Diversifying your underwater oasis can be an exciting journey, but where to start? Fortunately, if you’re looking for a particular letter of the alphabet to kick off your adventure, fish parents can’t go wrong with the letter B. With over 30,000 known species and more to be discovered, there are over 75 popular fish that start with B that you can choose from.
- Bass (Micropterus salmoides)
- Barracuda (Sphyraena)
- Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix)
- Bullhead (Ameiurus melas)
- Butterflyfish (Chaetodontidae)
- Blue shark (Prionace glauca)
- Buri (Seriola quinqueradiata)
- Bichir (Polypteridae)
- Betta (Betta splendens)
- Blobfish (Psychrolutes marcidus)
Popular Fish That Start With B
1. Butterfly fish (Chaetodontidae)
If you’re looking for a fish that packs a colorful punch, perhaps you should consider a butterflyfish for your aquarium. These vibrant sea creatures are highly sought for their bold and bright patterns. But not only do they offer a splash of color, but they’re also an excellent choice for beginner aquarium owners due to their easy-going nature and peaceful disposition.
These fascinating creatures come in two distinct types: those that live in pairs and those that live in schools. The butterflyfish that live in pairs are inseparable, spending their entire lives together and forming a deep bond that could rival even the strongest of human relationships. In fact, these pairs are so strongly connected that if one member of the duo were to pass away, the other might soon follow out of sheer grief. On the other hand, butterflyfish that live in schools are more social but still require a specific number of group members to thrive.
But have you ever wondered what they eat? As carnivores, these fish indulge in a diet rich in small invertebrates, such as zooplankton, crustaceans, and worms. In the wild, they pick at coral polyps to get most of their nourishment. However, in captivity, they can be fed a diet made up of freeze-dried brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped seafood.
2. Bass (Micropterus salmoides)
Bass are a fascinating species of fish that belong to the Perciformes order. With over 27,000 different types of fish in this group, it’s no surprise that bass are part of such an extensive and diverse group. From tuna to trout to tilapia, the Perciformes order contains some of the most beloved fish species in the world. Bass specifically come in several different shapes and sizes. In fact, the biggest bass on record weighed an astonishing 22 pounds!
The underwater world is a fierce place, and the bass is one of its most formidable predators. With a carnivorous appetite, they’re known for their ability to consume vast amounts of prey, sometimes even up to twice their own body weight in a single day! These fish lie in wait in the murky depths, patiently biding their time until they see an opportunity to pounce on unsuspecting victims.
For many anglers and fishermen, bass are a prized catch and a favorite sport fish. These fish are known for their strong fighting ability and can put up quite a fight when hooked. But bass aren’t just popular for their sporting value – they are also a delicious food fish that is often consumed whole. Unlike some other fish, bass has a mild flavor and firm flesh that is easy to cook.
3. Betta (Betta splendens)
Bettas are captivating creatures that require specific care to thrive. As tropical fish, they appreciate warm water and should have a tank temperature between 76 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. To ensure the optimal environment for your Betta, consider investing in a thermometer to keep track of the water temperature. Not only do they love warm water, but they can also be highly aggressive towards other Bettas. This is why it’s best to keep them as solitary occupants in their tanks.
However, if you decide to house more than one Betta fish in the same tank, it’s important to ensure they each have enough space to live comfortably. A 10-gallon tank is the minimum recommendation for two Betta fish.
4. Blobfish (Psychrolutes marcidus)
The blobfish is a creature that has recently gained notoriety for its unusual appearance. These deep-sea fish are typically found at depths of 2,000 to 3,000 feet off the coasts of Australia and Tasmania.
This unusual creature has evolved a unique adaptation to its environment, relying on its gelatinous body to help it sink to the ocean floor. Once there, the blobfish feeds on a variety of small crustaceans and mollusks, using its specialized mouth to suck in prey.
Deep in the ocean where the water pressure can reach intense levels, the blobfish thrives due to its unique adaptation. This fascinating fish lacks a swim bladder, the organ that allows most fish to regulate their buoyancy. Yet, the blobfish’s density exceeds that of the surrounding water, enabling it to sink to depths beyond the reach of other creatures.
5. Barracuda (Sphyraena)
The Barracuda is a fearsome predator that prowls the warm waters of tropical and subtropical seas. With its sleek, torpedo-shaped body and razor-sharp teeth, this fish is a formidable force in the ocean. Belonging to the Sphyraenidae family, the Barracuda shares its lineage with other impressive sea creatures, including the swordfish and marlin.
This fish is instantly recognizable for its long, torpedo-shaped body and razor-sharp teeth. But barracudas aren’t just intimidating to look at – they’re fierce competitors in the water as well. With the ability to reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, they are some of the fastest swimmers in the ocean.
As apex predators, they reign supreme at the top of the food chain. Their diet is diverse and includes a range of smaller fish, squid, and crustaceans, making them opportunistic feeders who can take advantage of any meal that comes their way.
6. Bullhead (Ameiurus melas)
Bullhead fish are fascinating creatures that can be found swimming in North American freshwater bodies. These freshwater catfish are distinguishable by their signature fleshy bumps located on their head. These bumps, also known as barbels, serve as sensory organs to help the fish locate prey in muddy water.
These resilient creatures are bottom-feeders, meaning they prefer to live in the calm, shallow waters of ponds and lakes. With their hardy nature, they are an easy species to care for and bring a unique quality to any aquarium.
Bullhead fish are mainly of three types: black, brown, and yellow. Each species possesses distinct characteristics that distinguish them from the others. The largest of the bunch is the black bullhead, with a full-grown size of up to 24 inches. In contrast, the brown bullhead averages around 12-18 inches, resulting in a more compact size. The smallest of the bunch is the yellow bullhead, typically growing to about 6-12 inches long.
7. Blue Shark (Prionace glauca)
The blue shark may not be as feared as its larger shark counterparts, but it is still an impressive creature. Growing to between 6 and 12 feet in length, these sharks get their name from their distinct blue-gray coloration. This shade of blue allows them to blend effortlessly into the open ocean waters they call home. Despite its size, the blue shark is capable of diving to depths of over 3,000 feet, making it a formidable predator.
The bold and curious nature of blue sharks has both fascinated and concerned people for years. While encounters with these majestic creatures can be thrilling, they can also be dangerous if proper precautions aren’t taken. However, it’s important to understand that blue sharks almost never attack humans unless they feel threatened.
so there’s no need to be alarmed if you happen to find yourself in their presence. Instead, the best course of action is to remain calm and still, avoiding any sudden movements that might be perceived as a threat.
8. Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix)
The ocean is home to some of the most fascinating and fearsome creatures, and the Bluefish is no exception. This predator is fast, ferocious, and relentless in its pursuit of prey. With the ability to reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour, the Bluefish is a powerful force to be reckoned with. They are known to be tenacious hunters, not giving up until they catch what they are after, which has earned them the nickname “The Piranha of the Sea.”
9. Buri (Seriola quinqueradiata)
Japan is home to a vibrant seafood culture, which includes the beloved buri fish. This mackerel relative may be small but it packs a flavorful punch when it comes to cuisine. Known for its delectable taste, the buri fish is a common ingredient in many Japanese dishes, including sushi and sashimi.
With its gleaming silver scales and striking dark stripes, the buri fish certainly catches the eye. But don’t be fooled by its beauty – this fish means business. With razor-sharp teeth and black-edged fins, the buri is a true predator. And it’s not just its appearance that’s impressive – this fish can grow to be quite hefty, with some specimens weighing in at a whopping 15 pounds.
A delectable food staple in Japan, the Buri fish is renowned for its entrancing flavor. With a delightful combination of firm and oily flesh, the fish offers a sweet taste that truly tantalizes the taste buds. The Buri fish is prepared in a variety of ways, most commonly being grilled or smoked. It is also a popular ingredient in soups and stews, adding a unique flavor to the dish.
10. Bichir (Polypteridae)
From the bustling streets of Brazil to the cozy confines of your own freshwater aquarium, the Bichiri fish is a popular creature that serves two distinct purposes. For those with a taste for seafood, this fish is often on culinary display as a delicious fried or grilled option. With its mild flavor and similarity to tilapia, it’s no wonder that this fish is a beloved dish in many Brazilian kitchens. However, for pet enthusiasts, the Bichiri fish is a popular addition to any freshwater aquarium. Known for their peaceful nature and compatibility with other aquatic inhabitants.
Taking a swim in the calm waters of the Amazon River basin, you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Bichiri fish. This fish is a unique omnivore, feeding on a combination of insects, crustaceans, and plant matter. Its adaptability is reflected in its habitat preference- slow-moving waters, making it just as comfortable in rivers as in lakes or ponds. The female Bichiri fish lays up to 2000 eggs at a time in the water, which hatch in just two days. The fry is self-sufficient from their first moments of life, making this species of fish one that is truly remarkable.
Conclusion
From the beautiful and majestic Largemouth Bass to the brightly-colored Bluestriped Grunt, the 10 Fish That Start With B certainly shows there is a large array of sea creatures inhabiting our waters! Not only are these fish some of the most interesting creatures out there, but they also act as an important part of the world’s marine ecology system. Thanks to their value in helping keep our oceans healthy and full of life, these 10 Fish That Start With B are treasure troves of knowledge and beauty.
Reference
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fish_common_names
- https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/micropterus-salmoides
- https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/species/lmb/
A motivated philosophy graduate and student of wildlife conservation with a deep interest in human-wildlife relationships, including wildlife communication, environmental education, and conservation anthropology. Offers strong interpersonal, research, writing, and creativity skills.
