usually caught using trawls. These fish are not only valued as a food source but also play a significant role in their marine ecosystems as both predators and prey.

Hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus)

Hogfish, named for their elongated pig-like snout, are a species of wrasse found on coral reefs. They use their snout to root around in the sediment for food, primarily consuming crustaceans, mollusks, and small invertebrates. Hogfish are popular in recreational spearfishing due to their curious nature. They exhibit a striking color change as they mature, and like many wrasses, they can change sex from female to male.

Halfmoon (Medialuna californiensis)

The Halfmoon is a colorful reef fish, named for its deeply forked tail that resembles a half-moon shape. They are often found in kelp beds and rocky reefs, feeding on algae, small invertebrates, and sometimes small fishes. These fish are recognized by their blue-green bodies and yellow-orange anal fins. In their natural habitat, they play a role in controlling algae growth on reefs. While not commonly targeted in fisheries, they are occasionally caught for aquarium trade.

Complete List of Fish Names Starting with H

Now, let’s dive into the complete list of fish species that start with the letter ‘H’ and their scientific names:

Freshwater Fish

1. Haitian cichlid (Cichlasoma haitiensis)
2. Hampala Barb (Hampala macrolepidota)
3. Haplochromis (Haplochromis spp.)
4. Half-Lined pyrrhulina (Pyrrhulina laeta)
5. Hardhead Catfish (Ariopsis felis)
6. Harlequin Rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha)
7. Harlequin Shark (Labeo cyclorhynchus)
8. Harrison’s pencilfish (Nannostomus harrisoni)
9. Hatchetfish (Gasteropelecus sternicla)
10. Hemigrammus (Hemigrammus spp.)
11. High-Backed Headstander (Abramites hypselonotus)
12. High-Backed Tetra (Citharinus citharus)
13. Hillstream Loach (Sewellia lineolata)
14. Hog-nosed Brochis (Brochis multiradiatus)
15. Hog Sucker (Hypentelium nigricans)
16. Holland’s Piranha (Serrasalmus hollandi)
17. Honey Gourami (Trichogaster chuna)
18. Honduran Red Point (Amatitlania siquia)
19. Hora’s Loach (Yasuhikotakia morleti)
20. Huchen (Hucho hucho)
21. Hucho Taimen (Hucho taimen)
22. Hujeta Gar (Ctenolucius hujeta)
23. Humeralis Piranha (Serrasalmus Humeralis)
24. Hyena Cichlid (Nimbochromis polystigma)

Marine Saltwater Fish

1. Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus)
2. Hagfish (Myxinidae family)
3. Hake (Merluccius merluccius)
4. Halfmoon (Medialuna californiensis)
5. Halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus)
6. Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna spp.)
7. Hamlet (Hypoplectrus spp.)
8. Halfbeak (Hemiramphidae)
9. Hapuku (Polyprion oxygeneios)
10. Hawkfish (Cirrhitidae family)
11. Hickory Shad (Alosa mediocris)
12. Herring (Clupea harengus)
13. Herring Smelt (Argentinidae family)
14. Hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus)
15. Hoki (Macruronus novaezelandiae)
16. Horn Shark (Heterodontus francisci)
17. Hussar (Lutjanus adetii)
18. Harlequin Tuskfish (Choerodon fasciatus)
19. Hawaiian Butterflyfish (Chaetodon miliaris)
20. Hawkfish, Longnose (Oxycirrhites typus)
21. Honeycomb Grouper (Epinephelus merra)
22. Humu Humu Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus aculeatus)

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