The vast diversity of fish can be quite overwhelming. As we go deeper and deeper into the Sea, we explore more and more new species of these aquatic friends. The list goes on and on, but fret not as we are ready to plunge into the exciting realm of Fish starting with Y.
Before we start, let me ask: Do you know how many fish start with Y ? I’ll answer that shortly, but till then let’s see what we’ll cover in this article.
Today we will explore the Top 10 fish starting with Y and all that you need to know about them. We will also discuss their unique characteristics and personalities, along with their intriguing looks and whatnot. So come along and get ready to be amazed by the intriguing world of fish starting with Y.
To answer the question, Hundreds of fish start with the letter Y. Most of them are not very well known, but let’s stick to the popular ones for the time being. Following are the names of some fish beginning with Y
- Yasin Triplophysa-Loach
- Yellow-And-Black Triplefin
- Yangtse grenadier anchovy
- Yarra Pygmy Perch
- Yaldwyn’s triplefin
- Yellow-Belly Damsel
- Yellow TangCopy
- YellowtailCopy
- Yellow JackCopy
- Yellowfin TunaCopy
- Yakutian char
- Yellow PerchCopy
- Yangmabi butterbarbel
- Yellow BassCopy
- Yellow MorayCopy
- Yellow-Speckled Chromis
- Yellow-Spotted Snake-Eel
- Yellow Weaver
Now that you have reviewed the most common fish names starting with Y let’s dive a little deeper and discuss the top 10 most extravagant fish that start with Y.
Yellow Regal Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara baenschi)
Aulonocara baenschi are vibrant gems of Lake Malawi, also known as yellow peacock, Sunshine peacock, and Benga peacock. These sea creatures that start with y are easy to care for and add a splash of color to your tank.
Male Regal peacocks are showstoppers with a dazzling yellow body and electric blue vertical stripes, while females have a somewhat silvery color with hints of yellow and blue. Overall, this fish might have the most striking appearance in the list of fish starting with Y.
Regal peacocks are friendly and peaceful, unlike other peacock cichlids. They can have a variety of tank mates, but we suggest avoiding a companion of similar color, as the males of this species might get aggressive and attack them. Make sure to have 4 to 6 females in a tank for 1 male.
Reaching a maximum size of about 6 inches, these Fish prefer a spacious tank of at least 55 gallons, decorated with rocks and a sandy bottom, as they like to sift in search of food. A slightly high pH (7.8-8.6) of alkaline water is ideal for mimicking their natural habitat. Make sure to add some vegetables to their diet along with frozen or live high-nutrition fish foods.
Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares)
Thunnus albacares is the speedster of tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. Built like a predator with lightning speed, this water tropical water animal starting with y letter streaks through the waters like ocean marvels.
It is widely known as “Ahi” in Hawaiian, meaning Tuna. Well-known for its delicious taste and widespread popularity, this Fish is one of seafood lovers’ favorite dishes.
These Fish are remarkably visible, with silvery bodies and bright yellow fins lining their backs and bellies. They also have a bluish hue on top and streamlined bodies for quick and agile movement.
The most astonishing fact is that this fish starting with Y can weigh about 400 pounds or more, making them huge sea dwellers. Yellowfins are highly migratory, meaning that they travel from place to place in search of food and also form huge schools with other species of tuna. Their diet mainly consists of Fish, squid, and crustaceans.
This Fish is in high demand commercially. As many consumers prefer it as seafood due to its health benefits and delicious taste, its population needs to be regulated with responsible fishing activities.
Yellow-Tailed Congo Tetra (Alestopetersius caudalis)
Alestopetersius caudalis is a peaceful freshwater fish that lives in the Congo River. Recently, its population has been increasing rapidly, and it is also found in other domains of the world. It is also known as the Yellowfin tetra or Blue Congo tetra.
Yellowfin tetra has a bedazzling display of colors, especially in males. Their bodies shine in olive sheen, and their backs have a bluish hue. If that’s not enough, they also have a striking yellow tail with a thin black stripe on top and a hint of white. However, females have less colorful bodies with hints of yellow and blue.
Yellow Fish and Tetras are peaceful Fish that like to live in communities. We suggest having a group of 8 to 10 of them so they can establish a group. They are calm yet a little wary of newcomers, so make sure to add new fellows to the tank after careful selection.
Reaching a maximum size of 2.5 inches, these freshwater dwellers can reside comfortably in a moderately sized tank of about 20 gallons. Subdued lighting is ideal, with gravel, rocks, and sand as a base to mimic the riverbed. Certain plants can be added to the tank for more aesthetics. They also prefer slightly acidic water of a lower pH (5.0–7.5). Remember that these freshwater fishes are omnivores, meaning they can enjoy flakes, pallets, and treats of brine, shrimp, and bloodworms occasionally.
Yellow-Eye Mullet (Aldrichetta forsteri)
Aldrichetta forsteri is usually seen in the coastal waters of southern Australia and New Zealand. These highly adaptable swimmers thrive in estuaries and bays. This Fish doesn’t specifically stay in saltwater or freshwater but instead migrates between them according to environmental conditions. Due to its migratory activities, this sea animal that starts with y is widely known as Coorong Mullet, Estuary Mullet, and Freshwater Mullet.
This coastal chameleon has large, bright yellow eyes that instantly distinguish them from other mullets. Their bodies have olive or bluish-brown backs that transition into silver sides of the body with a pale underside. In our list of fish starting with Y, this fish has the most excellent adaptability.
This Fish, reaching a maximum size of 15 to 20 inches, is smaller than other mullet fish. However, it does have energetic swimming styles and forms large schools.
These mullets are usually not kept as pets, but they still add an elegant touch to the coasts and offer a friendly nature.
They are also one of the most “easy to catch” and delicious seafood, and so are their eggs, sometimes even used as bait to catch bigger Fish. This makes them one of the most popular commercial Fish on the planet. This Fish is an absolute snack for humans and marine predators such as dolphins.
Every year, each female yellow-eyed mullet lays about 70,000 eggs humans harvest for delicious and unique seafood recipes. Although this seems inhumane, these mullets might overpopulate uncontrollably if not done regularly.
Yellow Bass (Morone mississippiensis)
Morone mississippiensis are found in freshwater ecosystems from the Mississippi River to Louisiana, North America. These Fish are often overshadowed by their larger cousins, the white and striped bass. Yellow Bass is a favorite for many seafood lovers because of its taste and firm white flesh.
Yellow Bass have laterally compressed bodies with golden-olive to silvery-yellow bodies. It also does not have a toothpaste on its tongue. This Fish wears a set of 5 to 7 horizontal stripes on their body which have an offset just above the anal fin. This characteristic makes the yellow bass easily distinguishable from their look-a-likes.
Reaching an average size of 6 to 8 inches and even reaching a maximum length of 16 inches, these Fish look smaller than their relatives but are equally aggressive. Although ballsy, they still like to live in large schools and communities and want to live in clear lakes, rivers, and ponds, making them very easy to catch in a single go!
Due to their size, yellow bass are not considered ideal sports fish, but they are still a delight to catch for new beginners and anglers due to their feisty nature and willingness to bite.
Yarra Pygmy Perch (Nannoperca obscura)
Nannoperca obscura is a miniature aquatic marvel found in South-eastern Australia. It has a limited range and is not very popular. Still, this vulnerable Fish has astonishing attributes.
This small Fish prefers slow-moving streams and lakes with abundant vegetation, allowing a consistent food supply. It has a double-sided gradient of olive-green on top and yellowish color below the body. This makes the Yarra Pygmy enchant with a subtle charm but still blend in, which makes it less prone to predators.
The Yarra pygmy feeds on multiple species of insects and tiny crustaceans, keeping the waterways healthy. However, losing these Fish from these freshwater streams may cause drastic changes in the ecosystem. Unfortunately, due to habitat loss and urbanization, this Fish is rapidly moving to the brink of extinction.
Yellow-Finned Xenotilapia (Xenotilapia flavipinnis)
Xenotilapia flavipinnis is a shoaling fish that originated from Lake Tanganyika. It thrives in open-water ecosystems and sandy substrates, making it ideal for freshwater aquariums.
This sandy gem boasts simplicity with various beige to silver bodies with a touch of shimmer. This Fish has a vibrant yellow hue, specifically on the dorsal and the anal fin. Compared to other fish starting with Y, this fish is rather simpler, however, they add equal value to your home aquariums.
Reaching a maximum length of about 3.6 inches, these fish are ideal for mid-sized aquariums of about 55 gallons with plenty of sandy substrate for sifting. We suggest having at least 6 to 8 Fish in one tank as they are community fish and like to live in schools.
Hard Alkaline water with a high pH (7.8-8.6) and good water flow is ideal for mimicking the ideal habitat of our yellow-finned friend. Although they aren’t choosey eaters, shrimp pellets, bloodworms, and invertebrates sand dwellers are some favorite feeds.
Yellowtail Barracuda (Sphyraena flavicauda)
Sphyraena flavicauda is a sleek predator in the Indo-West Pacific Oceans, known for its speed and sharp teeth. This species inhabits coastal waters, lagoons, and reef slopes from the Red Sea to Samoa, and it has recently appeared in the Mediterranean Sea.
It reaches a maximum length of around 20 inches (50 cm) and sports yellowish or greenish-brown coloring with a bright yellow tail fin. Smaller specimens between 14 and 16 inches are not uncommon.
Yellowtail Barracudas are social hunters, forming schools during the day and hunting at night for smaller Fish and invertebrates. Despite their impressive teeth, they pose minimal danger to humans due to their smaller size. However, when diving in areas with these Fish, they may mistake shiny objects for prey.
Notably, Yellowtail Barracudas are Lessepsian migrants, having entered the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal from the Red Sea.
YoYo Loach (Botia Elmore)
Botia almorhae brings a touch of vivacity and appeal to freshwater aquariums. This little Fish, also called the Pakistan Loach or Zebra Loach, gives aquatic settings a bit of exotica.
Yo-yo loaches are peaceful members of society despite their agile swimming style. Their stripes alternate between black and white, giving them the appearance of a small zebra, with hints of orange or red near their tails.
Measuring no more than 2 inches in length, these little monsters are perfect for smaller aquariums with lots of hiding places, such as driftwood and rocks. They get their nickname from their playful yo-yo-ing around the tank during twilight hours when they are most active.
Yo-Yo Loaches are industrious scavengers that contribute to a healthy aquatic ecology by sifting through the substrate in search of leftover food, algae, and detritus. Given their penchant for bottom feeding and continual activity, supplement their diet with specialist loach pellets or sinking algae wafers.
Yo-Yo Loaches are calm Fish that do best in groups of five to six. They enjoy interacting with others and acting playful, which adds an enthralling dimension to any aquarium environment.
Yo-Yo Loaches are easy to care for and adapt to various tank conditions. They do best in slightly colder water and have a pH range of slightly acidic to neutral, making them a good choice for new hobbyists.
Yellowtail Snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus)
Ocyurus chrysurus adds a vivid pop of color to coral reefs and tastes like a taste of the tropics. It is a common fish found in the western Atlantic Ocean, stretching from North Carolina to southeast Brazil. One of the sea animals that begins with the letter y prefers clear waters surrounding coral reefs and firm bottoms at depths between 60 and 300 feet.
Although most captured specimens are smaller, this species can reach lengths of up to 30 inches and weigh approximately 10 pounds. Its bluish-olive body is speckled with yellow dots above a prominent lateral stripe that runs from the snout to the bright yellow, forked tail. Unlike other snappers, it is notable for having a smaller head and mouth and not having a dark patch beneath the dorsal fin.
Yellowtail Snappers are renowned for their firm, white flesh, which is considered a delicacy and extensively used in Caribbean and American cuisine. They are nocturnal predators that predominantly feed on large crustaceans like shrimp, crabs, and benthic Fish. By controlling their food population, they help preserve the equilibrium of reef ecosystems.
Because of their complicated reproductive system, yellowtail snappers are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they can change from being female at birth to male later in life.
More Fish That Start With Y
- Yellowtail Barracuda (Sphyraena flavicauda)
- Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens)
- Yellow-Edged Moray (Gymnothorax flavimarginatus)
- Yellow Weaver (Parapercis gilliesii)
- Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares)
- Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens)
- Yellowback Fusilier (Caesio xanthomata)
- Yellow-Eye Mullet (Aldrichetta forsteri)
- Yellowfin Pike (Dinolestes lewini)
- Yellowtail Snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus)
- Yellowjacket (Carangoides Chrysophrys)
- Yellowhead Jawfish (Opistognathus aurifrons)
- Yellowfin Surgeonfish (Acanthurus xanthophores)
- Yellowmargin Triggerfish (Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus)
- Yellowtail Clownfish (Amphiprion clarkii)
- Yellowtail Horse Mackerel (Trachurus novaezelandiae)
- Yellow Croaker (Umbrina roncador)
- Yellowbanded Perch (Acanthistius cinctus)
- Yellow Moray (Gymnothorax prasinus)
FAQ’s
Q1) Fish that start with y to eat?
- Yellowtail Snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus): A popular food fish with delicious white flesh.
- Yellow Croaker (Umbrina roncador): A commercially fished species in some regions.
Q2) Freshwater fish that start with y?
Freshwater fish that start with Y include the Yellow Perch, Yellow Bullhead Catfish, Yellowfin Tuna, and the Yellowtail Cichlid.
Q3) Saltwater fish that start with y?
- Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares) is a prized catch for commercial and recreational fishing, known for its delicious sushi-grade meat.
- Yellowtail Snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus): This saltwater fish is also a popular food source.
- Yellowtail Amberjack (Seriola lalandi): Another commercially fished species in some areas
Q3) What animal starts with y?
Many animals start with Y letter although one of the largest categories of such animals belongs to the sea. As discussed above, fishes are one of the earth’s major species of animals and a lot of them start with the letter y. Other animals include Yak, Yellowhammer, and Yellowthroat.
Conclusion
In essence, Today we discovered the Top 10 fish starting with Y along with the unique qualities that make them one-of-a-kind! These characteristics include the fish’s sizes, shapes, and intriguing personalities. Yet these fish are just some representatives of their species. In reality, we have merely scratched the surface of the underwater world of these aquatic marvels.
There’s so much to learn and find out! So stay tuned and read our articles to accompany us on this extraordinary journey of exploring the underwater!
All in all, whether it’s the swift Yellowfin Tuna or the brilliant Yellow Regal Peacock Cichlid, It won’t be wrong to say that Mother Nature continues to amaze us. Tell us what you think about these fishes Share your thoughts in the comments below!