Whether you’re a passionate angler, a fish aficionado, or just curious about what funny fish names exist out there, we’ve written this article for you. From tongue twisters to species named after celebrities, these unusual fish names will make your day.
However, with over 30,000 fish species worldwide, selecting a dozen with unique names was a challenging task. So, we’ll share our top 12 funny fish names, and you’ll help us expand the list by hitting the comment button below and sharing your picks. Ready, steady, go!
Humuhumunukunukuapua’a
We’ll kick off this list with an absolute favorite – the Reef Triggerfish, more commonly known as Humuhumunukunukuapua’a (less commonly pronounced correctly, though). This gem of a name originates from the Hawaiian language and stands for “Triggerfish that snorts like a pig.” That’s right, just when you thought it couldn’t get any sillier, Humuhumunukunukuapua’a is there to prove you wrong. But this isn’t the only fun fact about it…
This small fish with a long name is also the official state fish of Hawaii and a sort of deity, too. According to the legend, the hog-like demigod of Kamapua’a was turned into a Humuhumunukunukuapua’a by Pele, the goddess of fire and lava. This little fella keeps on surprising!
As far as pronunciation goes, everything becomes easier once you realize that repetition is the key to saying it out loud: humu-humu-nuku-nuku-apua’a. Happy tongue-twisting!
Tasselled Wobbegong
Speaking of lip-stumblers, here’s another funny fish name for you to practice your word-spinning skills. We present you the Tasselled Wobbegong, a master of disguise with a quirky name and even quirkier looks.
This strange-looking fish is actually a bottom-dwelling Shark! The “wobbegong” in its name may come from an Australian Aboriginal word meaning a “living rock.” If that’s true, it’s no surprise then that you’ll find these species on the seafloor seamlessly blending in and looking like a real boulder.
Along with their admirable camouflaging abilities, Tasselled Wobbegong are famous for their hairy appearance, too. This, and the fact that their scientific name “Dasypogon” actually translates as “hairy,” have contributed to Tasselled being called Bearded Wobbegong, too. Who would have thought that Tasselled Wobbegong are really just fluffy Sharks?!
Jack Dempsey
Some species get their name based on how they look, while others are nicknamed depending on their behavior. Meanwhile, some fish earn their nicknames thanks to what they do. So, how do you think the Jack Dempsey fish got its name?
If your first guess was boxing, you were right! The Jack Dempsey fish was named after the namesake, world-famous American boxer and heavyweight champion in the 1920s. He was an exquisite fighter whose savage style made him one of the most popular sports icons in the world.
Now, while Jack Dempsey fish can’t box, they most certainly know how to fight. They’re so famed for their aggressiveness, that people avoid putting them in the same aquarium tank as other species.
Sheepshead
While the last fish was named after a celebrity, Sheepshead got their funny fish name because of their resemblance to sheep. And no, we’re not talking about fleece – though we have to admit, it would be pretty hilarious if they boasted wool instead of scales! Whoever named them had their sheep-like mouth and teeth in mind. But the absurdity doesn’t stop there.
Due to their black stripes and stealthy approach, these fish are also nicknamed Convict Fish. These cunning thieves will sneak up on you and snatch your bait without you realizing what happened. Silly-sounding, sly, odd-looking, and fun to catch, Sheepshead are rightfully on this list.
Lionfish
What do you get when you combine the king of the jungle and a creature of the sea? Lionfish, of course! Jokes aside – apart from their name, Lionfish do share a few traits with their feline counterparts. The first similarity is their mane – actually numerous spines and rays that collectively look like a lion’s mane. Take a look below – once you see it, you can’t unsee it!
The second resemblance lies in their dominant nature. These nocturnal hunters are fierce (and venomous) predators. Much like lions, males are very territorial. What’s more, their insatiable appetite and invasive approach have led to Lionfish derbies and public campaigns aimed at controlling their presence.
Green Humphead Parrotfish
The following name is another strong animal-crossover association. Mother Nature created a beautiful fish and we gave it the funny name of Green Humphead Parrotfish. But this funny-looking fish is also known as Bumphead Parrotfish. The “green,” “bump,” and “hump” references are immediately obvious. But what about the “parrot” part?
If you take a closer look at the photo above, you’ll notice something resembling a beak! That’s right, Green Humphead Parrotfish have bird-like and rock-solid teeth. These help the fish feed on coral and bite off rough chunks. These crunchers are also the largest Parrotfish species out there, often tipping the scales at over 160 pounds! But despite being massive and alien-looking, Bumphead Parrotfish are gentle giants with a silly name.
Red-lipped Batfish
Yes, this next on is exactly as it sounds. Red-lipped Batfish are so unfishlike that they seem as if they came straight from a child’s imagination. Bright red lipstick, “walking” instead of swimming, and an unusual shape… Just look at them! Are they even fish?!
Yes, they are. Red-lipped Batfish are native to the waters around the Galapagos Islands. They’re found on the seafloor at depths up to 250 feet, so it’s no wonder they’re bottom-kissing waddlers rather than professional swimmers! Even their scientific name, Ogcocephalus darwini, makes sense – it’s a nod to these unlikely walkers and the father of the theory of evolution, Charles Darwin, who developed much of his theory on the Galapagos Islands.
Blobfish
Have you ever heard of Blobfish? It’s a funny name for a funny-looking fish. This jellybean of a fish has been a hot topic ever since it was discovered in 2003 in New Zealand. But instead of being the belle of the ball everyone talks about, Blobfish were voted the World’s Ugliest Animal and became the new mascot of the Ugly Animal Preservation Society. Blobfish won’t win any beauty pageants, but they most certainly get some deserved attention.
Did you know they live at incredible depths of more than 3,000 feet below the surface where the pressure is over 100 times greater than at sea level? It’s no wonder their skin is flabby and floppy. It’s a miracle they’re alive!
Clownfish
What better funny fish name than one that’s pretty much a synonym for “funny”? After all, this fish has the actual word “clown” in it. The bold lines and colors on a Clownfish’s body do resemble the paint on a clown’s face. They’re a vibrant and tropical species that inhabit the warmer waters of the Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, the Great Barrier Reef, and Red Sea.
There are nearly 30 different species of Clownfish, and they all have silly additions to their already wacky names. Cinnamon Clownfish, Three-band Clownfish, Pink Skunk Clownfish, Blackfoot Clownfish, White-capped Clownfish… You get the point. Of course, you probably already know a famous Clownfish – the heroes of the kids’ film “Finding Nemo” are, in fact, False Clownfish.
Spiny Lumpsucker
The tenth entrant on our funny fish names list is Spiny Lumpsucker. But it’s not just the comical name that won us over with this one. It’s the fact that Spiny Lumpsucker actually suck. They’re like tiny hoovers clinging onto the seafloor and inhaling everything in their way. And when it comes to swimming? Let’s say that these fish really suck at it.
The list of interesting facts about these little fellas goes on. Pacific Spiny Lumpsuckers aren’t only bad swimmers. They’re also the smallest of all Lumpsuckers, which are already too tiny for their own good! As such, they have many predators. Yet, they keep on surviving thanks to their excellent camouflaging skills.
Black Drum
Slowly but surely, we’re wrapping up our epic lineup. So, drumroll, please, because we’re announcing some absolute superstars now – Black Drum. Not only does this name sound as if the fish come straight out of a rock band, but Black Drum are actually good at drumming. And no, we’re not joking! These fish are world-famous for their ability to produce drumming-like sounds – hence their name.
But how do they create this music? And why do they do it? The first funny fact is that Black Drum use their swim bladders as instruments. They produce vibrations or croaks by contracting their muscles. The second funny fact is that this vibrating music serves a specific purpose – to attract mates. So, the sound of a Drumfish is actually the sound of love.
Also, Black Drum aren’t the only drummers out there. Their relatives, Red Drum, are equally skillful fish with a name worthy of their musical talents. You could say that drumming runs in the family!
Giant Oarfish
We’ve reached the end of our journey but we saved the best for last! As the name suggests, Giant Oarfish are absurdly large fish in the shape of, well, an oar. We think they very much deserve to be on this list of funny fish names – and any funny-looking fish radar in general.
Besides their memorable name and shape, you’ll be utterly amused by their size and habitat, too. To put into perspective just how massive these behemoths are, try to imagine 15 people lined up to hold a single Giant Oarfish. Giant Oarfish can top 50 feet in length and weigh up to 600 pounds! They also swim at unimaginable depths, known to reside at 3,000 feet under the ocean’s surface. While you’re unlikely to come face-to-gills with one, it’s pretty cool knowing what lies under the ocean, right?!
Other Funny Fish Names
We’ve given you our favorite funny fish names, but the list is far from complete. A dozen common names, monikers, and nicknames aren’t nearly enough to do the range of amusing fish out there justice.
Royal Gramma, Sarcastic Fringehead, Monkeyface Prickleback, Boops Boops, Stoplight Loosejaw, Old Wife Fish, Sweetlips Fish, and Psychedelic Frogfish are just some additional species with hilarious names that also come to mind. But it’s nearly impossible to list them all!
That’s why we have a comments section below… Hit that button and tell us your favorite funny fish name!
What fish from the list do you like the most? Why? What funny fish names do you know? Are you familiar with some other underwater species with funny names?
