Dreaming of fish: what can it mean? (14 possible meanings)

Dreaming of fish is a fairly recurring type of dream and frequent for many, which, depending on the dream (the color of the fish, its size, its location ...), can have very different meanings.

From the dream world many references have been made to this aquatic animal and, believe or not in the meaning of the dreams, it may be interesting for you to know their various meanings and what this animal full of symbology.

• It may interest you: "Dreaming that you cry: what does it mean and what does it tell us about your personality?"

The symbology of the fish

The fish has a symbolism and a prominent meaning in the world of Christianity and in the life of Jesus Christ. Thus, since Christianity the fish symbolizes faith and the triumph of divinity. That is why you have surely seen this image a lot in churches and places of worship.

In the dream world, fish also have a relevant symbolism. Even before Christianity, in the oldest civilizations and cultures, fish were given a special value, and they related this animal to knowledge and wisdom. Even in some civilizations, for many fish were sacred animals.

On the other hand, the image of the fish is also related to the fact of swimming against the current, that is, with the fight against conformity and the rules.

Dreaming of fish: what can it mean?

But what can it mean to dream of fish? We turn to the dream interpretation book of Muhammad Ibn Sirin, a Muslim mystic and dream interpreter, who lived during the 8th century, and other authors and books throughout the article.

For its part, Muhammad Ibn Sirin attributes to dreams of fish a meaning of material goods and financial opportunities, especially for those who dream fish.

This interpreter of dreams also relates the fact of dreaming of a single fish (or two) with one or two women (each fish symbolizes a woman in our life). More specifically, Ibn Sirin relates the meat of fresh fish (including its fat and scales) with material goods and profits.

Beyond dreaming of fish, we find a multitude of different dreams with this aquatic animal as protagonist... we are going to know the meanings that have been attributed to each type of dream in concrete:

1. Big fish

Regarding the shape of the fish, dreaming of big fish is related to the fact that you can be in a vital moment where circumstances imply that you make an important decision.

If, in addition, in the dream you feel intimidated by the size of the fish (or fish), this is related to a possible feeling of inferiority.

2. Giant fish

If the fish are not only big, but they are gigantic, its dream meaning is related to the arrival of relevant changes in life. The size of the fish is proportional to the importance of these changes (the bigger, the more important).

3. Small fish

If, on the other hand, the fish are small in the dream (it may be that you swim among them, that you move the water where they swim, etc.), it means just the opposite; that you feel capable and empowered to face challenges and obstacles of life. Small fish have also been linked to a feeling of sadness.

4. Colorful fish

And as for the color? What does it mean to dream of goldfish? Its meaning has been linked to some kind of imminent danger. This is due to the fact that colorful and very colorful fish are often poisonous (in "real life").

5. Gold fish

Dreaming of goldfish bodes very well. In the dream world this dream is related to riches that are to come, in the material and spiritual sense. In the world of symbolism, the gold fish means "enlightenment", "light" or "awakening of divine consciousness"

6. Black fishes

Dreaming of black fish is related to obstacles and difficulties that you will have to face soon. Remember that the color black symbolizes violence, death and mystery, but also elegance.

7. A lot of fishes

Regarding the quantity, if you dream of many fish (fish in abundance), this type of dream is related to the great bond that the dreamer has with his friends, family, co-workers... and even within the community.

This dream is also related to good news that is yet to come, or even that is already present in the life of the dreamer.

8. Fish out of water

Dreaming of fish out of the water is related to a certain neglect that the dreamer is having with their daily obligations, which translates into a kind of signal or reminder for it.

9. Catch fish

Dreaming of fish that are also fished (that is, in the dream the dreamer fishes), is a subconscious sample of the energy available.

If in the dream you fail in fishing, this is related to failure, and the need to try new things to get what you want.

10. Dead and alive fish

If dead and living fish are mixed in the dream, its dream meaning is related to leaving behind both good and bad things for oneself.

11. Fish in the sea

Dreaming of fish swimming in the sea has a dream meaning related to freedom, purity, the strength of the sea and hope. This dream can herald the arrival of moments of peace in your life.

12. Fish in the fishbowl

On the contrary, it may be that the fish that appear in your dream are inside a fish tank. This dream is related to good moments that will come to your life, not of great relevance, and fleeting, but positive.

Another dream meaning that is related to this dream is the search for one's own sexual orientation.

13. Fish in dirty water

If the fish in your dream are swimming in dirty water, this type of dream is related to feelings of dissatisfaction, unhappiness and uncertainty in your current life, which you should review.

Beyond dreaming of fish in dirty water, dreams where dirty water appears are mostly related to emotional issues.

14. Dead fish

Dreaming of dead fish (for example that float on the surface of the water), is related to something that is interfering with your well-being, and that you should discover.

On the other hand, in the dream world, dreams of dead fish have also been related to feelings of loneliness, grief and bitterness.

Bibliographic references

• Altman, J. (2016). 1,001 dreams. Editorial Ilus Book. Spain.

• Parra, A. (2008). Dreams How to interpret your messages. Editorial Kier. Infinite channel collection.

• Perrin, M. (1990). Anthropology and sleep experiences. ABYA-YALA editions. 500 years collection.

• Sirin, M.I. (2008). The book of the interpretation of dreams. Editorial Sirio, S.A. Spain.