How to draw a fish - a free fish drawing guide
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Learn to draw a fish step by step using simple shapes, add scales, fins, shading, and color to create a finished illustration. Download the PDF for complete instructions.

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Photos of fish drawing examples

Drawing example 1
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Drawing example 6

Step-by-step guide to draw a fish

What you need
Black marker, coloring materials such as crayons markers or colored pencils, eraser, paper, pencil

Step 1

Draw a large horizontal oval in the middle of the paper for the fish body.

Step 2

Draw a forked tail shape like a wide V at the right end of the oval.

Step 3

Draw a small circle near the front of the oval for the eye.

Step 4

Draw a short curved line under the eye for the mouth.

Step 5

Draw a rounded triangle on top of the oval for the top fin.

Step 6

Draw a rounded triangle below the oval for the bottom fin.

Step 7

Fill the body with rows of overlapping half-circle shapes to make scales.

Step 8

Draw thin lines from the base to the tips inside the fins and tail for texture.

Step 9

Shade the bottom edge of the fish lightly with your pencil to add depth.

Step 10

Trace your final pencil lines with the black marker to make the drawing stand out.

Step 11

Erase any leftover pencil marks carefully.

Step 12

Color your fish with bright colors using your coloring materials.

Step 13

Share your finished fish drawing on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use if we don't have a black marker or specific coloring materials?

If you don't have a black marker to 'Trace your final pencil lines with the black marker,' use a dark ballpoint or fine-tip gel pen or a black crayon, and substitute watercolor or colored pencils if you lack markers for 'Color your fish with bright colors using your coloring materials.'

What should we do if the scales or tail don't look right while drawing?

If the 'rows of overlapping half-circle shapes' for scales look uneven, lightly draw horizontal guide lines first and keep strokes consistent, and if the 'forked tail' or marker tracing smudges, let ink dry fully before you 'Erase any leftover pencil marks carefully.'

How can I adapt this fish drawing for different ages and skill levels?

For younger kids simplify by drawing just the 'large horizontal oval' and a basic 'forked tail' and use finger paints to fill it, while older kids can add many detailed 'rows of overlapping half-circle shapes,' thin fin lines, and the pencil 'Shade the bottom edge of the fish lightly with your pencil.'

How can we extend or personalize the finished fish drawing?

To personalize and extend the activity, add unique patterns to the 'scales,' use mixed media like glitter or tissue paper over the 'rows of overlapping half-circle shapes,' draw a watery background with bubbles, and then 'Share your finished fish drawing on DIY.org.'

Watch videos on how to draw a fish

How To Draw A cute Fish Step By Step|Drawing Picture Of A Cute Fish For Kids

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Facts about drawing for kids

✏️ Most fish body shapes can be simplified into basic shapes like ovals, triangles, and circles — a great trick for step-by-step drawing.

🐠 Fish scales grow in overlapping rows, so drawing curved, staggered lines creates a realistic scale pattern.

🌊 Light behaves differently underwater, so using softer, blended shading helps make a fish look shiny and three-dimensional.

🎨 Many fish use bright colors and patterns for camouflage or to attract mates — perfect for experimenting with color palettes.

🐟 There are about 34,000 known species of fish — that means endless fish designs to draw!

How do I teach my child to draw a fish step by step?

Start with simple shapes: draw an oval for the body and a triangle or fan shape for the tail. Add a circle for the eye and gently sketch fins with curved lines. Draw rows of overlapping U-shaped marks for scales, refine outlines, then erase guide lines. Add shading with light pencil strokes or hatching to show volume, and finish by coloring. Download the PDF for full step-by-step images and practice pages.

What materials do I need to draw a fish with my child?

You’ll need basic art supplies: drawing paper or a sketchbook, a pencil, a soft eraser, and a sharpener. For finishing: fine-liner or marker to outline, colored pencils, crayons, or washable markers. Optional: watercolors, brushes, a cup of water and scrap paper for testing colors. Choose non-toxic, age-appropriate supplies and keep an extra sheet for practice. The downloadable PDF lists recommended supplies and alternatives.

What ages is learning to draw a fish suitable for?

Drawing a fish can be adapted for many ages: preschoolers (4–6) can trace and combine simple shapes with help; early school-age kids (7–9) can add scales, simple shading and color; older children (10–12+) can practice proportions, texture and realistic shading. Toddlers may need one-on-one help and thicker crayons. Supervise younger children and adjust complexity—PDF includes levelled steps for different ages.

What are the benefits of drawing a fish and any easy variations?

Drawing a fish boosts fine motor control, observation, pattern recognition and creativity. It helps children learn shapes, sequencing and light/shade basics while building confidence. Variations: turn the fish into a cartoon character, draw a school of fish with repeated patterns, try watercolor washes for a soft look, or create a collage using cut colored paper. The PDF offers variation ideas and prompts to extend the activity.

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How to draw a fish