We often hear people refer to a group of fish as a “school of fish”. While it is the common term used, some academics argue that “school” is incorrect, and that “shoal” should be used instead.
In general, we can call a collective of fish as “school or shoal of fish”. But did you know that a group of sharks is called a shiver, and a group of rainbow fish is called a party? Interestingly, each type of fish and other sea animals has its own collective term, and some of group nouns are quite witty.
Here is a short list of collective nouns for various fish and sea animals. So, the next time you want to impress your fishing mates, you can tell them that while you were trying to catch a shoal of bass, a fever of stingrays swam towards your boat, as a cast of crabs played on the shores, while a bale of turtles magically appeared in the waters.
Barracudas – Batter
Bass – Shoal, Fleat
Cod – Lap
Eels – Bed, Fry, Swarm
Goldfish – Glint, Troubling
Herring – Army
Sardines – Family
Sharks – Shiver
Stingrays – Fever
Trout – Hover Salmon, Bind
Angelfish – Company
Tuna – Float
Swordfish – Flotilla
Seahorses – Herd
Rainbow Fish – Party
Cod – School, Shoal
Mackerel – Shoal
Squid – Squad
Dragonet Fish – Swarm
Shrimp – Troupe
Oysters – Bed
Clams – Bed
Crabs – Cast
Jellyfish – Brood, Smack
Turtles – Bale, Dole, Nest, Turn
Dolphins – Pod
Whales – Pod, Gam, Herd, School
Compiled by Roselle Tenefrancia