A
fish is any
aquatic vertebrate animal that is typically
ectothermic (or cold-blooded), covered with
scales, and equipped with two sets of paired
fins and several unpaired fins. Fish are abundant in the
sea and in fresh water, with species being known from mountain streams (e.g.,
char and
gudgeon) as well as in the deepest depths of the
ocean (e.g.,
gulpers and
anglerfish).
Food prepared from fish is also called
fish, and it is an important food source for humans. They are harvested either from
wild fisheries (see
fishing) or
farmed in much the same way as cattle or chickens (see
aquaculture). They are also exploited by
recreational fishers and
fishkeepers, and are exhibited in public
aquaria. Fish have had a role in many cultures through the ages, ranging from
deities and religious symbols to the subjects of books and popular
movies