How to Draw a Fish Step by Step
Here are all 15 steps at a glance. Save or print this chart, then follow the detailed steps below.
Step 1: Draw the Body Curve
Start with a big curve that looks like the letter C. Make it nice and round, and leave the right side open for now. This will be the front of your fish.
Step 2: Close the Body and Add the Head Line
Close the shape on the right with a soft point, so the body looks like a lemon. The pointy end is where the tail will go. Then draw a curved line near the front to separate the head from the body.
Step 3: Add the Lips
On the left edge of the head, draw small, smiling lips. A little curve that pokes out of the body gives your fish a happy face.
Step 4: Draw the Eye
Draw a circle for the eye, then a smaller circle inside it for the pupil. Leave a tiny white dot in the pupil. This “shine” makes the eye look bright and alive.
Step 5: Add the Top Fin
On top of the body, draw a wavy fin with three bumps. This is called the dorsal fin. It helps a real fish stay upright in the water.
Step 6: Draw the Tail
At the pointy end of the body, draw a wide tail shaped like the letter V. Make sure the tail touches the body so it doesn’t float away.
Step 7: Add Tail Lines
Draw curved lines inside the tail. Start each line near the body and let them spread out like a fan toward the edge of the tail.
Step 8: Draw the Side Fin
Just behind the head line, draw a small fin in the middle of the body. This side fin is called the pectoral fin. Fish use it to steer and stop.
Step 9: Add Side Fin Lines
Draw three or four short lines inside the side fin, following its shape.
Step 10: Draw the Bottom Fin
Under the belly, draw a small, rounded fin. Keep it smaller than the top fin.
Step 11: Add Bottom Fin Lines
Draw a few short lines inside the bottom fin, just like you did for the side fin.
Step 12: Add Top Fin Lines
Now draw lines inside the top fin. Let them follow the bumps so the fin looks soft and wavy.
Step 13: Draw the Scales
This is the fun part! Starting just behind the head line, draw rows of small curved U shapes across the body. Overlap each row a little, like roof tiles. Leave the head without scales.
Step 14: Add Bubbles and Texture
Draw a few bubbles of different sizes in front of the fish’s mouth. Then add tiny dashes inside some of the scales for extra texture.
Step 15: Trace with a Marker
Go over your final lines with a black marker or pen. Let the ink dry for a minute, then gently erase any pencil lines. Your fish is ready to color!
How to Color Your Fish
Fish come in almost every color, so there’s no wrong choice. Here are three ideas to get you started:
- Goldfish: Bright orange body, yellow fins and tail, and a lighter yellow belly.
- Tropical fish: Bright blue body, yellow fins, and a few black stripes across the scales.
- Rainbow fish: Color each row of scales a different color: red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple.
Coloring tips:
- Color the belly a little lighter than the back. Real fish look like this too.
- Use light blue around the bubbles to make them look like water.
- Leave the white shine dot in the eye uncolored.
Common Mistakes and Tips
- The body is too long and thin. Keep it round, like a lemon. A round body looks cuter.
- The tail floats away from the body. Always start the tail right at the pointy end of the body.
- The scales cover the head. Start the scales behind the head line, so the face stays clear.
- Pressing too hard with the pencil. Sketch lightly, then use a marker for the final lines.
- All the fins are the same size. Make the top fin and tail the biggest, and the side and bottom fins smaller.
- Coloring over the eye shine. Leave that tiny white dot uncolored to keep the eye bright.
Fun Ideas for Your Fish Drawing
Once you know how to draw a fish, try these:
- Underwater scene: Add seaweed, rocks, sand and a few smaller fish around your drawing.
- School of fish: Draw three or four fish of different sizes swimming in the same direction.
- Fish bowl: Draw a big round bowl around your fish and add a few pebbles at the bottom.
- Greeting card: Fold a paper in half and draw your fish on the front for a birthday or thank-you card.
- Make it your own: Try spots or stripes instead of scales, or give your fish a tiny hat.
More Ocean Animals to Draw
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FAQ
How do you draw a fish easily for kids?
Start with a C-shaped curve, close it into a lemon shape, then add an eye, a tail and fins. Kids can skip the scales and fin lines for a super easy version in just 8 steps.
What shape is a fish body?
A cartoon fish body is shaped like a lemon or an egg with one pointy end. The tail attaches to the pointy end.
How do you draw fish scales?
Draw rows of small curved U shapes, starting just behind the head. Overlap each row slightly, like roof tiles.
How many fins does a fish have?
Most fish have five kinds of fins: the top (dorsal) fin, the tail fin, the side (pectoral) fins, and two kinds of bottom fins. In a simple drawing you only need the top fin, tail, one side fin and one bottom fin.
What colors should I use for my fish?
Anything you like! Goldfish are orange and yellow, tropical fish are bright blue and yellow, and a rainbow fish uses every color.
How long does it take to draw a fish?
About 10 to 15 minutes for the full version, plus time for coloring.
What age is this tutorial for?
The full 15-step version suits ages 6 and up. Children aged 4–5 can follow the super easy version with a grown-up.
Can I print this tutorial?
Yes. Download the free step-by-step sheet, coloring page and tracing page from the printables section above.