Fish Facts

As the old saying goes, “fish gotta’ swim.” Fish spirits deep abiding relationship with the Water Element adds heavily to their symbolic value around the world. If a Fish has come into your life as a Totem or Guide, one of the best, first steps you should take is making yourself aware of Water and its correspondence.

Water has ties to the moon and our emotions. The deepest part of the oceans represents our subconscious and mysteries that we long to unravel. Even today, scientists are discovering new and amazing creatures in the water that surprise even the most experienced of explorers. In this, Fish Spirits remind us that we are not simply superficial or what meets the eye. There is more to each human being and our world that we can imagine.

Another meaning to the Water element and Fish is as a symbol of renewal and the ancient Goddess. Water is a life-giver, and Fish know this intimately. Fish like Salmon return to specific places year after year, spawning the next generation.

While different Fish species has distinctive lessons for us, there are some general correspondences in common. Fish represent inventiveness, joy, change, insight, and fertility just to name a few. It is no surprise to discover ancient Roman stories that tell us of Heroes becoming Fish to escape a terrible fate. Gives sink or swim a whole new meaning!

Fish generally swim in schools providing greater safety from predators. The idea of power in numbers shouldn’t be overlooked in your life when working with Fish energy. Find that perfect school that rounds you out, challenges, and offers protection. Staying together gives Fish mobility and freedom that they would not have had individually.

We would be remiss not to mention the importance of Fish in the Christian tradition. The story of the loaves and fishes (abundance and transformation) along with the idea that Christ’s followers became fishers of men has been a sacred theme for thousands of years. As a person discovers “God,” they can swim their way out of the darkness and into the light of understanding.

Many Fish, like Clownfish, have a playful side. His colors are cheery. Even as a simple creature, Fish like this remind us that the little things in our lives, the simple and sublime matter. Don’t be afraid to play in the waves! To take a cue from another quote, swim as if no one is looking.

People with Fish totem might consider getting an aquarium where they can observe their animal companion up close and personal. You’ll be delighted to discover that Fish are not boring. In fact, watching them can become a type of meditation where you commune not only with Fish Medicine but also the Water Spirit.

Fish Facts

• Some fish can raise their body temperature, which helps them hunt for prey in cold water.
• Fish use low-pitched sounds to communicate with each other, but they do not have vocal chords.
• Sharks are the only fish that have eyelids.
• Most fish have taste buds all over their body.
• A fish doesn’t add new scales as it grows, but the scales increase in size.

Fish Quotes

When you fish for love, bait with your heart, not your brain.
-Mark Twain

Give me a fish and I eat for a day. Teach me to fish and I eat for a lifetime.
-Chinese Proverb

Let you hook be always cast. In the pool where you least expect it, will be fish.
-Ovid

Fish Movies

• Finding Nemo (2003)
• Big Fish (2003)
• A Fish Tale (2000)
• Piranha (2010)

Fish Songs

• The Fish, by Yes
• Fish, by Craig Campbell
• Fish, by Tyler, The Creator
• Catch All the Fish, by Brad Paisley
• Big Eyed Fish, by Dave Matthews Band

Famous Fish

• Nemo and Dory, from the movie “Finding Nemo”
• Mrs. Puff, from the cartoon “Spongebob Squarepants”
• Flounder, from the movie “The Little Mermaid”
• Edward Bloom, from the movie “Big Fish”