40 Creative Fish Drawing Ideas to Bring Life to Art
Looking to dive into a new sketching project? Here are 40 fish drawing ideas.
These resources will inspire you and help you improve your skills, regardless of your experience level.
From simple doodles to intricate designs, there’s something here for everyone. Explore a variety of styles, including realistic, cartoon, tropical, and fantasy fish.
Perfect for art class, personal sketchbooks, or creative relaxation. Grab your pencils, it’s time to make a splash with your creativity!

1. Bubbly Goldfish

Draw a chubby little goldfish with a happy smile and wide eyes. Add three floating bubbles above its head to show it’s underwater.
Use bold strokes for the fins and tail to make them stand out. Keep the body round and simple for a soft, cute look. Add tiny blush dots on the cheeks for extra charm.
2. Nerdy Fish with Glasses

Get ready to meet the chic fish of the sea! Imagine a medium-sized fish sporting circular glasses, perched playfully askew on its face.
Its grin radiates mischief, while tiny fins flutter with charm. Use bold marker strokes to accentuate the outline and those funky glasses.
For an extra dash of personality, toss in a book or a whimsical thought bubble.
3. Star-Finned Swimmer

Picture a whimsical fish with fins shaped like twinkling stars. Its tail and dorsal fin bloom into fluffy stars, while its body is round and smooth.
Tiny dots and charming wave patterns dance on its side for that extra flair.
Happy eyes and a petite mouth ensure it radiates cuteness. Perfect for conjuring up a magical, fantastical realm!
4. Fish in a Teacup

This little fish is a tea aficionado! Picture a giant teacup filled with warmth. Our fishy friend peeks out, showing its head and fins.
Decorate the cup with fun patterns. Bold stripes or playful hearts work well. Use thick lines to ensure both the fish and cup leap off the page.
A rosy blush on the fish will bring it to life, while splashes around it create a sense of joyful motion.
5. Bow Tie Koi

Transform your koi into a fashionable aquatic diva! Make it have a curvy body and flowing fins. Add a stylish polka-dotted bow tie under its chin.
Bold lines carve the majestic tail and radiant scales. To create a sophisticated look, keep your eyes half-closed.
This gives a smooth and classy feel. It’s the perfect blend of grace and irresistible cuteness!
6. Heart Bubble Buddy

A fish overflowing with love! Sketch a round, cheerful fish with puffed cheeks. It should have a tiny mouth blowing a heart-shaped bubble.
Its tail should be short and flowing, like a gentle wave. Add soft, twinkling eyes and a hint of a smile.
The heart bubble bobs above the fish’s head, radiating warmth and sweetness.
7. Tiny Mermaid Fish

Transform this fish into a dazzling oceanic jewel. Crown it with a scalloped tiara or adorn it with a glistening pearl necklace.
A seashell belt would add the perfect touch. Its fishy form remains, but with a splash of mermaid magic.
Bold outlines will define each accessory, adding clarity to the charm. Sprinkle sparkles or stars around it to evoke a whimsical, fantasy-like atmosphere.
8. Baby Fish with Pacifier

Behold this adorable baby fish, a bundle of aquatic cuteness! With its round body, wide innocent eyes, and a dainty pacifier resting in its mouth, it’s sure to steal hearts.
Those stubby, tiny fins are just right for babyhood, adding to its charm.
Bold outlines give it character, while soft blushes on its cheeks bring a touch of warmth.
And why not top it off with a wee blanket or a cute curl on its head? After all, every little fish deserves a cosy look!
9. Playful Fish & Beach Ball

This fish is a true summer reveller! Imagine it joyfully bouncing a beach ball, its fins or head dancing with delight.
Its body should sway, lively and slightly tilted, capturing the essence of motion. Surround the ball with playful splash lines, echoing its exuberance.
Simplify the beach ball into three vibrant segments, defined by bold outlines. This cheerful scene is perfect for a sun-soaked summer sketch!
10. Fish Roll Snuggler

Transform your fish into a whimsical snack sensation. Picture a charming fish body, all wrapped in a cosy strip of seaweed, much like a delightful sushi roll.
Let its cheerful face, playful fins, and joyful tail peek out with abandon.
Keep a round, snug shape. This highlights the thick outlines that create the signature roll look. Add subtle motion lines to convey warmth and comfort.
11. Bubble Bath Fish

Imagine a tiny round fish lounging in a bathtub oasis. Bubbles overflow, creating a frothy spectacle fit for relaxation.
Its eyes, half-closed, radiate pure bliss. A cheerful rubber ducky floats nearby, adding a splash of whimsy. A soft towel rests beside, inviting comfort and warmth.
Bold outlines define each charming element, ensuring everything pops with clarity. This scene exudes cosiness and playful charm, perfect for lifting spirits!
12. Fish with an Umbrella Hat

Splash some colour into your fishy friend! Picture it sporting a mini umbrella hat.
Tilt that umbrella just so, with droplets of water dancing around. Your fish, mid-swim, radiates energy and joy.
A big, beaming smile lights up its face, while playful fins flutter like confetti. Make those umbrella lines bold, ensuring they pop against the fish’s vibrant body.
13. Superhero Fish

Transform your fish into a fin-tastic hero! Sketch an eye mask and fluttering cape.
Equip it with a confident grin and a strong tail-fin stance. Let the cape ripple as if dancing beneath the water.
Use bold strokes for the mask, fins, and body. Add motion lines or bubbles for an extra dynamic effect.
14. Fish in a Jar

Draw a mason jar with a generous lid, cradling a happy fish. The fish swims with a look of pure contentment.
Spice it up with playful bubbles and whimsical aquatic plants. Outline the jar with bold lines; let the water dance with wavy strokes.
A tiny label reading “My Pet” adds just the right touch of charm. Ensure the fish is round, cuddly, and utterly delightful.
15. Fish with Headphones

This fish is embracing the good vibes! Picture it bobbing softly, headphones snugly perched over its ears.
Little music notes dance around like tiny stars. Its fins flutter gently, while its eyes close in pure bliss. Bold lines shape the headphones.
They contrast sharply with the fish’s flowing form. A soft curve in the tail adds a melodic rhythm to the scene.
16. Unicorn Fish

Picture a whimsical fusion of a goldfish and a unicorn. It boasts a spiral horn atop its head, glistening with magic.
Tiny stars and sparkles twinkle in its wake. Its big, expressive eyes capture wonder and delight. A glittery tail dances with playful patterns, sparkling with charm.
The body remains delightfully round, edged with bold outlines for fins and horn. This enchanting creature embodies pure fantasy, radiating joy and playfulness.
17. Fish Blowing Candle on Cake

A fish swims toward a yummy, floating cake. It has one glowing candle on top. Its lips are puckered, poised to make a wish.
Let the fins flutter like it’s bursting with excitement. Adorn the cake with playful, simple frosting lines.
Use bold outlines for both the fish and the cake to ensure they’re irresistibly charming and easy to read.
18. Fish Balloon Ride

Get ready, because this fish is taking flight on a balloon bonanza! Draw a round, vibrant balloon tied to the fish’s back.
Capture its joyful surprise with a wide grin or startled eyes. Use curved lines or tiny bubbles to showcase the exhilarating motion of its ascent.
The balloon should be big and bold, perfectly balancing the artwork’s composition!
19. Punk Rock Fish

Craft a fish that oozes personality! Picture a spiky mohawk fin, radiating flair. Its expression? Cool, like it owns the ocean.
Adorn it with small hoop earrings, sparkling with attitude. Dress it in bold scale patterns, a riot of colour.
Use thick, edgy outlines that demand attention. Perfect for infusing your collection with a lively, alternative vibe!
20. Fish with Ice Cream

This fish is a connoisseur of sweets! Picture it grinning widely, balancing an ice cream cone with one fin.
The scoop drips just enough to melt your heart. Keep the cone charmingly simple, with playful lines and whimsical dots.
Its cheeks puff out like balloons, brimming with delicious anticipation. Use soft, rounded shapes to maximise the cuteness factor!
21. Detective Fish

This fish is on a mission! Draw it with a tiny detective hat, like Sherlock Holmes. It should be holding a magnifying glass with one finger.
One eye should be squinted, while the other should be enlarged behind the glass.
Use thick lines to highlight the hat, fins, and accessories. Add little mystery bubbles or a question mark for flair.
22. Fish and Friends

Make your fish part of a fun crew! Draw a cheerful fish surrounded by small, friendly sea creatures.
Each character should have large eyes and simple, cute shapes.
Use bold marker strokes to make the entire group stand out. You can add bubbly hearts or motion lines to show connection and joy.
23. Astronaut Fish

Dive into an ocean of imagination! Create a fish wearing a bubble helmet. It swims among sparkling stars and fun planets.
Its fins drift weightlessly, capturing the essence of freedom. Use bold lines to define the helmet and other cosmic elements.
A whimsical rocket or bright flag could add extra flair. Ensure the fish radiates curiosity and courage, ready to explore the depths of space!
24. Fish With a Camera

Say cheese! Picture a plump, cheerful fish with a flair for photography. One fin holds a mini camera; the other peeks through the lens.
A whimsical “click!” or sparkling star captures the moment in style.
The fish is round, radiating joy, while the camera boasts bold, boxy charm. Perfect for adventures and explorations galore!
25. Fish Cloudwatcher

Imagine a small fish swimming just below the water.
It looks up at fluffy clouds reflected above. Its big round eyes are filled with wonder, and soft ripples surround it.
The clouds appear mirrored on the surface. This calm drawing mixes creativity with a peaceful scene. It’s great for relaxation and features adorable art.
26. Fish Reading a Book

This curious fish is a scholar of the sea! Imagine it lounging on a rounded rock, flipping through a tiny open book.
Surround it with bubbles shaped like letters and delicate sea plants.
Use thick lines to frame the book and rock, creating a cosy nook. The fish gleams with a calm focus, eager to absorb knowledge.
27. Chef Fish

Time to let your fish take centre stage! Picture a cheerful fish sporting a tall chef’s hat, wielding a spoon with flair in one fin.
Tiny pots float, while bubbles dance. They are playfully shaped like carrots and noodles.
Emphasise the chef’s outfit with bold lines to make it sizzle. Keep the fish’s body simple, yet brimming with joy for maximum cuteness!
28. Sleepy Fish on a Pillow

It’s nap time! Sketch a fish with droopy eyes, sprawled on a fluffy pillow. Let a few “Z” bubbles drift above its head, whispering dreams.
Sprinkle small stars or crescent moons around to capture its dreamy daze. Use bold strokes to define the pillow and create a blissful fishy pose.
29. Jetpack Fish

Draw a playful fish with a strapped-on mini jetpack zooming through the water at full speed.
Its fins flap back slightly, and the jetpack leaves a bubbly trail. The fish looks cheerful and energetic, like it’s enjoying the adventure.
Add dynamic lines to show the burst of motion and excitement.
30. Fish with a Lantern

Unleash your creativity: design a night explorer fish! Picture it gracefully gliding, holding a tiny lantern with one fin.
Let the lantern shimmer, casting starry shapes and beams of light. Use bold marker strokes to craft the lantern’s frame and define the fish’s outline.
Give your fish wide, curious eyes, sparkling with wonder as it swims through the enchanting depths.
31. Origami Fish

This fish looks like it’s made of folded paper, each crease carefully shown with bold outlines.
The shape is angular yet expressive, giving a handmade craft feel. It floats gently in space, allowing the form to shine.
Simple yet visually striking, it blends drawing with paper art aesthetics.
32. Kitesurfing Fish

A playful fish surfs the ocean on a mini board, holding a string attached to a flying kite.
The kite flutters high above the water’s surface while the fish makes a splash.
The wind lifts the kite, and bubbles swirl below. It’s a creative and sporty idea that’s full of movement and fun.
33. VR Gamer Fish

Imagine a tech-savvy fish, sleek and stylish, diving deep into a digital ocean.
With a hefty VR headset perched over its curious eyes, it explores a vibrant virtual realm.
Floating holograms dance around it, alive with game icons and digital sea creatures.
It could be racing through coral canyons or solving puzzles in underwater caves. This scene is a delightful fusion of futuristic flair and aquatic adventure!
34. Steampunk Fish

This fish has mechanical fins, gears instead of scales, and steam-pipe gills.
The steampunk design includes brass textures and bold rivets. Add goggles and bolts to complete the theme.
It’s a creative fusion of technology and marine life, full of detail and retro flair.
35. Fish with Balloons

Draw a fish floating through water or sky with several balloons attached to its body.
Each balloon can be a simple round shape with bold outlines.
The fish should look excited or amazed. Add bubbles around to show upward movement. It’s a great uplifting design, literally!
36. Fish at the Beach

Imagine a fish out of water enjoying sunbathing. Draw it on a towel, wearing sunglasses, with a small drink beside it.
Add a sun umbrella and some shell details around.
The contrast between the beach and a fish makes it both funny and adorable. Use thick outlines to make each element stand out.
37. Artist Fish

Your fish is a true Picasso! Imagine it wielding a brush in one fin, a vibrant palette in the other. Let it make a symphony of colorful bubbles.
They may charm hearts or twinkle like stars. Capture its focused, proud expression as it immerses in its watery masterpiece.
And don’t forget that tiny beret it’s the perfect finishing touch! Use bold strokes for all accessories and bubble outlines, making every detail pop!
38. Fish on a Swing

Imagine a whimsical fish swinging on seaweed ropes, with a shell seat. Picture it suspended from an arch of coral or elegant sea plants.
This cheerful fish beams with laughter, radiating pure joy. Add lively motion lines and a flurry of bubbles for that energetic touch.
Use bold, playful strokes to evoke the vibrant strength of the swing.
39. Yogi Fish

Imagine a serene underwater yogi, blissfully in tune with the sea. Illustrate a fish, cross-finned and floating, eyes blissfully closed.
Nestle it on a simplified lotus pad or a gentle ripple pattern. Surround it with bubbles that whisper tranquillity, and sparkles that dance like sunlight.
Use thick, smooth lines to enhance its peaceful aura and create a harmonious atmosphere throughout.
40. Fish Blowing a Dandelion

Imagine your fish grasping a dandelion in one fin, cheeks puffed. It softly releases seeds into the water.
They become tiny bubbles or sparkling stars. Emphasize thick lines for the stem and give it round, dreamy eyes.
This enchanting concept weaves nature with aquatic allure seamlessly.