The possessive form can be a tricky thing to figure out. Luckily, this article will aim to help you understand the most obvious things that you need to focus on. We’ll look at “fish” and how the possessive forms work in both the plural and singular cases.
Fishes or Fish’s or Fishes’: Which Is The Correct Possessive Form?
“Fish’s” is the singular possessive and plural possessive of “fish.” We can use “fish” as both the singular and the plural form, and it’s the most common way to use it in English. However, some people prefer using “fishes” as the plural form, allowing “fishes’” to be the correct possessive.
“Fish” is one of those words that doesn’t follow all the standard forms we might expect. After all, it has the same spelling in both singular and plural forms.
Some people get confused by this because it means we have to focus on special possessive rules that aren’t there with other nouns.
Here are the main forms:
| Singular | Fish |
| Plural | Fish’s |
| Singular possessive | Fish / Fishes |
| Plural possessive | Fish’s / Fishes’ |
As you can tell, the singular possessive form is definitely the easiest one to use. There is only one form that we need to worry about. “Fish” is the same no matter how we use it in the singular form.
To turn “fish” into the singular possessive form, we simply add an “‘s” to the end of the word. This is the easiest way for us to show that a “fish” owns an object, and there’s only ever one “fish” referred to in this way.
The plural possessive form is the tricky one, and we’ll spend a lot of time making sure we’ve got it right. Both “fish’s” and “fishes’” are correct as the plural possessive form for “fish.” We add an “‘s” to the end when it’s using the plural form “fish,” but we drop the “S” when we use the form “fishes.”
The most basic form to go through is “fishes.” This is one of the two options we have for the plural of “fish.”
“Fishes” is uncommon, though it is correct as the plural for “fish.” We can use it when we’re talking about more than one “fish” in a sentence.
The plural form for “fish” is both “fish” and “fishes,” which is where a lot of people’s issues lie with the possessive forms. Luckily, we’re only worried about “fishes” in this section, so we’ll focus our examples on that.
- Plenty of fishes has been found swimming in these waters.
- I like a lot of fishes, so I’m not able to pick out my favorite.
- These fishes aren’t particularly popular.
- Many fishes make my father a happy man after a long day out on his boat.
- The fishes in these waters aren’t nearly as edible as those ones!
“Fishes” is an uncommon plural form for “fish.” It’s much more common to use “fish,” but it’s still a valid example.
Fish’s
“Fish’s” is both the singular and plural possessive form of “fish.” It’s not all that confusing once you understand what we mean by that.
“Fish’s” can be the singular possessive form when we take the singular form “fish” and add an “‘s” to the end. It can also be the plural possessive form when taking the plural form “fish” and adding an “‘s” to it.
“Fish’s” can refer to one “fish” owning an object in a sentence. This is how the singular possessive form works and is how we can use it to show ownership.
However, “fish’s” can also refer to more than one “fish” owning an object or group of similar objects. This would make it the plural possessive form, which is a little less common but still something you need to know how to use.
To create the possessive form in either case, we add an “‘s” to the end. This is a common and expected rule, which helps us when it comes to explaining it.
- Singular: The fish’s family is somewhere around these parts.
- Plural: Those fish’s eyes aren’t looking as good as they should do.
- Singular: The fish’s fin is a bit wobbly.
- Plural: The fish’s habitat is slowly being destroyed.
- Singular: The fish’s swimming pattern needs refining.
- Plural: Those fish’s food sources are fallen to pieces when they hit the water!
“Fish’s” works as both the singular or plural possessive forms. The rules are fairly standard for both of them; it’s only the amount of “fish” that changes.
Fishes’
“Fishes’” uses the uncommon plural form “fishes” as its root word. This makes it an uncommon possessive form in itself, and it’s not likely you’ll ever find anyone using this.
While uncommon, “fishes’” is still correct. We use it only as the plural possessive form. It works to talk about multiple “fishes” owning an object or group of similar objects in a sentence.
This time, we drop the “S” after the word because the word “fishes” already ends with an “S.” This is common practice for a lot of plural possessive forms.
- The fishes’ families are all migrating somewhere north.
- These fishes’ needs far outweigh the needs of the ducks in this area.
- Those fishes’ swimming patterns are all messed up.
- Both of the fishes’ tails need correcting.
- Many fishes’ habitats are slowly being ruined by people.
Quiz: Have You Mastered Fishes or Fish’s or Fishes’?
Finally, let’s see how you fare with a quick quiz.
- That (A. fishes / B. fish’s / C. fishes’) scales are magnificent.
- Many (A. fishes / B. fish’s / C. fishes’) ponds are being renovated in this area.
- The (A. fishes / B. fish’s / C. fishes’) have gathered together in the corner.
- This (A. fishes / B. fish’s / C. fishes’) timing is amazing.
- Your (A. fishes / B. fish’s / C. fishes’) eyes are wonky.
Quiz answers
- B
- B or C
- A
- B
- B or C
Final Thoughts
“Fish” is the singular and plural form. Therefore, we can use “fish’s” as the correct singular and possessive plural form. “Fish’s” is the most common form, and it’s not common to see “fishes’” used alongside it. Still, they’re both valid options, and it’s up to you which you prefer.
You may also like: Series or Series’s or Series’? (Possessive Explained)
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
There are many creatures that live in the water. Some taste good, and some do not. Some have scales, and others have hard shells.
Fish are one group of these animals. Some English speakers aren’t sure how to refer to more than one fish. Should you use fish, or fishes? Read on to find out.
What is the Difference Between Fish and Fishes?
In this post, I will explore fish vs. fishes. I will use each word in a sentence to illustrate its proper use. Plus, I will show you a helpful trick to use when deciding which of these words to use in your own writing.
When to Use Fish
What does fish mean? Fish can be either a noun or a verb.
As a noun, it refers to a group of aquatic vertebrate animals that use gills to breathe. Fish can be found in most bodies of water. Some are eaten, and some are kept as pets.
Fish can function as both a singular and plural noun. A popular example would be the well-known children’s book One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish. It also refers to fish as a food item, without regard to the amount of fish being consumed.
See the sentences below for examples of fish used as a noun.
- Adelle saw a group of fish swimming in the pond.
- Robert has a pet fish named Claire.
- Let’s eat fish for dinner.
- Tens of thousands of dead fish have closed Montana’s Yellowstone River and stirred new worries Monday about lasting impacts to the region’s lucrative outdoors industry. –The Washington Post
As a plural noun, fish is actually the newer term, but, according to the OED, it has been in use since at least 1300, and is now the more common plural form.
As a verb, to fish is to capture aquatic animals through any of several methods. Fishing is a popular pastime, an important industry, and in some parts of the world, a way of life.
Here are some examples,
- Today, I will go to the river and fish for trout.
- Some say that rainy days are the best days to fish.
When to Use Fishes
Fishes can also be a noun or a verb.
As a noun, it is an alternative plural of fish. Although fishes is the older of the two plural forms, its use today is rare and idiomatic, as in the following phrases:
- Jesus fed the crowd with five loaves and two fishes.
- “Luca Brasi sleeps with the fishes,” Sal said.
It is also sometimes used when referring to more than one species of fish.
For example,
- Perch and bass are two fishes hunted for sport in the American Midwest.
- Fortunately, perceptions of these ancient fishes are slowly changing, as new research and renewed interest from anglers are garnering a more positive image of these misunderstood fishes. –National Geographic
As a verb, it is the third-person present tense of to fish, as in the following sentence:
- Jermaine fishes for salmon, and shares it with his family.
Trick to Remember the Difference
Here is a helpful trick to remember fishes vs. fish.
Using fish as a verb is fairly straightforward, but the same cannot be said of its use as a plural noun.
Unless you are using a specific idiom like those mentioned above, choose fish for most contexts, singular or plural. Fish is the most widely used plural form of the word in English today.
You can remember which word to use by reminding yourself that “fish is salty.” You would not use the phrase “fishes is salty,” so you should not choose fishes for general use.
Summary
Is it fish or fishes? Fish and fishes can both be used as either a verb or a plural noun. To fish is to capture aquatic animals, and as plural nouns, fish and fishes refer to more than one such animal.
You can use the phrase “fish is good” to remind yourself that fish should be used in most situations. If you still have trouble remembering when to use fishes or fish, you can check this article for extra help.
Contents
- 1 What is the Difference Between Fish and Fishes?
- 2 When to Use Fish
- 3 When to Use Fishes
- 4 Trick to Remember the Difference
- 5 Summary
On this page…
A group of fish of the same species are called ‘fish’. Two or more species of fish are called ‘fishes’.
For example, a number of Eastern Australian Salmon swimming together can be called a school of fish. But if one Tarwhine starts swimming with the Eastern Australian Salmon they are called fishes.
Part of a school of several hundred Eastern Australian Salmon at a depth of 5m, Shellharbour, Bass Point, New South Wales, March 2004. © Sascha Schulz
Image: Sascha Schulz
Books such as the Sea Fishes of Southern Australia and Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia use the term ‘fishes’, because more than one species of fish are included in the book.
If you don’t believe me, believe Shakespeare. In Pericles Act 1 scene 1 the Third Fisherman says «Master, I marvel how the fishes live in the sea».
For more information, view the Wikipedia comment on Fish or Fishes?
What is the plural of Fish?
Do you say fish or fishes?
The plural of fish is almost always …. fish. (No -es at the end)
- 1 fish
- 2 fish (NOT 2 fishes)
Some example sentences:
- I caught three fish yesterday down at the wharf. (caught is the past tense of catch)
- I bought some fish for my aquarium. (bought is the past tense of buy)
There is even a famous book by Dr. Seuss called One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish. Note how it is two fish and not two fishes.
When can I use fishes?
Fish is used when we are counting individual fish …. one fish, two fish, three fish… etc.
A number of fish of the same species are called ‘fish.’
However in marine biology / zoology etc., ‘fishes‘ refers to more than one species of fish.
We are talking about entire species and NOT individual fish numbers.
- I read a book about the freshwater fishes of New Zealand.
This book talks about the different species of freshwater fish in New Zealand. We use fishes because there is more than one species. We are not counting the number of fish, just the amount of species.
Fish or Fishes?
Imagine you have an small aquarium. In that aquarium there are 6 fish. This means there are total of 6 individual fish. They may be of different types but we are interested in the number of fish and not how many species there are.
If I say there are 6 fishes in my aquarium, it refers to 6 different species of fish. There might by a goldfish, a clownfish and four others including a piranha (ok, maybe not a piranha as it would each the other fish).
However in general everyday English, we would most likely say:
- There are 6 types of fish in my aquarium OR
- There are 6 species of fish in my aquarium.
Also, if you have a bucket of fish. There may be more than one type or species of fish in it though you will normally say:
- I have a bucket of fish. (not fishes)
The verb To fish
To fish means to try and catch fish.
If we conjugate the verb in the simple present tense, it becomes…
- I fish, you fish, we fish, they fish, he fishes, she fishes, it fishes.
Fishes is the third person conjugation of the verb To fish in the simple present tense.
- He fishes from his small boat every afternoon.
Bonus information about Fish
What do you call a group of fish swimming together in the same direction?
A group of fish swimming together is called a school of fish. We don’t say a “group of fish.”
- A school of fish swam by me while I was scuba diving in Fiji.
Something is fishy
Something is fishy means that something appears suspicious and not right. (Informal)
- That guy over there looks fishy. I’m sure he is planning to steal from someone.
- Something doesn’t feel right. I’m sure something fishy is going on.
Did you know there are other words that don’t change in plural form?
- 1 deer – 2 deer
- 1 sheep – 2 sheep
In Summary
- Fish – singular and plural form when counting individual fish
- Fishes – refers to more than one species of fish
Unless you are a marine biologist, you will always use fish as the plural of fish.
Summary Chart
Some believe that the plural form of fish is fish, while others claim that the plural of fish is ‘fishes.’ In fact, they can both be correct. English nouns can have an irregular plural form, confusing for many people, even for ones that are native to the English language. Sometimes, there are no exact rules, causing further confusion. Thankfully, as for the word ‘fish,’ there is a way to understand when to use ‘fish’ or ‘fishes’
The most commonly used plural form of fish is ‘fish.’ This is because the word ‘fish’ is more versatile. For example, if you are referring to a group of fish of a single species, ‘fish’ would be the correct word to use. In this case, using the word ‘fishes’ would be incorrect. However, if you are referring to a group of fish of multiple species, either ‘fish’ or ‘fishes’ can be correct as a plural form of fish.
Plural Form of Fish: Example use of ‘Fish’
If there are eight fish in a pond consisting of eight goldfish, the correct word to use will be ‘fish.’
One can say, “Come check out the pond. There’s a lot of fish swimming in it!”
If there are eight fish in a pond, consisting of four goldfish and four koi fish, the word ‘fish’ can still be used.
One can say, “Come check out the pond. There’s so many different fish in there!”
Plural Form of Fish: Example use of ‘Fishes’
If there are eight fish in a pond, consisting of eight goldfish, the word ‘fishes’ will generally not be used.
However, the word’ fishes’ can be used if there are four goldfish and four koi fish in the pond.
One can say, “Come check out the pond. There’s so many different fishes in there!”