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Learn How to Draw A Fish –An Easy Guide

Here is a tutorial for learning how to draw a fish with simple step by step instructions.

The good news is we made this easy enough for even a young artist to draw.

Plus, you can use the same concepts to make several different types. 

Whether you want to sketch a cartoon fish, a cute fish, or even Little Nemo, just follow these instructions to create your favorite type! 

The easiest way to learn how to draw is to learn to see the shapes in each object. We can help you with that.

a completed drawing of a colored in fish

In fact we have already broken this cute fish down into shapes and divided it into steps for you to follow along easily.

So grab your favorite drawing paper and pencil and get ready to move on to the simple fish drawing.

Drawing Supplies You’ll Need

  • Piece of paper
  • Pencil
  • Pencil sharpener
  • Eraser

A helpful tip when learning to draw is to keep an eraser nearby in case you need to start again.

Also, you can use a pink or white eraser, but I recommend using white since a pink eraser can leave red marks or streaks. Be sure to keep extra paper within reach too, in case you want to start over.

If you’re interested in more tutorials, check out our guides on drawing a frog and a grasshopper.

Step by Step Tutorial For How to Draw A Fish

all the steps for drawing a fish with dotted lines marking each stage

Step 1. Draw the Head and Part of the Body Shape

dotted line circle showing first step of how to draw a fish head

First, let’s sketch a big circle in the middle of your paper. This circle is going to be the head of our fish.

It’s super easy and the first step to drawing your very own fish.

Step 2. Sketch the Back End of the Fish

dotted line showing next placement of shape

Next, we’re going to draw the back part of the fish.

Make a curvy line starting from the bottom of the circle (that’s the fish head) and connect it back to the top. It will look a bit like a soft triangle.

Then, gently erase the part of the circle on the left side. See? It’s starting to look like a fish!

Step 3. Add the Tail

dotted line showing back fin of fish

Now it’s time for the tail. Draw a half-moon shape at the end of the body. If the edges look a bit pointy, just round them off so it looks like a real fishtail.

Step 4. Draw the Fish’s Eye, Head, and Mouth

dotted lines showing eye and head details

Let’s give our fish a face. Draw a small circle for the eye on the top right side of the head.

Add a little curved line for the mouth and some rounded half-circles for the lips.

Isn’t it cool that adding these details makes it look much more fish-like?

Step 5. Don’t Forget the Pupil

detailed pupil lines

Inside the eye, draw a moon shape for the pupil. It will give your fish a lively look!

Step 6. Draw the Top Fin 

next step for drawing a fish top fin

Now, let’s draw the top fin (it’s called a dorsal fin). Start with a curvy line that goes up and down, connecting back to the body.

This fin helps the fish stay balanced in the water.

Step 7. Make the Shape for the Pectoral Fin

fish's bottom fin positionand shape in dotted lines

The pectoral fin is on the side and helps the fish move and steer. Draw it like a little rectangle sticking out from the belly.

Step 8. Add a Pelvic Fin

lower fin marked with dottend lines

The pelvic fin goes on the bottom and also helps with steering. Draw a pointed oval shape for this fin right under the fish’s belly.

Step 9. Provide Finishing Touches on the Fins

fully drawn line drawing of a fish

Let’s add some detail to those fins. Draw some parallel lines on the top fin and some thin lines on the tail to make them look real.

Extra Fun: Shading, Coloring, and Background

Once you’ve drawn your fish, you can make it even cooler. Try shading to make your fish look 3D. You can also color it in any way you like!

And why not draw a home for your fish? Some seaweed, rocks, or even bubbles will make it appear as if it’s under the sea. Maybe even draw some fish friends!

Bonus Activities If you enjoyed this, check out our ocean-themed activities like the I Spy ocean animals game, platypus and algae coloring pages for more fun!

This guide is all about having fun. Remember, every artist has their own unique style, so make your fish unique.

Don’t forget to Pin it for later!

How to Draw A Fish

How to draw a fish in a 8 steps with this simple drawing tutorial.

Active Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Difficulty Easy

Materials

  • Pencil
  • Eraser
  • Pencil Sharpener
  • Piece of Paper

Tools

  • Please see the full materials list above the tutorial for details.

Instructions

  1. Draw the Head of the Fish and Part of the Body Shape
  2. Draw the Back End of the Body
  3. Create the Tail Where It Meets The Dotted Lines
  4. Draw the Fish’s Eye, Head, and Mouth
  5. Add the Pupil For A Neat Detail
  6. Draw the Top Fin At The Back
  7. Make the Shape for the Pectoral Fin Below
  8. Draw a Pelvic Fin Toward The Front And Low
  9. Provide the Additional Details on the Fins

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