List of British Fishes

Below is a comprehensive list of 'fishes' (plural for multiple species of fish) I have put together, found in Britain and Ireland (448 species), showing their taxonomic or phylogenetic rank; this is not a complete list, but you can expect it will grow. It includes deepwater and encroaching species.

Ticks (✅) indicate species & morphs I've caught on rod and line.
Includes native and non-native. IN = Introduced.
Morphs and subspecies do not count as an extra species, unless they are the only one of the species caught.
My total rod & line caught species = 73

Osteichthyes (Bony Fish) SUPERCLASS

Actinopterygii (Ray-Finned Fish) CLASS 

For this section, my primary reference on where taxa are situated is 'Phylogenetic Classification of Living and Fossil Ray-Finned Fishes (Actinopterygii)' by Near & Thacker, 2024, which I regard to be the most authoritative revision of actinopterygiians.

ACIPENSERIFORMES ORDER

Acipenseridae (Sturgeon) FAMILY     Acipenser GENUS         Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus         European sturgeon Acipenser sturio         Russian sturgeon Acipenser gueldenstaedtii IN         Siberian sturgeon Acipenser baerii IN         Sterlet Acipenser ruthenus IN

NOTACANTHIFORMES ORDER

Notacanthidae (Deepsea Spiny Eels) FAMILY     Notacanthus GENUS         Shortfin spiny eel Notacanthus bonaparte         Snubnosed spiny eel Notacanthus chemnitzii

ANGUILLIFORMES ORDER

Anguillidae (Freshwater Eels) FAMILY     Anguilla GENUS         European eel Anguilla anguilla ✅ Congridae (Congers & Garden Eels) FAMILY     Conger GENUS         Conger eel Conger conger ✅ Nemichthyidae (Snipe Eels) FAMILY     Avocettina GENUS         Avocet snipe eel Avocettina infans     Nemichthys GENUS         Slender snipe eel Nemichthys scolopaceus Muraenidae (Moray Eels) FAMILY     Muraena GENUS         Marbled moray Muraena helena

CLUPEIFORMES ORDER

Alosidae (Shads) FAMILY     Alosa GENUS         Allis shad Alosa alosa         Twaite shad Alosa fallax     Sardina GENUS          Pilchard Sardina pilchardus ✅ Clupeidae (Herrings & Sprats) FAMILY     Clupea GENUS         Atlantic herring Clupea harengus     Sprattus GENUS          European sprat Sprattus sprattus Engraulidae (Anchovies) FAMILY     Engraulis GENUS         European anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus

ALEPOCEPHALIFORMES ORDER

Alepocephalidae (Slickheads) FAMILY     Alepocephalus GENUS         Agassiz' slickhead Alepocephalus agassizii         Baird's slickhead Alepocephalus bairdii         Risso's smooth-head Alepocephalus rostratus     Narcetes GENUS         Blackhead salmon Narcetes stomias     Rouleina GENUS         Softskin smooth-head Rouleina attrita         Madeiran smooth-head Rouleina maderensis     Xenodermichthys GENUS         Bluntsnout smooth-head Xenodermichthys copei Platytroctidae (Tubeshoulders) FAMILY     Normichthys GENUS         Multipore searsid Normichthys operosus     Sagamichthys GENUS         Schnakenbeck's searsid Sagamichthys schnakenbecki     Searsia GENUS         Koefoed's searsid Searsia koefoedi

CYPRINIFORMES ORDER

Cyprinidae (Carp & Allies) FAMILY     Cyprininae (Typical Carps) SUBFAMILY         Cyprinus GENUS             Amur carp Cyprinus rubrofuscus10 IN              Koi carp Cyprinus rubrofuscus var. "Koi" MORPH IN ✅             European carp (Sazan) Cyprinus carpio IN                 Common carp (King) Cyprinus carpio var. “Communis” MORPH IN ✅                 Mirror carp (King) Cyprinus carpio var. “Specularis” MORPH IN ✅                 Leather carp (King) Cyprinus carpio var. “Nudus” MORPH IN ✅         Carassius GENUS             Brown goldfish Carassius auratus IN ✅                 Nigorobuna/Round crucian Carassius sp.11 INACTIVE TAXON IN             Crucian Carassius carassius IN ✅             Ginbuna/Silver crucian Carassius langsdorfii IN             Prussian/Gibel carp Carassius gibelio IN     Barbinae (Barbs) SUBFAMILY         Barbus GENUS             Common barbel Barbus barbus Xenocyprididae (East Asian Minnows) FAMILY     Ctenopharyngodon GENUS         Grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella IN ✅ Tincidae (Tench) FAMILY     Tinca GENUS         Tench Tinca tinca ✅ Acheilognathidae (Bitterlings) FAMILY     Rhodeus GENUS         Bitterling Rhodeus sericeus IN Leuciscidae (Minnows) FAMILY     Alburnus GENUS         Bleak Alburnus alburnus     Squalius GENUS         Chub Squalius cephalus     Abramis GENUS         Common bream Abramis brama ✅     Leuciscus GENUS         Dace Leuciscus leuciscus ✅         Ide/Orfe Leuciscus idus IN     Phoxinus GENUS         Minnow Phoxinus phoxinus ✅     Rutilus GENUS         Roach Rutilus rutilus ✅     Scardinius GENUS         Rudd Scardinius erythrophthalmus ✅     Blicca GENUS         Silver bream Blicca bjoerkna     Leucaspius GENUS         Sunbleak Leucaspius delineatus IN ✅     Pimephales GENUS         Fathead minnow Pimephales promelas IN Gobionidae (Gudgeons) FAMILY     Gobio GENUS         Gudgeon Gobio gobio ✅     Pseudorasbora GENUS         Topmouth gudgeon Pseudorasbora parva IN ✅ Nemacheilidae (Brook Loaches) FAMILY     Barbatula GENUS         Stone loach Barbatula barbatula Cobitidae (True Loaches) FAMILY     Cobitis GENUS         Spined loach Cobitis taenia     Misgurnus GENUS         Weatherfish Misgurnus fossilis IN

SILURIFORMES ORDER

Siluridae (Sheatfish) FAMILY     Silurus GENUS         Wels catfish Silurus glanis IN ✅ Ictaluridae (N.A. Freshwater Catfish) FAMILY     Ameiurus GENUS         Black bullhead catfish Ameiurus melas IN         Brown bullhead catfish Ameiurus nebulosus IN     Ictalurus GENUS         Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus IN

ARGENTINIFORMES ORDER

Argentinidae (Herring Smelts) FAMILY     Argentina GENUS         Lesser argentine Argentina sphyraena         Greater argentine Argentina silus Bathylagidae (Deep-Sea Smelts) FAMILY     Bathylagus GENUS         Goitre black smelt Bathylagus euryops Opisthoproctidae (Barreleyes) FAMILY     Dolichopteryx GENUS         Beaked spookfish Dolichopteryx rostrata

SALMONIFORMES ORDER

Salmonidae (Salmon & Allies) FAMILY     Salmo GENUS         Atlantic salmon Salmo salar         Brown trout Salmo trutta ✅             Sea trout Salmo trutta trutta MORPH         Ferox trout Salmo ferox1         Gillaroo trout Salmo stomachicus1         Sonaghen trout Salmo nigripinnis1     Salvelinus GENUS         Arctic char Salvelinus alpinus         Brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis IN         Golden char Salvelinus youngeri2         Haddy char Salvelinus killinensis2         Haweswater char Salvelinus lonsdalii2         Large-mouthed char Salvelinus maxillaris2         Malloch's char Salvelinus mallochi2         †Orkney char Salvelinus inframundus2         Scottish char Salvelinus struanensis2         Shetland char Salvelinus gracillimus2         Torgoch char Salvelinus perisii2         Willoughby's char Salvelinus willoughbii2     Coregonus GENUS         Common whitefish Coregonus lavaretus IN         Gwyniad Coregonus pennantii         Pollan Coregonus pollan         Arctic cisco Coregonus autumnalis         Powan Coregonus clupeoides         Schelly Coregonus stigmaticus         Vendace Coregonus vandesius     Thymallus GENUS         Grayling Thymallus thymallus ✅     Oncorhynchus GENUS         Pink salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha IN         Rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss IN Esocidae (Pike & Allies) FAMILY     Esox GENUS         Northern Pike Esox lucius ✅

OSMERIFORMES ORDER

Osmeridae (Typical Smelts) FAMILY     Osmerus GENUS         European smelt Osmerus eperlanus

STOMIIFORMES ORDER

Sternoptychidae (Marine Hatchetfishes) FAMILY     Argyropelecus GENUS         Half-naked hatchetfish Argyropelecus hemigymnus         Silver hatchetfish Argyropelecus olfersii     Maurolicus GENUS         Mueller's pearlside Maurolicus muelleri     Sternoptyx GENUS         Diaphanous hatchetfish Sternoptyx diaphana Stomiidae (Barbeled Dragonfishes) FAMILY     Stomias GENUS         Boa dragonfish Stomias ferox

AULOPIFORMES ORDER

Paralepididae (Barracudina) FAMILY     Paralepis GENUS         Sharpchin barracudina Paralepis coregonoides     Arctozenus GENUS         Spotted barracudina Arctozenus risso     Magnisudis GENUS         Duckbill barracudina Magnisudis atlantica Alepisauridae (Lancetfish) FAMILY     Alepisaurus GENUS         Long snouted lancetfish Alepisaurus ferox Bathysauridae (Deepsea Lizardfishes) FAMILY     Bathysaurus GENUS         Deep-sea lizardfish Bathysaurus ferox Notosudidae (Waryfishes) FAMILY     Scopelosaurus GENUS         Blackfin waryfish Scopelosaurus lepidus

MYCTOPHIFORMES ORDER

Myctophidae (Lanternfishes) FAMILY     Diaphus GENUS         Spothead lanternfish Diaphus metopoclampus         White-spoted lanternfish Diaphus rafinesquii     Electrona GENUS         Electric lanternfish Electrona risso     Lampanyctus GENUS         Jewel lanternfish Lampanyctus crocodilus         Diamondcheek lanternfish Lampanyctus intricarius         Rakery beaconlamp Lampanyctus macdonaldi         Pygmy lanternfish Lampanyctus pusillus     Myctophum GENUS         Spotted lanternfish Myctophum punctatum     Notolychnus GENUS         Topside lampfish Notolychnus valdiviae     Symbolophorus GENUS         Large-scale lantern fish Symbolophorus veranyi

LAMPRIFORMES ORDER

Trachipteridae (Ribbonfish) FAMILY     Trachipterus GENUS         Dealfish Trachipterus arcticus Regalecidae (Oarfishes) FAMILY     Regalecus GENUS         Giant oarfish Regalecus glesne Lampridae (Opahs) FAMILY     Lampris GENUS         Opah Lampris guttatus

ZEIFORMES ORDER

Zeidae (True Dories) FAMILY     Zeus GENUS         John dory Zeus faber

GADIFORMES ORDER

Gadidae (Codfishes) FAMILY     Micromesistius GENUS         Blue whiting Micromesistius poutassou     Pollachius GENUS         Coalfish Pollachius virens         Pollack Pollachius pollachius ✅     Gadhus GENUS         Cod Gadhus morhua     Melanogrammus GENUS         Haddock Melanogrammus aeglefinus     Trisopterus GENUS         Norway Pout Trisopterus esmarkii         Poor cod Trisopterus minutus ✅         Pouting Trisopterus luscus ✅     Raniceps GENUS         Tadpole fish Raniceps raninus     Merlangius GENUS         Whiting Merlangius merlangus ✅     Gadiculus GENUS         Silvery cod Gadiculus thori Merlucciidae (Merluccid Hakes) FAMILY     Merluccius GENUS         Hake Merluccius merluccius Phycidae (Phycid Hakes) FAMILY     Phycis GENUS         Greater forkbeard Phycis blennoides Lotidae (Lings) FAMILY     Gaidropsarus GENUS         Bigeye rockling Gaidropsarus macrophthalmus         Shore rockling Gaidropsarus mediterraneus         Three bearded rockling Gaidropsarus vulgaris         Arctic rockling Gaidropsarus argentatus     Lota GENUS         †Burbot Lota lota PRESUMED EXTINCT IN BRITAIN     Ciliata GENUS         Five bearded rockling Ciliata mustela         Northern rockling Ciliata septentrionalis     Enchelyopus GENUS         Four bearded rockling Enchelyopus cimbrius     Brosme GENUS         Torsk Brosme brosme     Molva GENUS         White ling Molva molva ✅         Blue ling Molva dypterygia         Spanish ling Molva macrophthalma Macrouridae (Grenadiers) FAMILY     Coelorinchus GENUS         Hollowsnout grenadier Coelorinchus caelorhincus         Spearsnouted grenadier Coelorinchus labiatus     Coryphaenoides GENUS          Abyssal grenadier Coryphaenoides armatus         Günther's grenadier Coryphaenoides guentheri         Roundnose grenadier Coryphaenoides rupestris     Macrourus GENUS         Roughhead grenadier Macrourus berglax         Softhead grenadier Malacocephalus laevis     Nezumia GENUS         Smooth grenadier Nezumia aequalis     Trachyrincus GENUS         Roughsnout grenadier Trachyrincus scabrus Moridae (Morid Cods) FAMILY     Halargyreus GENUS         Slender codling Halargyreus johnsonii     Lepidion GENUS         North Atlantic codling Lepidion eques     Mora GENUS         Common mora Mora moro

TRACHICHTHYIFORMES

Anoplogastridae (Fangtooths) FAMILY     Anoplogaster GENUS         Common fangtooth Anoplogaster cornuta Diretmidae (Spinyfins) FAMILY     Diretmus GENUS         Silver spinyfin Diretmus argenteus Trachichthyidae (Slimeheads) FAMILY     Hoplostethus GENUS         Blacktip sawbelly Hoplostethus mediterraneus

BERYCIFORMES ORDER

Berycidae (Alfonsinos) FAMILY     Beryx GENUS         Longfinned beryx Beryx decadactylus Melamphaidae (Ridgeheads) FAMILY     Poromitra GENUS         Black-headed ridgehead Poromitra nigriceps

OPHIDIIFORMES ORDER

Bythitidae (Viviparous Brotulas) FAMILY     Cataetyx GENUS         Wideheaded brotula Cataetyx laticeps Carapidae (Pearlfishes) FAMILY     Echiodon GENUS         Drummond's pearlfish Echiodon drummondii Ophidiidae (Cusk-Eels) FAMILY     Ophidion GENUS         Bearded cusk-eel Ophidion barbatum         Thick cusk-eel Spectrunculus crassus         Pudgy cusk-eel Spectrunculus grandis

GOBIIFORMES ORDER

Gobiidae (Typical Gobies) FAMILY     Gobius GENUS         Black goby Gobius niger ✅         Couch's goby Gobius couchi         Giant goby Gobius cobitis ✅         Rock goby Gobius paganellus ✅         Red-mouthed goby Gobius cruentatus         Steven’s goby Gobius gasteveni     Lesueurigobius GENUS         Fries’s goby Lesueurigobius friesii     Thorogobius GENUS         Leopard-spotted goby Thorogobius ephippiatus     Aphia GENUS         Transparent goby Aphia minuta Oxudercidae (Estuarine Gobies, Mudskippers & Allies)6 FAMILY     Pomatoschistus GENUS         Common goby Pomatoschistus microps ✅         Lozano’s goby Pomatoschistus lozanoi         Norway goby Pomatoschistus norvegicus         Painted goby Pomatoschistus pictus ✅         Sand goby Pomatoschistus minutus ✅         Two-spotted goby Pomatoschistus flavescens ✅     Crystallogobius GENUS         Crystal goby Crystallogobius linearis     Lebetus GENUS         Guillet's goby Lebetus guilleti         Scorpion/Diminutive goby Lebetus scorpioides     Buenia GENUS         Jeffery’s goby Buenia jeffreysii

SCOMBRIFORMES ORDER

Scombridae (Mackerel & Allies) FAMILY     Thunnus GENUS         Albacore Thunnus alalunga         Atlantic bluefin tuna Thunnus thynnus         Yellowfin tuna Thunnus albacares     Sarda GENUS         Atlantic bonito Sarda sarda     Scomber GENUS         Atlantic chub mackerel Scomber colias         Chub mackerel Scomber japonicus         Mackerel Scomber scombrus ✅     Auxis GENUS         Bullet tuna Auxis rochei         Frigate tuna Auxis thazard     Euthynnus GENUS         Little tunny Euthynnus alletteratus     Katsuwonus GENUS         Skipjack tuna Katsuwonus pelamis     Orcynopsis GENUS         Plain bonito Orcynopsis unicolor Centrolophidae (Medusafish) FAMILY     Schedophilus GENUS         Cornish blackfish Schedophilus medusophagus     Centrolophus GENUS         Black ruffe Centrolophus niger     Hyperoglyphe GENUS         Barrelfish Hyperoglyphe perciformis Trichiuridae (Cutlassfishes) FAMILY     Aphanopus GENUS         Black scabbardfish Aphanopus carbo     Lepidopus GENUS         Silver scabbardfish Lepidopus caudatus     Trichiurus GENUS         Largehead hairtail Trichiurus lepturus Bramidae (Pomfrets) FAMILY     Brama GENUS         Ray’s bream Brama brama     Pterycombus GENUS         Atlantic fanfish Pterycombus brama     Taractes GENUS         Rough pomfret Taractes asper     Taractichthys GENUS         Bigscale pomfret Taractichthys longipinnis Nomeidae (Driftfishes) FAMILY     Cubiceps GENUS         Longfin cigarfish Cubiceps gracilis Gempylidae (Snake Mackerels) FAMILY     Lepidocybium GENUS         Escolar Lepidocybium flavobrunneum     Nesiarchus GENUS         Black gemfish Nesiarchus nasutus     Ruvettus GENUS         Oilfish Ruvettus pretiosus

SYNGNATHIFORMES ORDER

Callionymidae (Dragonets) FAMILY     Callionymus GENUS         Common dragonet Callionymus lyra ✅         Reticulated dragonet Callionymus reticulatus ✅         Spotted dragonet Callionymus maculatus   Dactylopteridae (Helmet Gurnards)12 FAMILY     Dactylopterus GENUS         Flying gurnard Dactylopterus volitans Mullidae (Goatfish) FAMILY     Mullus GENUS         Red mullet Mullus barbatus         Striped red mullet Mullus surmuletus Syngnathidae (Pipefish & Seahorses) FAMILY     Syngnathus GENUS         Broadnosed pipefish Syngnathus typhle         Greater pipefish Syngnathus acus         Nilsson's pipefish Syngnathus rostellatus     Lissocampus GENUS         Short snout pipefish Lissocampus filum     Hippocampus GENUS         Short snouted seahorse Hippocampus hippocampus         Spiny seahorse Hippocampus guttulatus     Entelurus GENUS         Snake pipefish Entelurus aequoreus     Nerophis GENUS         Straightnose pipefish Nerophis ophidion         Worm pipefish Nerophis lumbriciformis Centriscidae (Razorfishes) FAMILY     Syngnathus GENUS         Common bellowsfish Macroramphosus scolopax

ATHERINIFORMES ORDER

Atherinidae (Old World Silversides) FAMILY     Atherina GENUS         Big-scale sand smelt Atherina boyeri         Sand smelt Atherina presbyter ✅ Belonidae (Sauries & Needlefish) FAMILY     Scomberesox GENUS         Atlantic saury Scomberesox saurus     Belone GENUS         Garfish Belone belone ✅         Short-beaked garfish Belone svetovidovi Exocoetidae (Flying Fish) FAMILY     Cheilopogon GENUS         Mediterranean flyingfish Cheilopogon heterurus     Hirundichthys GENUS         Black wing flyingfish Hirundichthys rondeletii

BLENNIIFORMES ORDER

Gobiesocidae (Clingfish) FAMILY     Lepadogaster GENUS         Connemara clingfish Lepadogaster candollei ✅         Cornish sucker Lepadogaster purpurea3 ✅         Shore clingfish Lepadogaster lepadogaster3     Apletodon GENUS         Small-headed clingfish Apletodon dentatus     Diplecogaster GENUS         Two-spotted clingfish Diplecogaster bimaculata Cichlidae (Cichlids)4 FAMILY     Coptodon GENUS         Redbelly tilapia Coptodon zillii IN     Oreochromis GENUS         Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus IN Mugilidae (Grey Mullets)4 FAMILY     Chelon GENUS         Golden grey mullet Chelon auratus         Thick lipped mullet Chelon labrosus ✅         Thin lipped mullet Chelon ramada     Mugil GENUS         Flathead grey mullet Mugil cephalus Blennioidei (True Blennies) SUBORDER     Tripterygiidae (Triplefin Blennies) FAMILY         Tripterygion GENUS             Black-faced blenny Tripterygion delaisi     Blenniidae (Combtooth Blennies) FAMILY         Blennius GENUS             Butterfly blenny Blennius ocellaris         Lipophrys GENUS             Common blenny Lipophrys pholis ✅         Coryphoblennius GENUS             Montagu’s blenny Coryphoblennius galerita ✅         Parablennius GENUS             Portuguese blenny Parablennius ruber             Ringneck blenny Parablennius pilicornis ✅

CARANGIFORMES ORDER

Carangidae (Jacks) FAMILY     Trachinotus GENUS         Derbio Trachinotus ovatus     Trachurus GENUS         Horse mackerel Trachurus trachurus ✅     Naucrates GENUS         Pilotfish Naucrates ductor     Campogramma GENUS         Vadigo Campogramma glaycos Echeneidae (Remoras) FAMILY     Remora GENUS         Common remora Remora remora Xiphioidea (Billfish) SUPERFAMILY     Xiphiidae (Swordfish) FAMILY         Xiphias GENUS             Broadbill swordfish Xiphias gladius     Istiophoridae (Marlins) FAMILY         Istiophorus GENUS             Atlantic sailfish Istiophorus albicans     Kajikia GENUS         Atlantic white marlin Kajikia albida Pleuronectoidei (Flatfish) SUBORDER     Scophthalmidae (Turbots & Allies) FAMILY         Scopthalamus GENUS             Brill Scopthalamus rhombus             Turbot Scophthalmus maximus         Zeugopterus GENUS             Eckström's topknot Zeugopterus regius             Topknot Zeugopterus punctatus         Lepidorhombus GENUS             Megrim Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis             Four-spot megrim Lepidorhombus boscii         Phrynorhombus GENUS             Norwegian topknot Phrynorhombus norvegicus     Soleidae (True Soles) FAMILY         Pegusa GENUS             Blackhand sole Pegusa nasuta             Sand sole Pegusa lascaris         Solea GENUS             Dover sole Solea solea         Buglossidium GENUS             Solenette Buglossidium luteum         Microchirus GENUS             Thick back sole Microchirus variegates             Bastard sole Microchirus azevia             God sole Microchirus theophila         Bathysolea GENUS             Deepwater sole Bathysolea profundicola     Pleuronectidae (Righteye Flounders) FAMILY         Limanda GENUS             Dab Limanda limanda         Platichthys GENUS             Flounder Platichthys flesus ✅         Microstomus GENUS             Lemon sole Microstomus kitt         Hippoglossoides GENUS             Long rough dab Hippoglossoides platessoides         Hippoglossus GENUS             Atlantic halibut Hippoglossus hippoglossus             Greenland halibut Reinhardtius hippoglossoides         Pleuronectes GENUS             Plaice Pleuronectes platessa         Glyptocephalus GENUS             Witch flounder Glyptocephalus cynoglossus     Bothidae (Lefteye Flounders) FAMILY         Arnoglossus GENUS             Scaldfish Arnoglossus laterna             Thor's scaldfish Arnoglossus thori             Imperial scaldfish Arnoglossus imperialis

PERCIFORMES ORDER

Percidae (Perch & Allies) FAMILY     Perca GENUS         Perch Perca fluviatilis ✅     Gymnocephalus GENUS         Ruffe Gymnocephalus cernuus     Stizostedion GENUS         Zander Stizostedion lucioperca IN Gasterosteidae (Stickleback) FAMILY     Pungitius GENUS         Ninespine stickleback Pungitius pungitius     Spinachia GENUS         Fifteen-spined stickleback Spinachia spinachia      Gasterosteus GENUS         Three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculaeatus ✅ Triglidae (Sea Robins) FAMILY     Eutrigla GENUS         Grey gurnard Eutrigla gurnardus ✅     Chelidonichthys GENUS         Red gurnard Chelidonichthys cuculus ✅         Tub gurnard Chelidonichthys lucerna         Longfin gurnard Chelidonichthys obscurus     Triglopourus GENUS         Streaked gurnard Triglopourus lastoviza     Trigla GENUS         Piper gurnard Trigla lyra Peristediidae (Armoured Sea Robins) FAMILY     Peristedion GENUS         Armed gurnard Peristedion cataphractum Trachinidae (Weevers) FAMILY     Trachinus GENUS         Greater weever Trachinus draco ✅     Echiichthys GENUS         Lesser weever Echiichthys vipera ✅ Cottoidei (Sculpins & Allies) SUBORDER     Agonidae (Hooknoses & Sea Ravens) FAMILY         Agonus GENUS             Armoured bullhead Agonus cataphractus     Cottidae (Typical Sculpins) FAMILY         Cottus GENUS             Chabot bullhead Cottus perifretum5 ✅         Taurulus GENUS             Long-spined sea scorpion Taurulus bubalis ✅         Micrenophrys GENUS             Norway bullhead Micrenophrys lilljeborgii         Myoxocephalus GENUS             Short-spined sea scorpion Myoxocephalus scorpius         Artediellus GENUS             Atlantic hookear sculpin Artediellus atlanticus         Cottunculus GENUS             Polar sculpin Cottunculus microps         Icelus GENUS             Twohorn sculpin Icelus bicornis         Triglops GENUS             Moustache sculpin Triglops murrayi     Liparidae (Snailfishes) FAMILY         Liparis GENUS             Common seasnail Liparis liparis             Montagu's seasnail Liparis montagui         Paraliparis GENUS             Challenger’s seasnail Paraliparis challengeri     Cyclopteridae (Lumpfish) FAMILY         Cyclopterus GENUS             Lumpsucker Cyclopterus lumpus Zoarcoidei (Eelpouts & Allies)4 SUBORDER     Stichaeidae (Pricklebacks) FAMILY         Chirolophis GENUS             Atlantic warbonnet Chirolophis ascanii         Lumpenus GENUS             Snakeblenny Lumpenus lampretaeformis         Leptoclinus GENUS             Spotted snakeblenny Leptoclinus maculatus     Anarhichadidae (Sea Wolves) FAMILY         Anarhichas GENUS             Atlantic wolffish Anarhichas lupus             Northern wolffish Anarhichas denticulatus     Pholidae (Gunnels) FAMILY         Pholis GENUS             Butterfish Pholis gunnellus     Zoarcidae (Eelpouts) FAMILY         Zoarces GENUS             Viviparous eelpout Zoarces viviparus         Lycenchelys GENUS             Sar's wolf eel Lycenchelys sarsii         Lycodes GENUS             Greater eelpout Lycodes esmarkii Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfish) FAMILY     Helicolenus GENUS         Bluemouth rockfish Helicolenus dactylopterus     Scorpaena GENUS         Black scorpionfish Scorpaena porcus         Red scorpionfish Scorpaena scrofa     Sebastes GENUS         Rosefish Sebastes norvegicus         Norway redfish Sebastes viviparus     Trachyscorpia GENUS         Spiny scorpionfish Trachyscorpia echinata Serranidae (Rockcods & Groupers) FAMILY     Serranus GENUS         Comber Serranus cabrilla

CENTRARCHIFORMES ORDER

Centrarchidae (Sunfish) FAMILY     Lepomis GENUS         Pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus IN     Ambloplites GENUS         Rock bass Ambloplites rupestris IN

LABRIFORMES ORDER

Labridae (Wrasse) FAMILY     Symphodus GENUS         Baillon’s wrasse Symphodus bailloni ✅         Corkwing wrasse Symphodus melops ✅     Labrus GENUS         Ballan wrasse Labrus bergylta ✅         Cuckoo wrasse Labrus mixtus ✅     Ctenolabrus GENUS         Goldsinny wrasse Ctenolabrus rupestris ✅     Centrolabrus GENUS         Rockcook wrasse Centrolabrus exoletus ✅     Acantholabrus GENUS          Scale-rayed wrasse Acantholabrus palloni     Coris GENUS          Mediterranean rainbow wrasse Coris julis Ammodytidae (Sand Lances)4 FAMILY     Hyperoplus GENUS         Corbin’s sand eel Hyperoplus immaculatus ✅         Greater sand eel Hyperoplus lanceolatus ✅     Ammodytes GENUS          Lesser sand eel Ammodytes tobianus         Raitt’s sand eel Ammodytes marinus     Gymnammodytes GENUS         Smooth sand eel Gymnammodytes semisquamatus

ACROPOMATIFORMES ORDER

Polyprionidae (Wreckfish) FAMILY     Polyprion GENUS         Wreckfish Polyprion americanus Epigonidae (Deepwater Cardinalfishes) FAMILY     Epigonus GENUS         Black cardinal fish Epigonus telescopus

ACANTHURIFORMES ORDER

Sparidae (Bream) FAMILY     Pagellus GENUS          Axillary bream Pagellus acarne         Red bream Pagellus bogaraveo ✅         Pandora bream Pagellus erythrinus     Spondyliosoma GENUS          Black bream ​Spondyliosoma cantharus ✅     Boops GENUS          Bogue Boops boops     Pagrus GENUS          Couch's bream Pagrus pagrus ✅     Sparus GENUS          Gilthead bream Sparus aurata ✅     Oblada GENUS          Saddled bream Oblada melanura     Diplodus GENUS          Two-banded bream Diplodus vulgaris         White bream Diplodus sargus     Dentex GENUS         Common dentex Dentex dentex         Morocco dentex Dentex maroccanus     Sarpa GENUS         Salema porgy Sarpa salpa Moronidae (Temperate Sea Bass) FAMILY     Dicentrarchus GENUS          European seabass Dicentrarchus labrax ✅ Cepolidae (Bandfish) FAMILY     Cepola GENUS          Red band fish Cepola macrophthalma ✅ Caproidae (Boarfish) FAMILY     Capros GENUS          Boarfish Capros aper Luvaridae (Luvars) FAMILY     Luvarus GENUS          Louvar Luvarus imperialis Sciaenidae (Drums) FAMILY     Luvarus GENUS          Meagre Argyrosomus regius     Umbrina GENUS         Common drum Umbrina cirrosa Callanthiidae (Splendid Perches) FAMILY     Callanthias GENUS          Parrot seaperch Callanthias ruber Tetraodontoidei (Puffers, Triggers & Allies)4 SUBORDER     Balistidae (Triggerfish) FAMILY         Balistes GENUS              Grey triggerfish Balistes capriscus     Tetraodontidae (Puffers) FAMILY         Lagocephalus GENUS              Oceanic pufferfish Lagocephalus lagocephalus         Sphoeroides GENUS             Blunthead puffer Sphoeroides pachygaster     Molidae (Molas) FAMILY         Mola GENUS              Ocean sunfish Mola mola         Ranzania GENUS             Slender sunfish Ranzania laevis Lophiodei (Anglerfish)4 SUBORDER     Lophiidae (Goosefish) FAMILY         Lophius GENUS              European angler Lophius piscatorius             Blackbellied angler Lophius budegassa     Ceratiidae (Warty Seadevils) FAMILY         Ceratias GENUS              Krøyer's deep sea angler fish Ceratias holboelli     Himantolophidae (Footballfishes) FAMILY         Himantolophus GENUS              Atlantic footballfish Himantolophus groenlandicus

Chondrichthyes (Cartilaginous Fish) CLASS

Elasmobranchii (Sharks & Rays) SUBCLASS

 

RAJIFORMES (Skates) ORDER

Rajidae (Typical Skates) FAMILY     Raja GENUS          Blonde ray Raja brachyura         Small eyed ray Raja microcellata         Spotted ray Raja montagui         Thornback ray Raja clavata         Undulate ray Raja undulata     Rajella GENUS         Round ray Rajella fyllae         Sailray Rajella lintea     Dipturus GENUS          Blue skate Dipturus batis7         Flapper skate Dipturus intermedius7         Norwegian skate Dipturus nidarosiensis         Longnosed skate Dipturus oxyrinchus     Leucoraja GENUS          Cuckoo ray Leucoraja naevus         Shagreen ray Leucoraja fullonica         Sandy ray Leucoraja circularis     Amblyraja GENUS          Starry skate Amblyraja radiata         Arctic skate Amblyraja hyperborea     Rostroraja GENUS         Bottlenose skate Rostroraja alba Arhynchobatidae (Softnose Skates) FAMILY     Raja GENUS          Spinytail skate Bathyraja spinicauda

MYLIOBATIFORMES (Stingrays & Allies) ORDER

Dasyatidae (Whiptail Stingrays) FAMILY     Dasyatis GENUS          Common stingray Dasyatis pastinaca     Pteroplatytrygon GENUS         Pelagic stingray Pteroplatytrygon violacea Myliobatidae (Eagle Rays) FAMILY     Myliobatis GENUS         Common eagle ray Myliobatis aquila Mobulidae (Mantas & Devilfish) FAMILY     Mobula GENUS         Giant devil ray Mobula mobular

TORPEDINIFORMES (Electric Rays) ORDER

Torpedinidae (Torpedo Rays) FAMILY     Tetronarce GENUS         Atlantic torpedo ray Tetronarce nobiliana     Torpedo GENUS         Marbled torpedo ray Torpedo marmorata

CARCHARHINIFORMES (Groundsharks) ORDER

Pentanchidae (Deepwater Catsharks) FAMILY     Galeus GENUS          Blackmouth catshark Galeus melastomus         Mouse catshark Galeus murinus     Apristurus GENUS         Smalleye catshark Apristurus microps         Iceland catshark Apristurus laurussonii         White ghost catshark Apristurus aphyodes         Ghost catshark Apristurus manis Scyliorhinidae (Catsharks) FAMILY     Scyliorhinus GENUS          Bull huss Scyliorhinus stellaris ✅         Lesser-spotted catshark Scyliorhinus canicula ✅ Pseudotriakidae (False Catsharks) FAMILY     Scyliorhinus GENUS          False catshark Pseudotriakis microdon Carcharhinidae (Requiem Sharks) FAMILY     Prionace GENUS          Blue shark Prionace glauca ✅     Carcharhinus GENUS         Oceanic whitetip shark Carcharhinus longimanus Triakidae (Houndsharks) FAMILY     Mustelus GENUS          Common smooth-hound Mustelus mustelus8         Starry smooth-hound Mustelus asterias     Galeorhinus GENUS          Tope Galeorhinus galeus ✅ Sphyrnidae (Hammerheads) FAMILY     Sphyrna GENUS         Smooth hammerhead Sphyrna zygaena         Scalloped hammerhead Shark Sphyrna lewini

SQUALIFORMES (Dogsharks) ORDER

Squalidae (Dog Sharks) FAMILY     Squalus GENUS          Spurdog Squalus acanthias Somniosidae (Sleeper Sharks) FAMILY     Somniosus GENUS          Greenland shark Somniosus microcephalus         Little sleeper shark Somniosus rostratus     Centroselachus GENUS          Longnose velvet dogfish Centroselachus crepidater         Portuguese dogfish Centroscymnus coelolepis     Scymnodon GENUS          Knifetooth dogfish Scymnodon ringens         Velvet dogfish Zameus squamulosus Centrophoridae (Gulper Sharks) FAMILY     Centrophorus GENUS          Leafscale gulper shark Centrophorus squamosus     Deania GENUS          Birdbeak dogfish Deania calcea         Rough longnose dogfish Deania hystricosa Dalatiidae (Kitefin Sharks) FAMILY     Dalatias GENUS          Kitefin shark Dalatias licha Oxynotidae (Rough Sharks) FAMILY     Oxynotus GENUS          Angular roughshark Oxynotus centrina         Sailfin roughshark Oxynotus paradoxus Etmopteridae (Lantern Sharks) FAMILY     Centroscyllium GENUS          Black dogfish Centroscyllium fabricii     Etmopterus GENUS          Great lanternshark Etmopterus princeps         Velvet belly lanternshark Etmopterus spinax

LAMNIFORMES (Mackerel Sharks) ORDER

Lamnidae (White Sharks) FAMILY     Lamna GENUS          Porbeagle shark Lamna nasus     Isurus GENUS          Shortfin mako shark Isurus oxyrinchus     Carcharodon GENUS          Great white Shark Carcharodon carcharias9 Alopiidae (Thresher Sharks) FAMILY     Alopias GENUS          Thresher shark Alopias vulpinus         Bigeye thresher Alopias superciliosus Cetorhinidae (Basking Sharks) FAMILY     Cetorhinus GENUS          Basking shark Cetorhinus maximus Odontaspididae (Sand Sharks) FAMILY     Odontaspis GENUS          Smalltooth sandtiger Odontaspis ferox

HEXANCHIFORMES (Cow & Frilled Sharks) ORDER

Hexanchidae (Cow Sharks) FAMILY     Hexanchus GENUS          Bluntnose sixgill shark Hexanchus griseus     Heptranchias GENUS          Sharpnose sevengill shark Heptranchias perlo Chlamydoselachidae (Frilled Sharks) FAMILY     Chlamydoselachus GENUS          Frilled shark Chlamydoselachus anguineus

ECHINORHINIFORMES (Bramble Sharks) ORDER

Echinorhinidae (Bramble Sharks) FAMILY     Echinorhinus GENUS          Bramble shark Echinorhinus brucus

SQUATINIFORMES (Angel Sharks) ORDER

Squatinidae (Angel Sharks) FAMILY     Squatina GENUS          Angelshark Squatina squatina

CHIMAERIFORMES (Ghost Sharks) ORDER

Chimaeridae (Shortnose Chimaeras) FAMILY     Chimaera GENUS          Rabbit fish Chimaera monstrosa         Opal chimaera Chimaera opalescens Rhinochimaeridae (Longnose Chimaeras) FAMILY     Harriotta GENUS          Narrownose chimaera Harriotta raleighana     Rhinochimaera GENUS         Broadnose chimaera Rhinochimaera atlantica

Agnatha (Jawless Fish) INFRAPHYLUM

Cyclostomi (Lampreys & Hagfishes) SUPERCLASS

PETROMYZONTIFORMES ORDER

Petromyzontidae (Northern Lampreys) FAMILY     Lampetra GENUS         Brook lamprey Lampetra planeri         River lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis     Petromyzon GENUS         Sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus

MYXINIFORMES ORDER

Myxinidae (Hagfishes) FAMILY     Myxine GENUS         Atlantic hagfish Myxine glutinosa

 

__________

1 Sonaghan & Gillaroo, valid species of trout, similar to Brown Trout. 
Georgia Wild Trout. (2016). Trout Species of Ireland | Georgia Wild Trout. [online] Available at: https://www.georgiawildtrout.com/trout-species-of-ireland.
"Genetic investigation of ferox trout carried out extensively in Ireland (predominately Lough Melvin) (Ferguson & Mason, 1981; Hamilton et al., 1989; Ferguson, 1989; Ferguson & Taggart, 1991; Hynes et al., 1996) and Scotland (Duguid et al., 2006) found ferox trout represent an ancestral lineage of S. trutta, and ferox trout inhabiting Loch Melvin, Awe and Laggan are more closely related than S. trutta in the same lake. These important discoveries prompted the reclassification of ferox trout as S. ferox by the IUCN, alongside the benthic gillaroo S. stomachicus and the pelagic sonaghen S. nigripinnis (Freyhof & Kottelat, 2008). Importantly as gillaroo and songahen were classified on the IUCN red list as ‘Vulnerable’, ferox trout were categorised as ‘Data deficient’ a reflection on the lack of substantial published literature."
Hughes, Martin Robert (2017) What makes a ferox? The drivers and consequences of alternative life history strategies in S. trutta. PhD thesis. University of Glasgow. Available at: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/8280/1/2017HughesPhD.pdf

2 The lesser known Salvelinus (Char) species which inhabit the British Isles. Many of which have been known to science for over a century, and more recently (1997) were evidenced to reside here. Like with the Cottus revision, authorities in Britain have been slow to recognise this, and regrettably lump them together as Arctic Char. Salvelinus alpinus is no longer valid as of 2023, so is omitted from this list. IUCN has also reviewed these species in 2023, and as of 2025, they are valid species.
Kottelat, M., 1997. European freshwater fishes. An heuristic checklist of the freshwater fishes of Europe (exclusive of former USSR), with an introduction for non-systematists and comments on nomenclature and conservation. Biologia, Bratislava.
Kottelat, M. and J. Freyhof, 2007. Handbook of European freshwater fishes. Publications Kottelat, Cornol and Freyhof, Berlin.

3 Cornish Sucker and Shore Clingfish are two distinct species, citing morphological evidence in 2002, and molecular evidence in 2017; with Shore Clingfish likely to be absent in Britain.
HENRIQUES, M., LOURENCO, R., ALMADA, F., CALADO, G., GONCALVES, D., GUILLEMAUD, T., CANCELA, M.L. and ALMADA, V.C. (2002). A revision of the status of Lepadogaster lepadogaster (Teleostei: Gobiesocidae): sympatric subspecies or a long misunderstood blend of species? Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 76(3), pp.327–338. doi:https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1095-8312.2002.00067.x.
Wagner, M., Bračun, S., Kovačić, M., Iglésias, S., Sellos, D., Stamatis Zogaris and Koblmüller, S. (2017). Lepadogaster purpurea (Actinopterygii: Gobiesociformes: Gobiesocidae) from the eastern Mediterranean Sea: Significantly extended distribution range. Acta Ichthyologica Et Piscatoria, 47(4), pp.417–421. doi:https://doi.org/10.3750/aiep/02244.

4 Phylogenetic changes you might not be familiar with: Sand Lances belong in the same Order (Labriformes) as the Wrasses; Grey Mullets are resolved in the same Order (Blenniformes) as True Blennies and Clingfish; Yarrell’s Blenny, Viviparous Blenny, Snakblennies & Butterfish are in the same Order (Perciformes) as Perch, Gurnard, and Sculpins, with no relation to the suborder of true blenny families (Blennioidei) or any of the Blenniformes; the suborders Tetraodontoidei (Puffers/Triggers/Molas) and Lophiodei (Anglerfish) have turned out to be sister lineages that belong within the Order Acanthuriformes, the Bream and allies.
Near, T.J. and Thacker, C.E. (2024). Phylogenetic Classification of Living and Fossil Ray-Finned Fishes (Actinopterygii). Bullletin of the Peabody Museum of Natural History/Bulletin - Peabody Museum of Natural History, 65(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.3374/014.065.0101.

5 “Genetic examination of bullheads from England confirmed the presence of Cottus perifretum, not Cottus gobio as traditionally listed in all UK literature and legislation. Native English bullhead is currently protected under Annex II of the European Commission Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, based on the historic assumption that the species present is C. gobio.”
Pickett, J. and Everard, M. (2025). The Bullhead in Britain: a small fish with an identity problem. British Wildlife 36.4, pp.266–271.
McLeish, J. Non-native Bullhead in Scotland: Molecular and Morphological Identification and Parasite Links with Native Fauna. (Thesis). Edinburgh Napier University. Retrieved from http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/1253308

6 The Gobiformes in the British Isles are split into two families, the Typical Gobies (Gobiiae), and more recently, the Estuarine Gobies & Allies (Oxudericidae), which are actually closer in relation to Mudskippers than they are the Typical Gobies.
Agorreta, A., San Mauro, D., Schliewen, U., Van Tassell, J.L., Kovačić, M., Zardoya, R. and Rüber, L. (2013). Molecular phylogenetics of Gobioidei and phylogenetic placement of European gobies. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 69(3), pp.619–633. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2013.07.017.
Thacker, C.E. (2015). Biogeography of goby lineages (Gobiiformes: Gobioidei): origin, invasions and extinction throughout the Cenozoic. 42(9), pp.1615–1625. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.12545.
‌Gut, C., Vukić, J., Šanda, R., Moritz, T. and Reichenbacher, B. (2020). Identification of past and present gobies: distinguishing Gobius and Pomatoschistus (Teleostei: Gobioidei) species using characters of otoliths, meristics and body morphometry. Contributions to Zoology, 89(3), pp.282–323. doi:https://doi.org/10.1163/18759866-bja10002.

7 Once considered as ‘Common skate’ (Dipturus batis), this has now been split into two species, Blue Skate (D. batis) and Flapper Skate (D. intermedius).
Last, P., Weigmann, S. and Yang, L. (2016). Changes to the nomenclature of the skates (Chondrichthyes: Rajiformes).
Bache-Jeffreys, M., de Moraes, B.L.C., Ball, R.E., Menezes, G., Pálsson, J., Pampoulie, C., Stevens, J.R. and Griffiths, A.M. (2021). Resolving the spatial distributions of Dipturus intermedius and Dipturus batis—the two taxa formerly known as the ‘common skate’. Environmental Biology of Fishes, 104(8), pp.923–936. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-021-01122-7.

8 Broad genetic testing revealed Smooth-hound, even the ones which looked identical to Mustelus mustelus (Common SH) in British waters, were in fact M. asteris (Starry SH).
Farrell, E.D., Clarke, M.W. and Mariani, S. (2009). A simple genetic identification method for Northeast Atlantic smoothhound sharks (Mustelus spp.). ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66(3), pp.561–565. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsn218.
Small, J. (2021). Starry Smooth-hound (Mustelus asterias). Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority.

‌9 "The closest confirmed report was of a female [Great] White Shark, captured in 1977 in the northern Bay of Biscay – 168 miles off Land’s End, Cornwall." Conditions in Britain for this species are becoming increasingly favourable.
‌The Shark Trust. (n.d.). British Sharks. [online] Available at: https://www.sharktrust.org/pages/faqs/category/british-sharks.

10 The domestication of koi has a long and complex history which needs further investigation, but presently, certain regions of the world appear to have a different ancestral species for their koi. Much of the world’s koi, specifically western Europe, are attributed to the Amur carp (Cyprinus rubrofuscus), based on meristics and some genetic evidence.
Craig, J.F. (2015). Freshwater Fisheries Ecology. Wiley-Blackwell. p. 297. ISBN 978-1-118-39442-7.

11 Nigorobuna is currently not a recognised species or subspecies. Different authorities cited them as either Carassius auratus grandoculis, Carassius buergeri grandoculis, or Carassius grandoculis, but all have since been synonymised with Carassius auratus (Brown Goldfish).
Eschmeyer’s Catalog of Fishes. (n.d.). Species that contain: Carassius. [online] Available at: https://researcharchive.calacademy.org/research/ichthyology/catalog/fishcatmain.asp.

12 Dactylopteridae, a family which contains the Flying Gurnards, according to Near & Thacker, 2024, belong to a different order (the Syngnathiformes) to the other gurnard family (Triglidae) which are in the Perciformes. 
Near, T.J. and Thacker, C.E. (2024). Phylogenetic Classification of Living and Fossil Ray-Finned Fishes (Actinopterygii). Bullletin of the Peabody Museum of Natural History/Bulletin - Peabody Museum of Natural History, 65(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.3374/014.065.0101.