Explore 60 Fish That Start With R (Common Names)

A diverse array of fish starts with the letter ‘R,’ each contributing to their inhabited ecosystems. Though their common names may all begin with the letter ‘R,’ they differ vastly, boasting individual characteristics, locations, history, and more. From the ocean’s depths to the tranquil shallows of rivers or lakes, this article will explore 60-plus fish that start with the letter ‘R.’

60 Fish That Start With ‘R’

1. Rabbitfish (Siganus, Genus)

First on our list of fish that start with the letter ‘R’ is the rabbitfish. Rabbitfish, found in the Indo-Pacific, feature laterally compressed bodies with small mouths, venomous spines, and distinct fin characteristics. Certain species feed on benthic algae, while others additionally feed on jellyfish and prawns. Furthermore, they are valued in fisheries, aquaculture, and the aquarium trade. Some species exhibit monogamous behavior and unique coloration.

2. Raccoon Butterfly Fish (Chaetodon lunula)

Raccoon butterflyfish inhabit the Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and southeast Atlantic Ocean. They sport an oval shape, “raccoon” mask, and ascend oblique stripes. Nocturnal, they feed on nudibranchs, invertebrates, algae, and coral polyps. Moreover, they thrive in tropical waters on seaward reefs and shallow lagoon flats.

3. Ragfish (Icosteus aenigmaticus)

Ragfish, a ray-finned species, dwell in the northern Pacific Ocean. They have a cartilaginous skeleton, and their pelvic fins disappear as they mature. Furthermore, their diet primarily includes jellyfish, other fish, squid, and octopus. They reside at depths of 732 to 1,420 meters (2,402 to 4,660 feet). They are rare, and due to this, we do not know much about them.

4. Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Rainbow trout are native to cold-water tributaries of the Pacific Ocean around Asia and North America. There are multiple subspecies. They have been introduced worldwide, also inhabiting freshwater rivers and lakes. Moreover, they tend to be colorful, with distinctive markings. Some populations, particularly in their native regions, are classified as endangered or threatened by the IUCN Red List.

5. Rainbowfish (Melanotaeniidae, Family)

Rainbowfish are freshwater species found in Australia, New Guinea, and Madagascar that are quite colorful. They are primarily omnivores, and their diet consists of small crustaceans, insect larvae, and algae. Moreover, they are typically small, measuring below 12 centimeters (4.7 inches).

6. Rasbora (Rasbora, Genus)

Next on our list of fish that start with the letter ‘R’ is the rasboras. Rasboras, belonging to the genus Cyprinidae, inhabit freshwater sources in south and southeast Asia. Furthermore, they are small fish, measuring at their largest 17 centimeters (6.7 inches) long, with dark horizontal stripes. Many species are found in aquariums.

7. Rock Gunnel (Pholis gunnellus)

Rock gunnel, also known as butterfish, dwells in the North Atlantic Ocean and part of the Arctic Ocean. They have an elongated body, a long dorsal fin, and a bulbous snout. They are often mistaken for eels. Moreover, their coloration varies, with hues and patterns of yellow-green, brown, or crimson. Lives on coastal waters, can be found at the water’s surface to depths of roughly 100 meters (328 feet), and use rock and algae for shelter.

8. Ratfish (Chimaeriformes, Order)

Ratfish, also known as ghost sharks or rabbitfish, have cartilaginous skeletons and unique tooth plates. They reside in deep waters. Furthermore, these fish are soft-bodied, shark-like in appearance, and have bulky heads and long, tapered tails.

9. Rattail (Macrouridae, Family)

Rattails, or grenadiers, thrive in deep ocean depths from the Arctic to the Antarctic, ranging from 200 to 7,000 meters (660 to 22,970 feet). They are brown to black and measure up to 2.1 meters (6.9 feet). Moreover, they possess slender, tapered bodies and large heads with big eyes and mouths.

10. Ray (Batoidea, Superorder)

Rays, or the Batoidea superorder, contains well over 600 species in 26 families. They boast flattened forms with fused pectoral fins. Moreover, they have cartilaginous skeletons and gill slits under their pectoral fins. They mainly inhabit coastal waters, but some are known to live at depths of roughly 3,000 meters (9,800 feet).

11. Razorback Sucker (Xyrauchen texanus)

Razorback suckers are critically endangered and indigenous to the southwestern United States freshwater rivers and lakes. Their populations are also decreasing. They exhibit distinct sharp-edged bulges on their back. Moreover, this fish matures around the age of four and can live over 40 years. Despite population challenges, certain areas such as Lake Mead report stable population growth, which hints at a possible stabilization in certain native habitats.

12. Razor Surgeonfish (Prionurus laticlavius)

Razor surgeonfish, residing in the Pacific Ocean, showcase oval bodies with a unique dorsal coloration pattern. Furthermore, this species spans the eastern central Pacific Ocean, favoring reef habitats and feasting mainly on algae.

13. Red Grouper (Epinephelus morio)

Next on our list of fish that start with the letter ‘R’ is the red grouper. Red groupers reside in the western Atlantic Ocean. Individuals exhibit vivid coloration from dark reddish brown on top to paler pink toward their bellies. Moreover, they measure lengths of 50 centimeters (20 inches) on average. Maximum lengths have been recorded up to 125 centimeters (49 inches), while maximum weights have been recorded up to 23 kilograms (51 pounds).

14. Red Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)

Sockeye salmon, or red salmon, inhabit the northern Pacific Ocean and rivers discharging into it. Furthermore, red salmon have remarkably vibrant colorations and play pivotal roles in their freshwater and marine ecosystems. They are also semelparous, meaning they reproduce only once and die soon after.

15. Redfin Perch (Perca fluviatilis)

European perch, or redfin perch, reside in European and north Asian waters. They have also been introduced to Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Redfin perch are predatory freshwater fish and are popular among anglers. They can vary significantly in size and can live upwards of 20 years. Furthermore, these freshwater predators influence food webs and fishing activities worldwide.

16. Redfish (Centroberyx affinis)

The redfish, or eastern nannygai, resides in Australian and New Zealand waters. Also known as the red snapper, it lives at depths between 10 and 450 meters (33 and 1,476 feet). They form schools and dwell near the seafloor around rocky reefs and mud. Moreover, their diet consists of mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish. Young inhabit estuaries and coastal waters. A commercial gem in New South Wales and South Australia.

17. Redlip Blenny (Ophioblennius macclurei)

In the western Atlantic Ocean, residing around coral reefs, you can find the redlip blenny. Furthermore, this small fish measures up to 12.2 centimeters (4.8 inches) in length. 

18. Redmouth Whalefish (Rondeletia, Genus)

The deep-sea redmouth whalefish consists of two species. They include the Rondeletia bicolor and Rondeletia loricata. They are small fish that grow to approximately 6 centimeters. Moreover, they reside in deep waters and shallow waters, and their diet consists of crustaceans and amphipods.

19. Red Seabream (Pagrus major)

Within the northwest Pacific Ocean dwells the red seabream. Adults live in coral reefs, approximately 30 to 200 meters (98 to 656 feet) deep, while juveniles reside in shallower waters. Furthermore, they are popular fish to eat in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Considered a luxury food, this fish is prized for its umami flavor. It is a symbol of culinary and cultural significance.

20. Redtooth Triggerfish (Odonus niger)

Residing in tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific, the redtooth triggerfish thrives in reef channels, long slopes, and coastal shallow inshore waters. To survive strong currents, they hide under and between rocks and crevices. Moreover, they feed on zooplankton, sponges, krill, clams, squid, urchins, and even small fish.

21. Red Velvetfish (Gnathanacanthus goetzeei)

Red velvetfish are native to the inshore waters of western and southern Australia. Furthermore, they have a highly compressed body with a velvety texture and vibrant colors. They often sport rich red, yellow, or orange colorations, while juveniles can be more translucent with red stripes and spots.

22. Red Whalefish (Barbourisia rufa)

Next on our list of fish that start with the letter ‘R’ is the red whalefish. In the world’s oceans, the red whalefish, Barbourisia rufa, roams at depths of 300 to 2,000 meters (984 to 6,561 feet). As the lone member of its family, Barbourisiidae, it thrives in tropical and temperate waters. Their colors consist of neon-like bright red to deep orange. Strangely, when males transition to adulthood, their livers grow to an immense size, and their jaws fuse shut. Moreover, they can no longer eat, yet they sustain themselves by metabolizing energy stored in their liver.

23. Reedfish (Erpetoichthys calabaricus)

The reedfish are native to brackish waters in Africa. Furthermore, they have eel-like bodies and possess lungs and gills for survival in low-oxygen habitats. Sadly, habitat loss due to agriculture and deforestation threatens these fascinating creatures.

24. Reef Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus rectangulus)

Reef triggerfish, known by their Hawaiian name humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, is a striking species in Indo-Pacific reefs. They have tight-set teeth and lips that are blue and have a locking spine that acts as a defense mechanism. Furthermore, they are an aggressive species that measures up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) in length. Lastly, it is the state fish of Hawaii.

25. Remora (Echeneidae, Family)

Also known as suckerfish, remoras reside in mainly tropical waters in the open ocean. Moreover, they attach to larger marine animals using a modified dorsal fin as a suction organ, forming mutualistic bonds.

26. Requiem Shark (Carcharhinidae, Family)

Requiem sharks, found in warm seas, brackish waters, and freshwaters, are powerful apex predators. From the bull shark to the oceanic whitetip shark and more, they exhibit diverse behaviors and feeding habits. They can measure upwards of 13 feet in length. Furthermore, this makes them one of the largest fish that start with the letter ‘R.’

27. Ribbon Eel (Rhinomuraena quaesita)

Explore the mysterious ribbon eel, a slender species with an enchanting appearance resembling the mythical Chinese dragon. They inhabit Indo-Pacific reefs. These unique creatures boast a variety of vivid colors, from neon yellow to intense blue hues or even black hues. Moreover, they are thought to be protandric hermaphrodites. This means they start as male, then change to female.

28. Ribbon Sawtail Fish (Idiacanthus fasciola)

Next on our list of fish that start with the letter ‘R’ is the ribbon sawtail fish. Dwelling in deep waters, the enigmatic ribbon sawtail fish intrigues with its elongated body and mysterious nature. They measure up to 15 to 35 centimeters (0.5 to 1.1 feet) in length, with females being twice as long as males. Furthermore, limited information about this creature’s habits and characteristics is available as they are rare.

29. Ribbonfish (Trachipteridae, Family)

Ribbonfish are elusive denizens of deep ocean waters. They have slender, ribbon-like bodies with heavy spines along their lateral lines. Furthermore, these creatures roam the depths and are rarely seen alive.

30. Rice Eel (Monopterus albus)

The rice eel, or Asian swamp eel, is a remarkable air-breathing fish in East and Southeast Asia. They thrive in diverse wetlands. These eels play an essential role in local economies and diets. Furthermore, they are farmed in various Asian countries, including Indonesia, Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and others.

31. Ricefish (Adrianichthyidae, Family)

Ricefish is a family of fish that reside in waters from India to Japan and the Malay Archipelago. They include over 37 species across two to three genera. These small ray-finned fish inhabit fresh and brackish waters, with some species residing in rice paddies, and flooded fields used to grow certain crops. Moreover, the ricefish holds importance in developmental biology research, even reproducing in space. It is the first vertebrate to mate and produce in space successfully.

32. Ridgehead (Melamphaidae, Family)

Ridgeheads, or bigscales, is a family of deep-sea fish. They consist of about 37 species across 5 genera. They are found worldwide, except in the Arctic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, their striking cranial ridges, large scales, and dark coloration make them unique.

33. Riffle Dace (Rhinichthys, Genus)

Riffle dace is a genus of freshwater fish that comprises eight species scattered across North America. Some, like the vulnerable loach minnow, have conservation concerns. Furthermore, the ninth species of this genus, the Las Vegas dace, is now extinct.

34. Righteye Flounder (Pleuronectidae, Family)

Right-eye flounders, Pleuronectidae, reside on the bottom of oceans worldwide, lying on their left sides with eyes on the right. Valued commercially, their long and continuous dorsal and anal fins and distinct structure make them stand out. Moreover, the largest of the righteye flounder is Hippoglossus hippoglossus, which can grow up to 4.7 meters (15 feet) in length.

35. Rio Grande Perch (Herichthys cyanoguttatus)

The Rio Grande cichlid, or Texas cichlid, thrives in the lower Rio Grande drainage in Texas near Brownsville and northeastern Mexico. It is the only species of cichlid native to the United States. Sporting turquoise spots and a nuchal hump in males, it prefers water temperatures between 20 to 28 Celsius (68 to 82 Fahrenheit). Furthermore, it has an omnivorous diet, which includes aquatic vegetation, insects, and smaller fish.

36. River Loach (Balitoridae, Family)

Next on our list of fish that start with the letter ‘R’ is the river loach. River loach is a freshwater family, Balitoridae, numbering around 202 species. Moreover, they inhabit south, southeast, and east Asian streams. Sharing some features with Cobitidae, they thrive in swift, oxygen-rich waters.

37. River Shark (Glyphis, Genus)

Glyphis, or river sharks, inhabit rivers and coasts of Southeast Asia and Australia. There are three living species, though their secretive habits suggest more species may exist. Furthermore, river sharks face conservation challenges from overfishing and pollution. 

38. River Stingray (Potamotrygonidae, Family)

River stingrays thrive in Neotropical freshwater. They are found in rivers in South America and have a remarkable mottled appearance and venomous stingers. One genus resides in tropical waters of the west Atlantic Ocean and east Pacific Ocean. Furthermore, with over 35 species across five genera, they contribute to diverse ecosystems. Their colors range from brownish, greyish, or black. Moreover, they often have mottled, speckled, or spotted patterns.

39. Roach (Rutilus rutilus)

The roach, native to Europe and western Asia, thrives in freshwater and brackish water. It has a bluish-silvery hue body, a white underbelly, and red fins. Furthermore, it is a small fish measuring up to 35 centimeters (14 inches).

40. Roanoke Bass (Ambloplites cavifrons)

Native to rivers in Virginia and North Carolina, Roanoke bass are endemic to the eastern United States. They have compressed bodies that are robust. Moreover, they have large mouths, and their cheeks are nearly scaleless. One of the largest lengths recorded for this species was 36 centimeters (14 inches).

41. Rock Bass (Ambloplites rupestris)

Resilient and adaptable, this freshwater fish is native to east-central North America. Furthermore, it has red eyes and is similar in appearance to smallmouth bass. Carnivorous and frequently found in groups, it maintains ecological balance.

42. Rock Beauty (Holacanthus tricolor)

The stunning rock beauty graces the western Atlantic Ocean, captivating with vibrant yellow colors and intricate patterns. Furthermore, it has territorial behaviors and unique reproductive strategies that underscore its contribution to marine diversity. It resides at depths of 3 to 92 meters (9.8 to 301.8 feet)

43. Rock Cod (Lotella rhacina)

Next on our list of fish that start with the letter ‘R’ is the rock cod. The rock cod resides in temperate waters off the coasts of southeastern Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, and California in the United States. Moreover, they are yellowish-gray to reddish-brown and have white lining their fins. This species resides in coastal caves and reefs.

44. Rocket Danio (Danio feegradei)

The rocket Danio from the Myanmar family captivates with its jumping prowess and intriguing behavior. Furthermore, they can grow to lengths of roughly 8 centimeters (3.1 inches).

45. Rocklings (Lotidae, Family)

Rocklings, or Lotidae, are a cod-like fish. Moreover, they inhabit the Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Pacific Ocean. Predominantly marine-based, the only freshwater species is the burbot (Lota lota), which dwells in rivers and lakes in North America, Siberia, and northern Europe.

46. Rockweed Gunnel (Apodichthys fucorum)

The rockweed gunnel, or Fucus blenny, resides in the eastern North Pacific Ocean. Its body color is translucent and is dependent on its environment. From bright green among green seaweed to reddish-brown amid brown seaweed. It has a slender, eel-like physique and small fins. Moreover, they thrive in demersal and intertidal zones, among tide pools and inshores where seaweed is plentiful.

47. Rohu (Labeo rohita)

The rohu, a member of the carp family, thrives in South Asian rivers. It is a large, omnivorous fish that grows up to 2 meters (6.6 feet) long and weighs about 45 kilograms (99 pounds). Furthermore, a key aquatic species, rohu spans northern and central India, Vietnam, Nepal, Pakistan, Myanmar, and more. Its diet also evolves with age.

48. Ronquil (Bathymasteridae, Family)

Ronquils, small marine fish, inhabit the Arctic Ocean and North Pacific Ocean. This family of fish contains seven species across three genera. Furthermore, they prefer living in shallow coastal waters to depths of up to 300 meters (980 feet). They are secretive by nature and, therefore, have rarely been observed. Their bodies can be olive brown, dull red, bluish-black, or purplish. Moreover, they can have markings in colors of bright green, blue, yellow, red, orange, or white.

49. Roosterfish (Nematistius pectoralis)

Inhabiting warm waters of the East Pacific, the roosterfish is distinctive with its “rooster comb,” comprising seven long dorsal fin spines. Furthermore, it is a popular game fish that can reach lengths of around 1.6 meters (5.3 feet) and weigh up to 50 kilograms (110 pounds).

50. Rough Scad (Trachurus lathami)

Next on our list of fish that start with the letter ‘R’ is the rough scad. Found in the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Oceans, rough scads, or horse mackerels, boast cycloid scales and an elongated body. Moreover, they are commercially fished for food.

51. Rough Sculpin (Cottus asperrimus)

Endemic to California’s Pit River system, the rough sculpin is a small fish with limited information. Moreover, thriving in spring-fed tributaries, it attains a maximum length of 9.6 centimeters (8.3 inches).

52. Roughy (Trachichthyidae, family)

Slimeheads, or roughies, belong to the Trachichthyidae family. They are deep-sea fish that live exceptionally long lives. Moreover, they reside in temperate to tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean. The orange roughy and Darwin’s slimehead, the largest species, face challenges due to overfishing.

53. Roundhead (Plesiopidae, family)

Longfins, also termed roundheads or spiny basslets, exhibit elongated bodies. Furthermore, they reside in the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean.

54. Round Herring (Dussumieriidae, Family)

Round herrings, or Dussumieriidae, are a family of fish. Furthermore, it comprises two extant genera and one extinct genus, the Ypresian period.

55. Round Stingray (Urobatis Halleri)

Urobatis halleri, or round stingray, thrives in the northeastern Pacific Ocean’s coastal waters. Moreover, it is a small ray with a diet primarily comprised of benthic invertebrates. It prefers soft-bottomed habitats less than 15 meters (49.2 feet) deep.

56. Round Whitefish (Prosopium Cylindraceum)

Prosopium cylindraceum, or round whitefish, graces North American lakes from Alaskan to New England. This includes the Great Lakes. Its olive-brown back and silvery sides make it stand out. They measure lengths between 23 to 48 centimeters (9 to 19 inches). Furthermore, they are considered benthivores, feeding on benthos and plankton found in the deeper parts of the water.

57. Rudd (Scardinius, Genus)

Rudd belongs to the Scardinius genus. They form large schools and feed on small crustaceans, insect larvae, insect pupae, and plant material. Moreover, their upturned mouth allows them to feed on surface material with ease and efficiency.

58. Rudderfish (Centrolophus Niger)

Rudderfish, or black ruff, is an enigmatic fish that thrives in deep, tropical, and temperate oceans. It resides at depths of roughly 50 to 1,000 meters (160 to 3,280 feet). Furthermore, its maximum length is approximately 150 centimeters (60 inches). Their heads are gray, while their bodies are dark violet, dark brown, or even purplish. Moreover, they have paler bellies.

59. Ruffe (Gymnocephalus Cernua)

The ruffe resides in freshwater habitats in Europe and northern Asia. Its adaptability and aggression make it a dynamic aquatic inhabitant. As an invasive species in North America’s Great Lakes, its quick reproduction challenges native species. Moreover, they have similar colors and markings to walleye.

60. Russian Sturgeon (Acipenser Gueldenstaedtii)

Last on our list of fish that start with the letter ‘R’ is the Russian sturgeon. Russian sturgeon, or diamond sturgeon, are native to the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov, and the Caspian Sea. They reside in Georgia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkey, Romania, Turkmenistan, and Ukraine. Furthermore, they can grow to impressive lengths of 210 centimeters (83 inches).

The Largest Fish That Starts With ‘R’

The largest fish that start with ‘R’ include specific species of requiem sharks. One of the largest requiem sharks is the oceanic whitetip shark (Carcharhinus longimanus). It typically grows to lengths of 3 meters (10 feet) and weigh approximately 150 kilograms (330 pounds). Moreover, some individuals have been known to reach lengths of 4 meters (13 feet). Moreover, another of the largest requiem sharks is the bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas). On average, they grow to lengths of 2.4 to 2.5 meters (8 to 11 feet) and weigh roughly 130 kilograms (290 pounds). Furthermore, one of the largest bull sharks caught was a pregnant female that was said to measure approximately 3.25 meters (10.7 feet) in length and weigh roughly 450 kilograms (990 pounds).

List of 60 Fish That Start With ‘R’

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