What Does It Mean to Dream About Fish? Experts Weigh In

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Discover what your fishy dreams mean for pregnancy, wealth, & more

Written by Lauri Loewenberg | Edited by Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: October 22, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Common Fish Dream Meanings
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• Pregnancy
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• Love & Relationships
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• In the Bible
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• Cultural Significance
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• How to Interpret
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• Different Types of Fish
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• How do you stop dreaming about fish?
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• Video

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Dreaming of fish lately? This surprisingly common and highly positive dream theme may be a powerful message from your subconscious mind, but what in the world does it mean? We spoke with intuitive counselors and dream interpreters to provide you with a comprehensive overview of what your unique fish dream might signify. Plus, we’ll provide you with valuable guidance on what to do so you can get swimming to your happiest, most abundant future.

What do fish represent in dreams?

According to certified dream analyst Lauri Loewenberg, fish dreams can represent fertility, creativity, or knowledge. The dream may signify that something good is coming your way or that you’re on a path of spiritual or personal growth. The fish spiritually symbolizes emotions, deep thoughts, and the subconscious mind.

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Section 1 of 8:

Common Fish Dream Meanings

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   If you dreamt you were eating a fish, you may be entering a period of prosperity. Fish are incredibly nourishing, so if you dreamt of eating a fish, you might be about to enter a healthy relationship, career opportunity, or general period of well-being. Continue to nourish your body and soul by taking good care of yourself, and everything else will fall into place.

   • Loewenberg offers another interpretation: “What you eat in a dream often reflects what you are ‘taking in’ intellectually, emotionally, or spiritually, in other words, what need you are feeding. The act of eating becomes a metaphor for how you are nourishing your mind, your soul, or your life as a whole. Eating fish, for example, can suggest that you are taking in spirituality, wisdom, or creative inspiration.”
   • What to do: Go on walks and participate in healthy activities like tennis, basketball, and more. When we feel good, we’re more inclined to act confidently and take on exciting new opportunities.
   • Alternatively, if the fish you were eating in your dream was raw or small, this could be a signal to think things through more, whether it be a situation in your personal or professional life.

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Kari Samuels is an intuitive counselor and happiness coach with over 21 years of experience in intuition, energy healing, numerology, and astrology.

   Jesse Lyon, MS, CCHt, QS, LMHC is a dream interpreter and clinical hypnotherapist with an extensive background in complex trauma, anxiety, dissociative disorders, and the neurodivergent community.

   Lauri Loewenberg is a certified dream analyst based in Tampa, Florida. She has analyzed more than 100,000 dreams from people all over the world. Her expertise has been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, The New Yorker, Esquire, and more.
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   If you dream of fish eggs, money may be on its way. Abundant, shimmering, and valuable, dreaming of fish eggs might be a sign that you’re about to have a financial stroke of luck! Whether you’ve been working hard to level up in your career or spending all your time getting your passion project off the ground, dreaming of fish eggs could indicate that your hard work will be valued—just like caviar!

   • What to do: Keep dedicating your time to your unique personal pursuit. You’re well on your way to achieving your goals.
   • Dreaming of fish eggs may also symbolize hatching into a period of positive self-growth and abundance.
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   If you dream of fishing, a personal or career opportunity may be around the corner. Have you ever heard the saying, “They’re fishing around?” Just like the meaning of this phrase, dreaming that you’re fishing could suggest you’re searching for a new opportunity in your waking life, throwing out ideas, and hoping something catches. As fish are generally regarded as positive omens, you might just hook something awesome like a new job, moving to a new location, or pursuing a new interest.

   • According to Loewenberg, “Fish can also represent knowledge as they are known to swim in schools.”
   • What to do: Intuitive counselor & happiness coach Kari Samuels recommends exploring your creative passions or taking up new hobbies. You might discover an enriching activity that leads you to a new beginning, like starting your own pottery studio.
   • The astrological symbol for Pisces is 2 fish swimming in opposite directions. If you’ve been feeling like your head and heart want different things, such as deciding whether or not to make a career change, dreaming of catching a fish could be a sign to cast your line and start applying for something new.
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   If you dream of catching a fish, you’re close to achieving your goals. Loewenberg says, “Fish in dreams are important symbols not to be dismissed. They carry an important message to you from the depths of your subconscious... a message that is good for your soul!” If you’ve been hoping for a certain something, dreaming of catching a fish might be a sign that your wish has been granted. Stay positive and focus on manifesting your desires to keep the good energy flowing—while it may be corny, “If you can believe it, you can achieve it” is pretty spot-on, says Samuels.

   • According to Loewenberg, “Dreaming of fish can symbolize your ability to ‘go with the flow,’ showing how well (or how poorly) you’re navigating the currents of your waking life.”
   • “And because water represents creativity, fish can also stand for the ideas, inspirations, and sparks of genius that thrive in your creative depths, waiting for you to catch them and bring them to the surface,” notes Loewenberg.
   • What to do: Even if the universe is helping you to accomplish your dreams, you can take active steps to speed up the process, like taking time to master your craft—practice makes perfect.
   • In dreams, fish are thought to relate to our self-image, so if you dreamt of catching a fish, you might have high self-confidence—what a catch!
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   If you dream of a fish in deep water, you're in control of your emotions. It’s not hard to believe that in dreams, water represents our emotions—ever-changing, ever-flowing. If you dreamt of a fish swimming in deep water, it might mean that your emotional awareness and sense of self run just as deep. You recognize and process your feelings with a high degree of emotional intelligence, which is something to be proud of!

   • Loewenberg says, “Because they live beneath the surface of the water, [fish] often represent what is going on beneath the surface of you: your emotions, your inner life, even your body.”
   • What to do: Let your emotions wash over you like a wave. Although intense feelings like anger or sadness may feel like a heavy crash, taking a moment to think about why you’re feeling that way and what you might do to calm down will help that wave reach the shore.
   • Like fish can breathe underwater, you can breathe through hard times. If you’re going through something tough or are involved in a difficult situation, step away and take a few deep breaths—you’ll be surprised by the calming impact of something so simple.
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   If you dream that a fish ate you, you may be dealing with a toxic relationship. We’ve all been there—your relationship started off great, but as time passed, things gradually turned for the worse. If you’ve been feeling drained by a negative relationship in your personal or professional life, dreaming a fish ate you may be a sign to re-examine your relationships and cut the cord if necessary—there are other fish in the sea!

   • What to do: Prioritize your mental health by doing what’s best for you, no matter how difficult it may seem.
   • You may also be feeling swallowed by a stressful event or situation. If you’re overwhelmed by a work project, breaking it down into actionable steps in a detailed to-do list may help you regain your sense of control.
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   If you dream of a fish in a tank, you may be feeling uneasy or trapped. It's important to have room to grow in both your personal and professional life. If you had a dream of a fish in a tank, you might be feeling trapped by your surroundings. Don’t be afraid to jump into a bigger pond—sometimes, all it takes is a leap of faith.

   • What to do: Meet new people by taking up a class in something you’re interested in. Alternatively, if you're looking for more career opportunities, have a conversation with your boss about your interest in taking on new responsibilities and your desire to advance.
   • If you dreamt that the water in the tank or bowl was dirty, your negative thoughts might be getting the best of you, so try to think more positively by focusing on the good things in your life. Alternatively, if the water in the tank was clean, you’re doing a great job maintaining a positive, healthy mindset.
   EXPERT TIP

   

   Jesse Lyon MS, CCHt, QS, LMHC

   Dream Interpreter and Clinical Hypnotherapist

   Jesse Lyon is a licensed counselor, dream interpreter and clinical hypnotherapist based in Orlando, FL. With over a decade of experience, Jesse has an extensive background in complex trauma, anxiety, dissociative disorders, and the neurodivergent community. In 2017, he launched his private practice, Lyon Counseling LLC, where he bridges the gap between modern culture and empathetic mental health. Jesse is a passionate educator and viral social media influencer with over 2.5 million TikTok followers @LyonMentalHealth, where he shares insights on the subconscious mind, dream interpretation, and more. He is also the cofounder of Trauma Focused Hypnotherapy, a hypnotherapy practice that offers in-person trainings with clients, plus online courses and other educational resources. He previously worked as one of the founders and Chief Dream Scientist at the DreamApp Ltd. Jesse graduated with a BA in Psychology from Thomas Edison State University, and with a Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic University.

   

   Jesse Lyon MS, CCHt, QS, LMHC
   Dream Interpreter and Clinical Hypnotherapist

   Dreams can be your mind's way of revealing hard truths. The more exaggerated, crazy, or bizarre a dream is, the more likely that your mind is trying to hide the truth from you. So, dig deep and reflect on why you may be having a dream.
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   If you dream about a fish jumping out of water, look out for opportunities. If you've been wondering when your manifestations will come to fruition, dreaming of a fish jumping out of water may be a nudge from your guardian angels to open your eyes to the opportunities jumping right out in front of you. Even an interesting side project or an invitation to a fun event could lead you to an abundant new chapter of your life.

   • What to do: Say yes! If you often say no to going out with friends, going to networking events, you name it, dreaming of a fish jumping out of water may be a sign to go out on a limb more often—you won’t feel like a fish out of water for long.
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   If you dream about a dead or dying fish, think positively. Feeling trapped in a cycle of negativity and anxiety can get anyone down. Dreaming of a dead or dying fish may be a sign from your subconscious mind to focus on the positives in your life. Even when you think things couldn’t be worse, there are always things left to appreciate, explains Samuels, like running water and a bed to sleep in.

   • What to do: To get your mind in the habit of thinking positively, write a list of 5 things you’re grateful for every day. You might be surprised by what you come up with.
   • Dreaming of death typically means that something negative in your life is dying off and that you’re entering a period of rebirth.
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Section 2 of 8:

Does dreaming of fish mean pregnancy?

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1. 
   A fish dream may symbolize a beautiful baby or pregnancy in your future. Loewenberg notes, “[Fish dreams] are a very common symbol during pregnancy because a fish living in water mirrors the way a baby lives within the amniotic fluid in the womb.” If you dreamt of a fish, it might be a sign that a healthy pregnancy could be in your future. If you’re already pregnant, get excited about the beautiful baby swimming around in your belly! If you aren’t ready for a baby yet, not to worry—dreaming of a fish can just be a sign of good things to come.

   • Loewenberg continues, “If you are trying to conceive, eating fish [in the dream] can be especially significant: fish dreams are extremely common during pregnancy, so this may symbolize that you’ve already taken new life into your body.”
   • What to do: If you’re ready to have a baby, talk with your partner about how you’re feeling, or explore fertility options like freezing your eggs, adopting, or using a donor to make your dreams a reality. Remember, you don’t have to be in a relationship to have a baby—single people can raise and love a child just as well as a couple can!
   • In Christianity, fish are closely related to fertility and are considered a good omen across several religions and cultures.

Section 3 of 8:

Do fish dreams have anything to do with relationships?

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1. 
   Fish dreams may provide clues about your love life. Loewenberg says, “Fish can reflect your romantic life, tying directly into the language we use around love and relationships: ‘plenty of fish in the sea,’ or ‘he’s a good catch’ or ‘I'm hooked!’ They can reveal how you feel about your place in the sea of potential partners, whether you’re searching, settling, or swimming freely.”

   • “Catching a fish may symbolize finding someone who feels like a prize, while a dying fish can indicate a relationship is close to ending. Even the condition of the fish: vibrant and lively or swimming in a bowl can mirror the health and vitality of your romantic life,” Loewenberg continues.
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Section 4 of 8:

Biblical Meaning of Dreaming of Fish

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1. 
   In the Bible, fish symbolize Christ, abundance, and prosperity. “Being that a fish is also a symbol for Christianity, a fish in a dream can represent a Christian's spiritual development,” notes Loewenberg. Fish are prevalent symbols in the Bible and, in Matthew, Jesus feeds thousands of people with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. The fish are abundant and nourish the people with the love of God. So, if you’re dreaming of fish, it may be a sign from God that something good is coming your way soon.

   • Loewenberg says, “There’s the famous story of when Jesus performed a miracle by feeding over 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fish, provided by a young boy. A large crowd gathered to hear Jesus teach but there wasn't enough food. He thanked God, instructed his disciples to distribute the food, and as they did, it miraculously multiplied, ensuring everyone ate their fill with 12 baskets of leftovers remaining. This miracle, a key event in the New Testament, exemplifies Jesus' compassion and divine power.”
   • Loewenberg dives deeper into fish symbolism and Christianity: “Growing up, I belonged to the Methodist Church, went to a Lutheran early and middle school and then went on to Catholic high school so I know the fish/Christianity connection well. The Ichthys is the simple fish symbol that you see today on bumper stickers, on jewelry, T-shirts, etc. It comes from a Greek acrostic meaning ‘Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.’ When Christians were being persecuted during the Roman Empire, they used it as a secret sign of their faith. When a Christian met a stranger on the road, they would draw one arc of the fish in the dirt; if the other stranger drew the other arc, both knew they were safe and in good company.”
   • If you’re having trouble seeing new opportunities, pray for guidance. Your guardian angels may help you open your eyes.

Section 5 of 8:

Cultural Meanings of Dreaming of Fish

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1. 
   Dreaming of fish can mean different things in different cultures. How you interpret your dream may lead to a more detailed meaning depending on the cultural lens you look through. Here are the most common cultural meanings of dreaming about fish:

   • In Western cultures, dreaming of fish often represents abundance, growth, or opportunity in life.
   • In Islamic cultures, dreaming of fish usually symbolizes wealth and good fortune.
   • In Hindu cultures, dreaming of fish may symbolize a spiritual transformation or fertility.
   • In Native American cultures, fish often represent the subconscious mind.
   • In African cultures, fish often signify a warning or upcoming misfortune.
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Section 6 of 8:

How to Interpret Your Fish Dream

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1. 
   Take the context of your dream into account. Loewenberg explains, “As with any dream symbol, the context matters: the type of fish, the condition of the water, if the fish is in a tank, a pond or in the ocean... even your interaction with it all help reveal whether this dream is about love, fertility, knowledge, or creative flow. Your personal associations also matter. Remember, your dreams are metaphors for what is going on in your life and especially within you at the time of your dream. So ask yourself how the fish in your dream are a metaphor for you. Are you feeling like a fish out of water? Have you been ‘schooled?’”

Section 7 of 8:

Dreaming of Different Types of Fish

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1. 
   Dreaming of a specific type of fish may change the interpretation of your dream, as different fish can symbolize different things. Analyze your dream by its overall context and the type of fish centered around the dream. Here are what different types of fish could symbolize in a dream:

   • Dreaming of a goldfish may mean luck, success, wealth, happiness, or fertility.
   • Dreaming of bass or pike can represent anger or danger.
   • Dreaming of salmon may symbolize power, strength, and courage.
   • Dreaming of trout could signify a mystery or secret.
   • Dreaming of swordfish may represent strength and endurance.
   • Dreaming of cod could mean positivity and comfort.
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Section 8 of 8:

How do you stop dreaming about fish?

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1. 
   Reflect on and make changes in your life to stop fish dreams. Constantly dreaming about fish can be puzzling and maybe even annoying. So, if you want to stop these dreams, the best thing to do is reflect on your life and act on what the dream could possibly be telling you. Loewenberg says, “The most effective way to stop having recurring dreams about a person, situation, or theme is to identify what it represents in your waking life. Dreams repeat themselves because the waking life issue or behavior is continuing and your subconscious is alerting you to it so it can be corrected or resolved.”

   • Loewenberg continues, “In order to figure it out, ask yourself: What behavior, issue, or pattern in my daily life feels similar to how this recurring dream makes me feel? Once you pinpoint the connection, work on addressing it, whether that means changing a habit, facing a difficult truth, or resolving an emotional conflict. When the waking-life issue is acknowledged and corrected, the dream has served its purpose and no longer needs to return.” You can also:
     • Meditate. Take time each day to be one with your mind and body. Use this moment to focus on your soul and what you need to be fulfilled and whole.
     • Keep a dream journal. Write down your dreams each morning to see if there are any connections or patterns—what are your dreams telling you?
     • Go to bed stress-free. Try to go to bed each night without any worries. Do some deep breathing, put on calming music, or read a book to help yourself unwind.
     • Talk to a dream analyst or therapist. Find extra support by opening up to a dream analyst or therapist to help discover the root of your dream.

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