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Fish

Become a fish expert learning everything from what they feed on to their behaviour! Learn all about fish that surround our beautiful coastline in Cornwall
White waves
White waves

Your GUIDE TO fish IN CORNWALL ​

Cornwall is a region located in the southwest of England and is home to a diverse array of fish species. The waters surrounding Cornwall are part of the Atlantic Ocean and the English Channel, which provide habitat for a wide range of fish species. Some of the most common types of fish found in Cornwall include pollock, plaice, bass and mackerel. 

Sunfish in cornwall

9 interesting facts about fish:

1

Fish are the oldest living vertebrates on Earth

The first known fish dating back over 500 million years.

2

over 33,000 known species of fish

They are the most diverse group of vertebrates on the planet.

3

Fish are found in every part of the world

from the poles to the equator, and in a wide range of habitats including oceans, rivers, lakes, and even small ponds.

4

Some species of fish can change their gender

This is a process known as sequential hermaphroditism.

5

Social creatures

Many species of fish are highly social and live in groups called schools or shoals.

6

Adapting to their Environment

some species develop specialized physical features such as fins and gills to help them survive in their particular habitat.

7

Incredible sense of direction

Able to sense their environment in a variety of ways, including through the use of their eyes, ears, lateral line system, and other specialized organs.

8

Keystone species

Fish are an important part of the global ecosystem, serving as both predators and prey and playing a vital role in the balance of marine and freshwater ecosystems.

9

Regenerate cells

some species of fish can regenerate their entire heart within just a few weeks. Fish also have the ability to regenerate their fins, scales, and even parts of their brain and spinal cord.

Fish FAQs

Some of the most common types of fish found in Cornwall include pollock, plaice, bass and mackerel.

Fish can be found in both the Atlantic Ocean and the English Channel, which surround Cornwall.

The average size of fish found in Cornwall will vary depending, on the species and location, from the lesser sand eel at 20cm long, to bluefin tuna, which can grow up to 4 metres long!

No, not all fish have scales. Some species, such as sharks and rays, have a different type of protective covering called dermal denticles.

Some fish have the ability to see color, while others do not. Many species of fish have eyes that are adapted to detect different wavelengths of light, which can help them locate prey and navigate their environment.

Fish communicate with one another through a variety of means, including vocalizations, body language, and chemical signals.

The specific method of reproduction will depend on the specific species of fish. Some species lay eggs, while others give birth to live young.

The diet of fish will depend on the specific species and location. Some species are carnivorous and feed on other fish, while others are herbivorous and feed on plants.

Fish have a number of ways to adapt to their environment, including the development of specialized physical features and behaviors.

Some species of fish in Cornwall migrate to different parts of the ocean in search of food or to spawn. They may travel great distances and navigate using a combination of environmental cues and internal biological clocks.

Fish breathe through gills, which are specialized organs that extract oxygen from the water.

Fish have a number of ways to protect themselves from predators, including the use of camouflage, defensive behaviors, and physical adaptations such as spines and venom.

sunfish in cornwall
fish in cornwall underwater

Book a boat tour in Cornwall

Our popular 2 Hour Sea Life Safari tour would be the best option if you’re looking to see Cornish marine wildlife. Allowing more time and plenty of opportunities to search, you’ll be sure to see a lot more fascinating and exciting creatures on the way. Or hire the boat! Our skipper knows exactly where to search for the best opportunity to see the dolphins.

Padstow Sealife Safaris offer a selection of the best boat trips in Cornwall for you to get up close with these most beautiful sea creatures. And with smaller boats of up to just 12 passengers, you can be sure to get a magnificent view of these lovely and playful mammals.

Blue waves
Blue waves

Fish Species in Cornwall

There are many types of fish found in Cornish waters that you may see on your boat trip such as Sunfish, Blue Fin Tuna, Mackerel, Cod, Pollock and if you’re lucky you may see a feeding frenzy where all Cornish marine life feed on smaller shoals of fish.