Fish are much more common in dreams than people might expect. But with that being the case, what does it mean when you dream about fish? The answer to this question is much more surprising than people might think.
Some believe that dreaming of a fish symbolizes wealth and prosperity. Others argue that the appearance of a fish in your dream foreshadows success or denotes an increase in income.
Still, others take the meaning of dreaming about fishes literally, suggesting they predict fishing trips ahead.
How do we know which interpretation is correct? In this article, I will explore these questions, offer some answers and insight into your dreams.
What Does It Mean When You Dream About Fish?
Dreaming of fish may symbolize creativity, fertility, abundance, spirituality, and transformation.
They're also symbolic of our ability to swim through challenging situations with ease, such as when we're swimming through murky water without being able to see anything below us.
The Spiritual Meaning of Dreams About Fishes
There are many symbolic meanings for dreams about fish, but the spiritual meaning has to do with your self-awareness, often meaning that you need to reflect on your life and how you live it.
Dreaming of a fish might serve as a reminder to take care of yourself and focus more on growth than material things.
Biblical Meaning of Fish in a Dream
In the Bible, Jesus uses the metaphor, "fishers of men," to explain spreading the gospel message. This may mean that those who dream of fishing should spread the word of God or that they should help others become closer to God.
You may dream of a fish as a symbol of your relationship with God. If you dream you are fishing, this means you are seeking God's presence.
Dreaming of Fish – Different Scenarios & Its Meanings
When dreaming about fish, it is crucial to understand the context.
Following are a few scenarios that might help you understand why you dream of fish.
Dream of Catching a Fish
Dreaming about catching fish could represent your ability to achieve your goals and desires because the word "fishing" is often used to describe getting something you want.
Catching a big fish in your dream can refer to you wanting to achieve something you've always dreamed of by catching up to your potential.
Alternatively, a big fish could represent feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities or neglecting the essential things in life to focus on overly ambitious goals.
Dreaming of Dead Fish
When you dream of a dead fish, you are likely feeling weighed down or constrained by your current circumstances.
If you dream about dead fish, but they are not your pet or your favorite fish, this can mean that your current situation is causing you to feel like giving up. You may feel you are becoming stagnant and just going along with life rather than actually living it.
Another interpretation is being out of the loop, not fully understanding what's happening around you, or feeling left behind or forgotten.
Dream About Eating Fish
If you dream of eating fish, it may signify abundance and richness in your life. It may also show that you are in control of your own destiny and fate.
Eating cooked fish means your worries will be taken care of. Eating raw fish signifies you are heading towards your goals and will be prosperous in the end.
Dreams About Getting Eaten By A Fish
If you dream about getting eaten by a fish, this may represent feelings of not being heard or perhaps feeling invisible.
It can also suggest that you are overwhelmed with emotions and don't know how to deal with them. This might also indicate a feeling of not being able to keep up in your relationship.
Dream of a Big Fish
You might dream of a big fish if you have a very authoritative and intimidating person in your life who leaves you little room for self-expression and may even interfere with your life. It might also represent someone who has power over you or who is controlling in some way.
A big fish in your dream can also signal that you may be overworking yourself and not allowing time for recuperative breaks. Consider taking a vacation or even just a day off from work to relax.
Dream of Cooking a Fish
When we dream about cooking fish, it often symbolizes our need for control in our lives, as we feel empowered when we cook.
If you dreamed that others were eating your meal of fish, it might signify that you are too concerned about what other people think of you. It could also suggest that others are dependent on you, and you will need to let go of some of your responsibilities to feel free.
Dreaming of Fish Swimming
Dreaming of an abundance of fish swimming freely in the water means that you may experience positive changes or new opportunities in your life.
However, based on the context, dreaming of fish swimming can be interpreted as feeling restless and out of control or trying to escape from your problems.
Dream of Fried Fish
If you dream about fried fish, you might expect a windfall. It can also mean a big surprise or something that will make you feel shocked.
If you see a pool of oil while frying the fish, it means something positive will come to pass soon, but if the oil catches fire while frying the fish, then some sort of danger may lie ahead.
Dream of Fish Eggs
If you dream about fish eggs, this may mean that you are worried about your family's future. This may also mean that you need to be more emotionally invested in the people close to you.
Fish eggs in dreams can suggest that you need to be more understanding of the feelings and needs of others or that you need to stop judging others and instead try to see things from their perspective.
Dreaming of a Fish Tank
If you dream about a fish tank, it may represent an aspect of your personality that wants to be set free. Fish are sometimes connected with escapism, so you may find yourself wanting to be somewhere else or spending time doing something different.
If you dream of finding yourself in a fish tank, it may suggest that you feel trapped by the life choices that lead to your current situation.
If you dream of being in a fish tank and cannot see yourself, it implies that others' expectations and beliefs have compromised your self-worth. If you dream of being in a fish tank with someone else, it may mean that your personality or beliefs are affecting another person.
Dreaming of Fish in Clear Water
This dream may represent personal fears being washed away or a feeling of being cleansed.
On the other hand, it can suggest something that has been eluding you. Perhaps there is something that you have been struggling to find an answer to, and you are just about ready to give up. You will be rewarded for perseverance, though.
Dreaming of Fish in Muddy Water
A dream of fish swimming in muddy water may be a metaphor for your worries and fears that are being neglected. It may also signal that the dreamer has issues with communication.
It can also mean that you are not sure of where or how to go about the decisions you need to make. The water is muddy because of uncertainty and confusion about these decisions.
Dreaming about fish in muddy water is often interpreted as a bad omen because the water symbolizes life. Dreamers are likely to feel trapped in their circumstances, feel inadequate, or believe they are being taken advantage of.
Dream of a School of Fish
Dreaming of a school of fish is often interpreted as representing the need for organization or order in one's life. Schools of fish swimming can also symbolize many individuals working together for a common goal.
If you dream about a school of fish, it could also mean that you feel anxious or pressured to advance quickly in some area and need to carefully contemplate your next steps.
Dreaming of Fish Jumping Out of Water
If you're dreaming about fish jumping out of the water, then the dream implies that you're feeling a sense of urgency. This could be a sign that you should take action to get something done.
Alternatively, your dream about fish jumping out of water could refer to your fear of change and moving forward with your life. In this case, it may be time for you to make some changes to release the worry from your mind.
Dreaming of Fish in an Aquarium
If you dream about fish in an aquarium, it might signify that you need to clean or declutter part of your life. You may need to take better care of yourself and make changes to help you feel less confined.
Fish in aquariums represent the desire to explore options. It may be that you are feeling stagnant or stuck and need a change of pace.
Dreaming of a Large and Threatening Fish
If you dream of a large and threatening fish, it may indicate that you are dealing with an enemy in your waking life. This may be someone who is causing you harm or making you feel threatened, or it can be your own emotions that are causing you to suffer.
Alternatively, dreaming about a large fish can be because you're feeling the pull to go after something big, and the threat is that you might fail.
Large fish can also represent a situation in your life that is very noticeable, making you the center of attention, leading to fears of being judged or scrutinized.
Dreaming of Someone Turning Into a Fish
Dreaming of someone turning into a fish may represent the transformation process of spiritual growth. You might be on the path to spiritual awakening.
The fish in this dream could represent your intuition, and the transformation could mean that you are in danger of suppressing your instinct. Alternatively, the dream may be a warning from your subconscious to watch out for someone who is being deceptive.
Dreaming of Fish During Pregnancy
If you dream about fish during pregnancy, it could mean several different things. One interpretation is that the fish represents fertility and abundance. As such, the dream may be a sign that you will have a healthy and successful pregnancy.
Another interpretation is that the fish may represent your feelings or fears about giving birth. If you are scared or anxious about giving birth, the dream may be a way of expressing those fears.
Alternatively, the dream may simply be a way of expressing your subconscious desires or fantasies about being pregnant.
Another interpretation is that the dream is a sign that you will have an easy labor and delivery.
Dreaming of Dropping the Fish on the Ground
If you see yourself dropping a fish on the ground, it is symbolic of failure. You may have the intention of doing something only for it to blow up in your face.
Next time you are about to do something previously unsuccessful, consider the symbolism of a fish to be a good luck charm. If you have failed, maybe it is time to try something different from what you did in the past.
Dreaming of a Fishing Rod
When you dream about a fishing rod, this usually symbolizes finding a way to get what you want. You may feel you're at a disadvantage right now and need to take matters into your own hands.
Alternatively, the fishing rod could represent your assertiveness and ability to take control of situations, especially in difficult times.
Dreams About Rotten Fish
Dreaming about rotten fish typically depicts feelings of guilt, disappointment, or that you are being deprived of something. You may feel you're not good enough to live up to standards you've set for yourself or that others have for you.
Alternatively, the dream could be a sign that you're feeling disgusted or repelled by something in your life. Perhaps a relationship, a job, or idea has run its course and no longer serves you.
Dreaming of Fish Bones
Dreaming of fish bones usually symbolizes a lack of something in your life. Maybe you're feeling deprived of something, such as love, money, or nutrition. It can also mean that you are trying to identify the source of a problem.
Dreaming about fish bones could also be a metaphor for social communication. For example, if you dream about eating fish bones, it might mean that you are trying to extract information from someone carefully or suggest that you're trying to fill a void in your life with material things.
Alternatively, it could mean that you're not getting the emotional or spiritual nourishment that you need.
Dreaming of a Big Fish Attacking You
Dreaming of a big fish attacking you could mean that you're feeling threatened or vulnerable. It could also suggest that there's something in your life that's making you feel out of control.
This dream could be a warning to beware of powerful opposition—either by people, things, or ideas—since the fish can ambush you. The aggressive behavior might even represent feelings towards yourself.
It may be time for you to make changes in your life if this dream appears often.
Dreaming About Fish Bites
Dreaming about fish bites can be interpreted in a few ways. First, it could mean that someone is trying to take advantage of you or that someone is out to get you. It could also mean that someone is jealous of you. Alternatively, it could mean that someone is trying to control you.
If you dream about fish biting you, it's important to pay attention to the other symbols in the dream and see if there is a different meaning that you can interpret.
Dreaming of Fish Hooks
If you dream of fish hooks, this is a sign that you are ready to take some risks in your life. You are feeling confident and prepared to face whatever challenges come your way.
Dreaming of fish hooks can also suggest that you need some form of nourishment, whether it be extra attention, positive feedback, or praise.
The hook may represent the bait used to lure in the fish or symbolize something physically or emotionally "hooking" the dreamer.
Dreaming of an Empty Fish Pond
Dreaming of an empty fish pond could symbolize feelings of loneliness and isolation. It may also suggest a lack of emotional fulfillment or a need for more excitement in your life.
Alternatively, this dream could mean that you lack the proverbial 'fishing skills' to connect with people. You may feel like a fish out of water in your social circle.
Dreaming of Small Fish
Dreams about small fish represent an abundance of modest and insignificant worries and responsibilities. You might feel like you have a lot on your plate, but it doesn't really matter because those things won't impact the outcome of your life.
Alternatively, this could represent something that is not worth your attention but is still taking up your time. You may be neglecting something of greater significance because you are dwelling on trivial issues.
Dreaming of a Fish Market
When you dream about a fish market, it could mean that you are ready to start a new project or venture. It could also suggest that you are prepared to take on new challenges.
It could also represent the idea of saving up for something. Alternatively, you may feel threatened by your security or investment, which may signify a fear of loss caused by a recent event.
Dreams About Piles of Dead Fish
Dreams about piles of dead fish may indicate that the dreamer is no longer living up to their full potential. The dream could be a sign that you're in over your head and need to take some action to get yourself out of the mess you're in.
Dreams about dead fish could also mean that a new project will fail due to dangers lurking outside that might ruin plans.
Dreams about dead fish may mean that the dreamer is not getting enough recognition for their hard work. It may also symbolize an unstable social situation where one has been acknowledged and is suddenly being ignored.
Dreams About Buying Fish
Dreaming about buying fish means that you are ready to take some form of action in your life.
This could be something as simple as making a new purchase, or something more involved, like starting a new business venture.
If you dream about buying fish at a pet store, it could symbolize looking for something missing in your life. If you dream about purchasing fish to eat, it could represent a time when you will be offered an opportunity, but the offer is not to your benefit.
Dreaming of Killing Fish
Dreaming of killing fish may symbolize your negative feelings or hostility towards someone. It could also represent some repressed anger that you have been feeling lately.
Alternatively, this dream could represent something that's causing you stress in your life and is a warning from your subconscious to stay away from someone who is no good for you.
Dreaming of Fishing
Dreaming of fishing symbolizes the need to explore one's inner thoughts and feelings. Perhaps it is time to consider what needs attention inside yourself instead of just on the outside.
This dream also has a strong association with the ability to catch "big fish." This refers to the need for self-reflection, understanding, and reflection of one's feelings, opinions, or values.
Another interpretation of this dream is that it may be signifying the need for more patience. See if you can be more patient with yourself and others.
Dreaming of a Fisherman
When you dream about a fisherman, it may symbolize that you require some guidance or spiritual nourishment. This may appear like a circumstance or person who helps you recognize what is most important to you.
The fisherman in your dream may also be a representation of yourself. If this is the case, you should consider the techniques the fisherman uses to catch his prey.
Are they throwing out a net to collect all in their path? Or are they patiently waiting for just the right moment to dive in and seize an opportunity when it presents itself?
You may also dream of a fisherman if you are trying to bring order and focus into your life. Fishing requires patience and discipline, and these qualities can help you cope better with the uncertainties and confusion that arise in your daily life.
Dream of Not Able To Catch a Fish
One meaning of dreaming about not being able to catch a fish is that the dream symbolizes a situation or problem in your life that you feel is "elusive" or "out of reach." You may feel frustrated because you can't seem to get a grip on the situation.
Alternatively, this dream could represent something that you're afraid of or don't understand. It could be a warning from your subconscious to pay attention to something going on in your life.
Dream About Flying Fish
If you dream about a flying fish, this could symbolize a desire to feel "above it all" or freedom from emotional bondage.
In most cases, dreaming of a flying fish is usually a sign that you need more freedom in your life and want to be out in the open fresh air where few constraints exist.
They're also a sign that you're on the cusp of an important realization, discovery, or new outlook on life.
Dreaming of Fish Out of Water
When dreaming about fish out of the water, the fish is often struggling and gasping for air. This is commonly interpreted as having too much on your plate and feeling drowned by commitments you can't escape.
Another interpretation is that it means you're not getting the support you need from friends and family in your current situation, causing you to suffocate.
However, if you are in the water with the fish, it could mean that you are very open to others' opinions.
Dreaming of Fish Talking
Dreaming of talking fish could symbolize the communication you need to have with someone to resolve a problem.
Alternatively, it could mean that you're trying to get a message across to someone or that you need to pay more attention to what's being said to you.
Dream About Cleaning Fish
Cleaning fish in a dream usually means getting ready to clean up a messy situation in your waking life.
It is a powerful dream that shows that you will do something that will require a great deal of effort and diligence on your part. You have the resilience and strength to accomplish the task at hand.
Dream About a Live Fish
When you dream about a live fish, it usually means that you feel happy and content in your life. The dream may be a sign that you are in a good place emotionally and mentally. It may also be a sign that you have supportive and caring friends and family around you.
Dreaming about a live fish may also be a symbol of fertility and pregnancy.
Dreaming of Colorful Fishes
If you have dreams of seeing colorful fish swimming, this is usually a sign of good things to come. Fish in your dreams can represent your creative and imaginative nature. It may also signify the harmony and balance of life.
Dreaming of colorful fishes may symbolize a childlike innocence and a sense of wonderment. The fish may represent a desire for something different in your life or a need to escape from reality.
If you dream about colorful fish, your subconscious may be telling you that you need to find out what is essential in your life and put it first.
What Does It Mean When You Dream About a Lot of Fish?
When you dream about a lot of fish, it can mean that a lot is going on in your life, and you're trying to take control.
If the fish are in captivity, this can mean that your current situation has become stressful, and you're trying to come up with a solution. If they are swimming freely but struggling for survival or food, this can suggest that your current situation isn't working out.
If the fish are dead or dying, it may represent ideas and concepts that no longer have any value to you, or there is something about your life that needs to be addressed before there are dire consequences.
If the fish are in the middle of a body of water, this can mean that you’re taking life as it comes and just going with the flow.
Fish Dream Meaning of Different Types
There are many kinds of fish in the world, and they each have their own meaning when it comes to dreams.
Fish can symbolize fertility, creativity, or an emotional state. The type of fish you dream about can help with understanding the dream's meaning.
Dream of Goldfish
In general, goldfish are considered a positive sign in dreams and often indicate that the dreamer is happy and carefree. The dream may also suggest that the dreamer feels content and satisfied with their current situation in life.
Dreams About Catfish
People often dream about catfish when they are feeling overwhelmed or helpless in their waking life. Catfish dreams may also be a sign that you are hiding your true feelings from others.
Catfish dreams can also signal that you are being taken advantage of or that someone has been lying to you. If a catfish appears in your dreams, it might represent your intuition warning of possible trickery, deception, or betrayal.
Dream of Koi Fish
Koi fish signifies wealth and prosperity, and dreaming about them is a symbol of good luck. It can also mean success in business or career, especially if the Koi are gold in color.
However, if the Koi is dying, it signifies death to your hopes, plans, or desires. You will have to rethink some of your actions or change what you are doing to bring back the good fortune and wealth you desire.
Dreams About Jellyfish
The jellyfish is a symbol of transformation and change. You may be going through a transition and need to make some adjustments in your life to cope with the changes successfully.
Jellyfish may also represent something slippery or elusive. You may be feeling uncertain or out of control in some aspects of your life.
Dreaming of Sea Fish
Dreams are a way of working through the past, present, and future. They also serve as symbols for our more profound thoughts. Sea fish, or saltwater fish, can represent your creativity or what you need to do to be more creative.
Your imagination is like the sea, deep and full of life. You may have been trying too hard to control it before, but now it's time to let go and allow yourself to explore what you find there.
Dreaming of Salmon
If you dream about eating salmon, it could mean that you are feeling detached from people around you and longing for a more emotional connection.
It may also mean that material possessions and desires are stifling your spirit or soul. In other words, spirituality may not be a priority to you currently.
Dreaming about catching salmon signifies that you will experience success soon in your endeavors and perhaps be even more successful than you expected.
Dreams About Starfish
Dreams about starfish can symbolize change, growth, and transformation. They might also suggest that you are taking on new challenges in your life.
Alternatively, they could mean that you need to reach out and connect with others, particularly friends and family members. Dreams about starfish are reflections of your feelings. If you feel alone when you think about a starfish, you might feel a lack of support from those around you.
If you dream about starfish, take some time to think about what might be going on in your life that is causing change or new challenges.
Dreams About Blackfish
A blackfish in a dream symbolizes the end of one thing and the beginning of something new. If you are facing some hardships, this dream may mean that the end is near and something good will come out of these troubles.
On the other hand, if your life is going great right now, this dream can signify that you are ready to take on more significant challenges and that the time is right for your life to take a new direction.
Dreams About Red Fish
Dreaming about red fish could represent feelings of anger, passion, or rage. You might feel confused or conflicted about something happening in your life.
If the red fish is swimming towards you, then it can mean that you are coming into an important realization. There is something that you know now but need to acknowledge. Allowing yourself to understand what this means could transform your life for the better.
Common Symbolic Meanings for Fish
There are many symbolic meanings associated with fish. Some of the most common ones include:
- Fertility and Abundance
- Spirituality and Intuition
- Creativity and Imagination
- Emotions and Feelings
- Prosperity and Abundance
- Life and Life Force
- Change and Transformation
- Intuition and Revelation
- Relief from Stress or Pain
There are many ways to interpret dreams about fish. The meaning will depend on the context of the dream, and symbolic meanings can help analyze your dream.
The answers to the following questions are likely to be helpful in your interpretation of your dream about fish:
- What kind of fish did you see?
- Where were you when you saw the fish?
- What were you doing when you saw the fish?
- How big was the fish?
- Did other people/characters seem interested in your experience?
- What were your feelings when you saw the fish?
- Did you interact with the fish in any way?
FAQs
What do fish in dreams mean? These are some common questions.
Is It Good To See Fish in Dreams?
Seeing fish in a dream can ordinarily be interpreted in two ways. The first interpretation is that the fish represents physical and emotional health. The second interpretation is that the fish means something slippery or untrustworthy.
Always consider the overall context of the dream before coming to any conclusion.
Do Fish Dreams Mean Pregnancy?
There is no definitive answer to this question. It is possible that dreams about fish could mean pregnancy for some people but not for others. So it's important to pay attention to the details of your dream to determine its meaning.
What Does It Mean When You Dream About Three Blue Fish?
Dreaming specifically of three blue fish may have different interpretations depending on the context.
The number three is associated with creativity and birth. To see three blue fish in a dream could symbolize creativity being brought into being or the beginning of something new.
What Does It Mean When You Dream About Pet Fish?
The meaning of dreaming about pet fish can vary depending on the details of the dream. If the fish in your dream are swimming in clean, clear water, this suggests that you are in a good place mentally and emotionally.
On the other hand, if the water is murky or polluted, this may symbolize some emotional baggage or negative thoughts you need to deal with.
Fish are symbolic of self-sufficiency, responsibility, and having a direction in life. Consider where the fish is in the dream. Is it in a bowl? Does it have enough room to breathe? Is it alone or with others? This will help you figure out the message that the dream is trying to convey.
What Does It Mean When You Dream About Two Moving Fish?
The two fish in the dream might indicate challenges that are present in your life. However, your unconscious self is conveying to you through this dream that you can move beyond these challenges.
Two fish moving in a dream might also point to romance, communication, or an opportunity for success.