Seafood Vocabulary in English: Full List and Examples

This guide provides a complete list of seafood vocabulary in English, including fish, mollusks, crustaceans, ocean plants, and common dishes. You will also find sample sentences and practical dialogues to help you use these words confidently in real conversations.

I. Complete Seafood Vocabulary List in English

Learning seafood vocabulary in English not only helps you describe what’s on your plate—it also enhances communication when dining out, traveling, working in restaurants, or taking English proficiency exams — explore English vocabulary by topics for more themed lists.

1. Types of ocean fish

PREP will reveal the names of various types of seafood in English - a complete list of ocean fish is provided in the table below. Practice them quickly!

2. Mollusks

The English vocabulary for mollusks includes octopus, jellyfish, clams, mussels, snails, etc., which are detailed in the table below:

3. Crustaceans

Let’s update your English vocabulary for seafood with the crustaceans listed in the table below to communicate more fluently!

4. Ocean plants

Let's update some English vocabulary for seafood regarding ocean plants in the table below!

5. Aquatic animals

Below is a list of English vocabulary for various types of aquatic animals that PREP has compiled - take a look!

6. Seafood dishes

Let’s take a look at the English vocabulary for dishes made with seafood in the table below!

II. Sample conversations about seafood in English

To use seafood vocabulary confidently, it’s important to see how these words work in real-life situations. Below are practical sample conversations and expressions you can use at restaurants, in hospitality jobs, or during food-related speaking exams.

Common Sentences for Ordering Seafood at Restaurants

When ordering seafood in English-speaking countries, these phrases are commonly used:

• “What kinds of fresh fish do you have today?”

• “I’d like the grilled salmon with lemon butter, please.”

• “Can I substitute the side dish with a salad?”

• “Is this fish farm-raised or wild-caught?”

• “Do you have any seafood specials today?”

• “I have a shellfish allergy. Are there any safe options for me?”

You can pair them with places vocabulary when describing locations or menus.

Phrases for Hospitality and F&B Professionals

If you work in the food service or hospitality industry, these phrases will help you communicate with guests more confidently:

• “Today’s seafood special is butter-poached lobster with garlic sauce.”

• “Would you prefer it grilled, steamed, or fried?”

• “May I recommend the shrimp cocktail as an appetizer?”

• “This dish contains shellfish—are you allergic to anything?”

• “The seafood is delivered fresh daily from the local harbor.”

• “This oyster is served raw on the half shell with lemon and hot sauce.”

Short Dialogues for Practice

Dialogue 1: At the Restaurant

Customer: Hi, what seafood dishes do you recommend?
Server: The grilled sea bass is quite popular—and very flavorful.
Customer: Sounds good. I’ll have that, and a glass of white wine.
Server: Excellent choice. It comes with roasted vegetables on the side.

Dialogue 2: In the Kitchen (Chef conversation)

Manager: We’re out of jumbo shrimp. Can we use tiger prawns instead?
Chef: Yes, but the flavor is slightly stronger. I’ll update the order slip.
Manager: Great. Also, prep the oysters—they’re part of tonight’s tasting menu.

Dialogue 3: Practicing for Speaking Exam

Examiner: What’s your favorite kind of seafood?
Candidate: I really enjoy grilled squid. It’s chewy, savory, and goes well with rice.
Examiner: Do people in your country eat seafood often?
Candidate: Yes, especially in coastal regions. Fish and prawns are very common.

• Practice through guided english conversation examples.

PREP has shared all the seafood vocabulary in English. Hopefully, this article serves as a useful vocabulary guide to help you conquer seafood vocabulary in English. Good luck!