There are a variety of fishes that start with the letter M. The most common of these is the tilapia. Other fishes that start with M include the mackerel, the Mahi Mahi, and the marlin.
Fishes are a common food source for people around the world. They are a good source of protein and are low in fat. Fishes that start with M are no different and can be a healthy part of your diet.
Fishes That Start With The Letter M
Fishes are a popular pet for many people, and there are a wide variety of different species to choose from. If you’re interested in fishes that start with the letter “M,” there are several options available. The madtom, for example, is a small catfish that is native to North America.
It’s a popular choice for aquariums because it’s relatively easy to care for and can coexist peacefully with other fish. The mahi-mahi is another option, and this brightly colored fish is prized by both recreational and commercial fishermen. It’s also a popular choice for sushi and sashimi due to its firm flesh and delicate flavor.
Whatever type of fish you’re looking for, there’s sure to be an “M” species that meets your needs.
Mackerel
The mackerel is a sleek and speedy fish that is found in the open ocean. Mackerel are known for their iridescent blue and green stripes that run along their sides. These stripes are used to camouflage the fish from predators as they swim in the open water. Mackerel are found in all oceans, but they are most commonly found in the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans.
Mackerel are small to medium-sized fish, with most species growing to between 12 and 24 inches in length. The largest mackerel species, the Atlantic mackerel, can grow up to 36 inches in length and weigh up to 12 pounds. Mackerel are carnivorous fish that feed on smaller fish, squid, and crustaceans.
Most mackerel species are fast-swimming fish that live in large schools. Mackerel are an important food source for humans and are commercially fished all over the world. In addition to being eaten fresh, mackerel are also canned, smoked, and used in the production of fish oil and fish meal.
Mahi-mahi
The mahi-mahi is a tropical fish that is found in warm ocean waters all over the world. Mahi-mahi are brightly colored fish that have a wide, flat body. The name “mahi-mahi” means “very strong” in Hawaiian, and these fish are known for their powerful swimming abilities.
Mahi-mahi are one of the fastest-growing fish in the world, and they can grow up to four feet in length and weigh up to 100 pounds. These fish are typically found in waters that are between 68 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Mahi-mahi are carnivorous fish that feed on smaller fish, squid, and crustaceans.
Mahi-mahi are popular among commercial and recreational fishermen. These fish are prized for their delicious flesh, which is often used in sushi and sashimi. Mahi-mahi are also commonly used in fish tacos and fish sandwiches.
Minnow
The minnow is a small, freshwater fish that is found in lakes, rivers, and streams all over the world. Minnows are small fish, with most species growing to between two and four inches in length. Minnows are typically silver or gold in color, with some species having brightly colored fins.
Minnows are an important food source for larger fish, birds, and mammals. Minnows are also used in the bait industry, as their small size and abundance make them ideal baitfish. In some parts of the world, minnows are also kept as pets.
There are hundreds of different species of minnow, and they can be found in a wide variety of habitats. Minnows typically live in schools and are known to be good swimmers. These fish are not typically considered to be good eating, as they are very bony.
Mullet
The mullet is a saltwater fish that is found in coastal waters all over the world. Mullet are medium-sized fish, with most species growing to between 12 and 24 inches in length. Mullet are typically silver or gray in color, with some species having brightly colored fins.
Mullet are an important food source for humans and are commercially fished.
Mackerel Shark
Mackerel sharks are torpedo-shaped predators known for their remarkable speed and agility. These sleek hunters can reach speeds of up to 45 kilometers per hour (28 mph), making them some of the fastest sharks in the ocean. They have two species: the salmon shark and the porbeagle shark.
These sharks typically reach lengths of 2.5 to 4 meters (8 to 13 feet) and have a streamlined body with large pectoral fins for balance and powerful caudal fins for propulsion. Their mouths are lined with sharp, serrated teeth designed for tearing into prey like tuna, mackerel, and other schooling fish.
Mackerel sharks are important apex predators in marine ecosystems, playing a crucial role in maintaining healthy populations of prey fish. They are also commercially valuable, prized for their meat and fins. However, overfishing has led to population declines in some areas, making conservation efforts important for their future.
Mail-cheeked Fish
Mail-cheeked fish are a diverse group with over 1,000 species found in various marine environments worldwide. They are named for their unique bony plates, or “mail,” that cover their heads and cheeks. These bony plates provide protection and also contribute to their impressive camouflage abilities.
Mail-cheeked fish come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, with some species sporting vibrant patterns and elaborate fins. Many species have venomous spines used for defense against predators. The common lionfish, for example, has 18 venomous spines along its back that can deliver a painful sting to humans.
Despite their fearsome reputation, most mail-cheeked fish are not aggressive towards humans. They are generally small and solitary creatures, spending their days hiding among rocks and coral reefs or actively hunting for prey like small fish and invertebrates. Their camouflaged appearance and diverse adaptations make them fascinating creatures to observe in the marine world.
Manefish
Manefish are small, bottom-dwelling fish found in warm, shallow waters around the world. They are named for their unique head appendages, which resemble flowing manes or beards. These appendages, along with their bumpy skin and mottled coloration, help them blend in perfectly with their surroundings, making them masters of disguise.
Manefish typically grow to only 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches) in length and have flattened bodies adapted for clinging to rocks and seaweed. They feed on tiny organisms like plankton and detritus, using their specialized mouthparts to suck up food particles from the water.
Despite their small size, manefish play an important role in marine ecosystems. They help to clean the water by consuming plankton and detritus, and they serve as prey for larger fish and other predators. Their unique adaptations and cryptic appearance make them fascinating creatures to discover in the diverse world of marine life.
Marblefish
Marblefish are dazzling inhabitants of coral reefs, named for their stunning patchwork patterns that resemble, you guessed it, marble! These vibrant fish can mimic the appearance and behavior of other species, including toxic ones, to confuse predators and avoid being eaten.
There are over 200 known species of marblefish, found in tropical waters around the world. They range in size from 5 to 30 centimeters (2 to 12 inches) and come in a dazzling array of colors and patterns. Some species even change their appearance as they mature, adding to their mesmerizing camouflage abilities.
Beyond their captivating beauty, marblefish play a crucial role in reef ecosystems. They feed on small invertebrates and zooplankton, helping to maintain the balance of the reef. Their mimicry skills also contribute to the overall biodiversity of the reef, as predators become wary of approaching unfamiliar-looking fish.
Marine Hatchetfish
Imagine a tiny fish with a silver body, enormous eyes, and a flattened belly, resembling a miniature hatchet gliding through the darkness of the deep ocean. That’s the marine hatchetfish, a fascinating creature found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide.
These bioluminescent fish typically reach lengths of 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches) and spend their days in the depths, where sunlight barely penetrates. At night, they migrate upwards, using their light-producing organs to create a mesmerizing underwater light show.
The purpose of this bioluminescence is still debated, but scientists believe it may help hatchetfish communicate with each other, attract prey, or even confuse predators. Their flattened bellies and upward-facing eyes allow them to blend in with the faint moonlight reflected off the water’s surface, making them difficult for predators to spot from below.
Medusafish
Step back in time with the medusafish, a living fossil that has remained virtually unchanged for over 40 million years. Found in the pitch-black depths of the ocean, these bizarre creatures resemble floating jellyfish heads with elongated snouts and trailing appendages.
Medusafish are small, typically measuring only 10 to 20 centimeters (4 to 8 inches) in length. They lack scales and fins, have delicate translucent skin, and possess a single nostril located on the top of their head. Their long, trailing appendages, reminiscent of a jellyfish’s tentacles, are actually sensory organs used to detect prey and navigate the darkness.
These deep-sea dwellers are carnivores, using their bioluminescent lures to attract small crustaceans and other unsuspecting prey. Their mouths are large and expandable, allowing them to swallow prey much larger than themselves. As living fossils, medusafish provide valuable insights into the evolution of fish and the conditions that existed in the ancient oceans.
Milkfish
Milkfish are an iconic fish of tropical and subtropical waters, particularly beloved in Southeast Asia. Named for their fatty fillets, which were once thought to resemble milk, these adaptable fish thrive in a variety of environments, from estuaries and lagoons to mangroves and open ocean.
Milkfish are filter feeders, using their tiny gill rakers to strain phytoplankton and zooplankton from the water. This diet allows them to reach impressive sizes, growing up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) and weighing over 45 kilograms (100 pounds). They are also incredibly prolific breeders, releasing millions of eggs each year, playing a vital role in marine ecosystems.
Milkfish are highly valued for their delicious flesh, with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and firm texture. They are versatile in the kitchen, enjoyed grilled, baked, fried, or steamed. In the Philippines, milkfish is even considered a national fish, with a dedicated festival celebrating its cultural and culinary significance.
Monkfish
Don’t let the name fool you, monkfish are not peaceful denizens of monasteries. These bottom-dwelling predators of the Atlantic and Mediterranean are aptly nicknamed “anglerfish” for their unusual appearance and hunting technique.
Monkfish have a large, flattened head with a gaping mouth lined with sharp teeth. But their most distinctive feature is a fleshy lure, called a illicium, protruding from their forehead. This lure, often tipped with a bioluminescent bulb, acts as a fishing rod, attracting curious fish and crustaceans within striking distance.
Once prey gets close, the monkfish lunges forward with incredible speed, engulfing its victim in its cavernous mouth. Their powerful jaws and flexible bodies allow them to swallow prey nearly as large as themselves. Although not aggressive towards humans, their formidable appearance and predatory skills inspire a healthy dose of respect.
Moonfish
Moonfish live up to their name with their flat, circular bodies resembling a giant silver coin. These mesmerizing open-ocean dwellers are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, often gliding serenely in large schools.
Moonfish are masters of disguise, with their flattened shape and reflective scales helping them blend seamlessly with the shimmering surface of the water. This camouflage technique makes them invisible to both predators and prey, offering protection and aiding in hunting.
Despite their slender bodies, moonfish are surprisingly powerful swimmers, propelled by their large, fan-like pectoral fins. They feed on plankton and small fish, filtering them from the water with their specialized mouths. These graceful giants play a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.
Moray Eel
Moray eels are the slithering giants of coral reefs, captivating and often misunderstood. These elongated denizens can reach up to 3 meters (10 feet) in length and inhabit crevices and holes, spending their days peering with curious eyes. Don’t underestimate their sight, though – moray eels have excellent vision, even in the dim coral caverns.
While their sharp, dagger-like teeth may seem intimidating, moray eels are not typically aggressive towards humans. They are opportunistic feeders, primarily preying on smaller fish and crustaceans that venture too close. Their powerful jaws and flexible bodies allow them to lunge from their hiding places and snatch prey with lightning speed.
Despite their fearsome reputation, moray eels play a vital role in maintaining the health of coral reefs. They control populations of smaller fish, preventing any one species from dominating the ecosystem. Their presence also attracts divers, contributing to the economic value of coral reefs. So, the next time you spot a moray eel peeking out from its crevice, remember – you’re witnessing a crucial player in the vibrant drama of the reef.
Mudfish
Mudfish are living fossils, remnants of an ancient era when fish first ventured onto land. These remarkable creatures boast a unique ability – they can breathe air! Their lungs, alongside their gills, allow them to survive in oxygen-depleted environments, like muddy swamps and stagnant pools.
Mudfish are relatively small, typically reaching only 30 centimeters (12 inches) in length. They have elongated bodies and powerful fins, perfect for burrowing through mud and navigating shallow waters. During dry periods, they can even cocoon themselves in a protective mucus layer and estivate underground, waiting for the rains to return.
These hardy fish are an important part of freshwater ecosystems, playing a role in nutrient cycling and serving as prey for larger animals. Their ability to survive in harsh conditions makes them a fascinating example of adaptation and resilience. So, next time you visit a muddy pond, keep an eye out for these ancient air-breathers – they might just be lurking beneath the surface, a testament to the enduring power of life.
Mud Catfish
Mud catfish are the ultimate bottom-dwellers, perfectly adapted to the murky world of rivers and lakes. These whiskered wonders use their sensitive barbels to navigate through the mud, searching for tasty morsels like worms, insects, and small fish.
Mud catfish are surprisingly diverse, with over 200 species found worldwide. Some species are tiny, no bigger than your finger, while others can reach up to 1.5 meters (5 feet). They typically have flattened bodies and dull colors, helping them blend in with the muck and avoid predators.
Despite their less-than-glamorous habitat, mud catfish play a crucial role in freshwater ecosystems. They help scavenge organic matter, keeping the bottom clean and healthy. Their burrowing activities also aerate the soil, benefiting plant growth and overall water quality. So, the next time you see a mud catfish wriggling in the mud, remember – you’re witnessing a hardworking environmental engineer, silently contributing to the health of our waterways.
53 Fishes Beginning With M
| Mackerel | Mackerel shark |
| Madtom | Mahi-mahi |
| Mahseer | Mail-cheeked fish |
| Mako shark | Mandarinfish |
| Manefish | Man-of-war fish |
| Manta ray | Marblefish |
| Marine hatchetfish | Marlin |
| Masu salmon | Medaka |
| Medusafish | Megamouth shark |
| Menhaden | Merluccid hake |
| Mexican golden trout | Midshipman fish |
| Milkfish | Minnow |
| Minnow of the deep | Modoc sucker |
| Mojarra | Mola mola |
| Monkeyface prickleback | Monkfish |
| Mooneye | Moonfish |
| Moorish idol | Mora |
| Moray eel | Morid cod |
| Morwong | Moses sole |
| Mosquitofish | Mouthbrooder |
| Mozambique tilapia | Mrigal |
| Mud catfish | Mudfish |
| Mud minnow | Mudskipper |
| Mudsucker | Mullet |
| Mummichog | Murray cod |
| Muskellunge | Mustache triggerfish |
| Mustard eel |
Conclusion
Mollies are a type of fish that is popular in home aquariums. They are easy to care for and are available in a variety of colors.
Mollies are a great addition to any home aquarium. They are easy to care for and come in a variety of colors. If you are looking for a fish that is easy to care for and add some color to your aquarium, then mollies are the perfect fish for you.
