Dreaming of fish: Meaning and Interpretation

Short answer

Fish in a dream are mostly a positive sign linked to abundance, income and luck. In many cultures dreaming of fish is also associated with pregnancy or good news.

Traditional interpretation

Based on what classic dream books (Eastern and Islamic tabir tradition, Artemidorus) commonly say about this symbol.

Classic dream books read fresh, live fish as lawful income and blessings; catching fish means gaining wealth. Many fish mean plenty, while a dead or rotten fish points to a missed chance.

Psychological view

How modern psychology and dream researchers usually read this kind of image.

Psychologically fish come from the water, a symbol of emotions, so they often stand for feelings or ideas surfacing from the unconscious, and for fertility and creativity.

Common dream scenarios

Catching a fish

Gaining something you worked for: income, an opportunity or good news.

A dead fish

Disappointment, a lost opportunity or a fading hope.

Eating fish

Comfort, health and enjoying what you have earned.

Good or bad sign?

Mostly positive

In most traditions this is considered a good sign, especially if the dream felt calm or pleasant.

Frequently asked questions

Dreaming of fish: what does it mean?

Fish in a dream are mostly a positive sign linked to abundance, income and luck. In many cultures dreaming of fish is also associated with pregnancy or good news.

Dreaming of fish: is it a good or bad sign?

In most traditions this is considered a good sign, especially if the dream felt calm or pleasant. Classic dream books read fresh, live fish as lawful income and blessings; catching fish means gaining wealth. Many fish mean plenty, while a dead or rotten fish points to a missed chance.

Dreaming of fish: what does psychology say?

Psychologically fish come from the water, a symbol of emotions, so they often stand for feelings or ideas surfacing from the unconscious, and for fertility and creativity.

Related dream symbols

SeaThe sea in a dream stands for the depth of your emotions and for big possibilities. A calm sea means peace and opportunities; a stormy sea points to turbulent feelings or a difficult period.WaterWater in a dream mainly stands for emotions and life energy. Clear, calm water is a good sign of peace and health; dirty or stormy water points to confusion or worries.PregnancyDreaming of pregnancy usually means something new is growing in your life: an idea, a plan or a change. It does not have to be about a real pregnancy.SnakeA snake in a dream usually stands for a hidden threat, a person you do not fully trust or a fear you are avoiding. It can also mean healing and transformation, because snakes shed their skin.DogA dog in a dream is mostly about loyalty and friendship. A friendly dog points to a faithful friend; an aggressive or biting dog points to conflict or betrayal by someone close.CatA cat in a dream usually stands for independence, intuition or a person who is not completely honest. A calm cat is mostly neutral; an attacking cat points to deceit or quarrels.

Dream interpretations reflect cultural traditions and modern psychological ideas. They are not predictions and are not medical or psychological advice. Sources and method →