117 Fish That Start With M

Diving into the depths of the aquatic alphabet, the letter ‘M’ reveals a mesmerizing world of marine and freshwater species.

From the mangrove swamps to the vast open ocean, ‘M’ encompasses a diversity of fish, each with unique traits and ecological roles.

Most Popular Fish That Start With M

Some of the most popular fish that start with ‘M’ include Manta Ray, Mahi-Mahi, Marlin, Monkfish, and more! Read on to find out about other popular species and more about their habitat, diet, and fascinating characteristics.

1. Manta Ray (Manta birostris)

These gentle giants of the ocean are known for their impressive size, with wingspans reaching up to 7 meters. Manta Rays are filter feeders, gracefully gliding through water to consume large quantities of plankton. They are often spotted in warm, tropical waters and are popular among divers for their majestic presence.

2. Mahi-Mahi (Coryphaena hippurus)

Also known as the Dolphin Fish, Mahi-Mahi is famous for its dazzling colors and remarkable speed. These fish are highly sought after by sport fishermen and are known for their acrobatic jumps. Mahi-Mahi is not just a fishing favorite but also a popular delicacy known for its firm, flavorful flesh.

3. Moray Eel (Muraenidae)

Moray Eels are fascinating creatures of the deep, known for their snake-like appearance and secretive nature. Residing in crevices and reefs, they have a unique way of breathing by opening and closing their mouths, which can appear menacing. Despite their fierce look, they play a crucial role in maintaining the health of their ecosystems.

4. Mudskipper (Periophthalmus)

Mudskippers are extraordinary for their ability to live both in water and on land. They have adapted pelvic fins to walk on muddy flats and can breathe through their skin and the lining of their mouth, making them unique among fish. Mudskippers are a remarkable example of evolutionary adaptation.

5. Monkfish (Lophius piscatorius)

Often referred to as the “sea-devil,” Monkfish are known for their grotesque appearance and excellent taste. They have a modified spine that acts as a fishing rod to lure prey close to their enormous mouths. Monkfish are a culinary favorite, particularly in European cuisines, for their firm, lobster-like flesh.

6. Marlin (Istiophorus platypterus)

Marlin, particularly the Blue Marlin, is famed for its size and majestic appearance. These apex predators are highly migratory and are known for their long, spear-like upper jaw, making them a favorite target in sport fishing.

7. Mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus)

Renowned for its extraordinary coloration, the Mandarinfish is a small, reef-dwelling species found in the Pacific Ocean. Its psychedelic color patterns make it a highly sought-after species in the aquarium trade, despite its specific dietary requirements.

Other Fish That Start With M

The list of fish that start with ‘M’ goes on to include other species like the Moonfish, Mullet, Midas Blenny, Marblefish, Madagascar Rainbowfish, Masu Salmon and more!

A complete list of species is found below:

8. Milkfish – Chanos chanos
9. Muskellunge – Esox masquinongy
10. Milkfish – Chanos chanos
11. Moonfish – Mola mola
12. Moorish Idol – Zanclus cornutus
13. Mossback – Tilapia mossambica
14. Mouthbrooder – Various species
15. Mudfish – Various species
16. Mummichog – Fundulus heteroclitus
17. Murray Cod – Maccullochella peelii
18. Muskellunge – Esox masquinongy
19. Mustache Triggerfish – Balistapus undulatus
20. Mackerel Shark – Various species
21. Malawi Cichlid – Various species
22. Marblefish – Aplodactylus arctidens
23. Marine Betta – Calloplesiops altivelis
24. Marine Hatchetfish – Various species
25. Masked Julie – Julidochromis transcriptus
26. Midas Cichlid – Amphilophus citrinellus
27. Milk Shark – Rhizoprionodon acutus
28. Minnow – Various species
29. Mirror Carp – Cyprinus carpio
30. Monocle Bream – Scolopsis bilineata
31. Moon Wrasse – Thalassoma lunare
32. Moor Goldfish – Carassius auratus
33. Mosaic Goby – Ctenogobiops maculosus
34. Moss Animals – Various species
35. Mountain Trout – Various species
36. Mud Catfish – Ameiurus natalis
37. Mud Crab – Various species
38. Mud Sunfish – Acantharchus pomotis
39. Mullet – Mugilidae
40. Mummichog – Fundulus heteroclitus
41. Muskie – Esox masquinongy
42. Musselcracker – Sparodon durbanensis
43. Mustard Eel – Gymnothorax eurostus
44. Mustard Tang – Zebrasoma flavescens
45. Mustard-Back Moray – Gymnothorax eurostus
46. Mustache Catfish – Pimelodus blochii
47. Mustache Danio – Danio rerio
48. Mustache Triggerfish – Balistoides conspicillum
49. Mustard Moray – Gymnothorax eurostus
50. Mustard Tang – Zebrasoma flavescens
51. Mutton Hamlet – Alphestes afer
52. Mutton Snapper – Lutjanus analis
53. Muttonfish – Acanthostracion quadricornis
54. Muzzlefish – Tetrapturus georgei
55. Myripristis – Various species
56. Mystery Wrasse – Pseudocheilinus ocellatus
57. Mystic Grouper – Epinephelus mystacinus
58. Madagascar Rainbowfish – Bedotia geayi
59. Madeira Rockfish – Scorpaena maderensis
60. Madtom – Various species
61. Magenta Dottyback – Pictichromis porphyrea
62. Magnificent Rabbitfish – Siganus magnificus
63. Mahogany Snapper – Lutjanus mahogoni
64. Maigre – Argyrosomus regius
65. Mail-Cheeked Fish – Various species
66. Malabar Danio – Devario malabaricus
67. Malabaricus – Various species
68. Malawi Eye-Biter – Dimidiochromis compressiceps
69. Malawi Golden Cichlid – Melanochromis auratus
70. Malawi Trout – Champsochromis caeruleus
71. Maldives Anemonefish – Amphiprion nigripes
72. Maldives Clownfish – Amphiprion nigripes
73. Maltese Ray – Raja melitensis
74. Mama Chog – Rhinogobius giurinus
75. Man-of-War Fish – Nomeus gronovii
76. Managuense – Parachromis managuensis
77. Mandarin Dragonet – Synchiropus splendidus
78. Mangrove Jack – Lutjanus argentimaculatus
79. Mangrove Red Snapper – Lutjanus argentimaculatus
80. Mangrove Rivulus – Rivulus marmoratus
81. Manini – Acanthurus triostegus
82. Man-of-War Fish – Nomeus gronovii
83. Manybar Goatfish – Parupeneus multifasciatus
84. Map Puffer – Arothron mappa
85. Marble Goby – Oxyeleotris marmorata
86. Marblefish – Aplodactylus arctidens
87. Marbled Catfish – Leiarius marmoratus
88. Marbled Eel – Anguilla marmorata
89. Marbled Grouper – Epinephelus marmoratus
90. Marbled Hatchetfish – Carnegiella strigata
91. Marbled Sand Goby – Oxyeleotris marmorata
92. Marbled Sleeper – Oxyeleotris marmorata
93. Marbled Swamp Eel – Synbranchus marmoratus
94. Marcia’s Anthias – Pseudanthias marcia
95. Mardi Gras Wrasse – Halichoeres tenuispinnis
96. Marginated Damselfish – Pomacentrus marginatus
97. Mariana Trench Angelfish – Centropyge narcosis
98. Marid – Percina jenkinsi
99. Maroon Clownfish – Premnas biaculeatus
100. Marron – Cherax tenuimanus
101. Marsh Killifish – Fundulus confluentus
102. Masked Angelfish – Genicanthus personatus
103. Masked Grouper – Epinephelus monocanthus
104. Masked Julie – Julidochromis transcriptus
105. Masked Puffer – Arothron diadematus
106. Masked Rabbitfish – Siganus puellus
107. Masked Triggerfish – Sufflamen fraenatum
108. Masu Salmon – Oncorhynchus masou
109. Mekong Giant Catfish – Pangasianodon gigas
110. Mangrove Snapper – Lutjanus griseus
111. Mexican Lookdown – Selene brevoortii
112. Mouth Almighty – Glossamia aprion
113. Mountain Whitefish – Prosopium williamsoni
114. Midas Blenny – Ecsenius midas
115. Mottled Loach – Botia dario
116. Mediterranean Moray – Muraena helena
117. Mangrove Red Snapper – Lutjanus argentimaculatus

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