Keep Dreaming Of Fish? Here Are 7 Different Things It Could Mean, From Dream Experts

Animal symbolism can show up in our everyday lives, as well as in our dreams. And if you've been dreaming about fish a lot lately, you might be wondering what it could be trying to tell you. So, we got the expert opinion from dream analysts—here's what they had to say.

She does believe that fish have often had religious or historical significance, thought to represent procreation and renewal, "But I think it's better to ask a person who dreams about fish what the specific nature of their dream-fish is and also what kinds of feelings they personally associate with fish."

According to Loewenberg, fish dreams are heavily associated with pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester, and/or if you're trying to conceive. She explains that the fish itself represents the fetus, and the water is the womb. Fish in this way are also associated with creation of any kind, including art or another creative project, she adds.

In some cases, you might dream of fish in a natural body of water. If you dream of a pet fish, such as a goldfish, Loewenberg notes it could symbolize a responsibility you have. If you dreamed that your pet fish was dying, for example, this could mean you feel like you're mishandling something you're meant to take care of. This is especially true if you're tending to a creative project, Loewenberg adds.

We've all heard the expression, "There are plenty of fish in the sea," and according to Loewenberg, fish dreams can represent something we're trying to "reel in," whether it's a relationship, a new job, or even a positive quality, like compassion or discipline. "So if you're going fishing, ask yourself what you're hoping to reel into your life—and what you've 'casted out,'" she explains.

If you're dreaming about schools of fish, Loewenberg notes this can relate to learning how to "go with the flow," so to speak, as well as literally "schooling" yourself in an area you might be slacking. You may have important learning to do, she explains, or alternatively, the school of fish can represent letting go of resistance and surrendering to life's ebbs and flows.

As aforementioned, fish are a popular spiritual symbol, particularly in Christianity. Loewenberg tells mbg that fish can represent faith, spirituality, and/or religion, and their health will often be indicative of how you're feeling in that area of your life. "You want to see lots of healthy, beautiful fish, as that means you're feeling fulfilled and have a lot of potential—in the romance department, in the creative department, or in the spiritual department," she adds.

In some cases, you may dream about a dangerous fish, like a piranha, and/or that a fish is attacking you. According to Loewenberg, the fish in this case may be connected to criticism or perceived criticism toward you. Someone in your real life may be coming at you with sharp biting remarks, "and the more the fish are biting at you, the more you're allowing this to eat away at you," she explains.

Lastly, Loewenberg says sometimes people report dreaming about fish that are out of water. And just like the play on words suggests, this dream can mean you feel like a "fish out of water." She explains that this dream is often about feeling out of your element—literally "floundering."

"And what especially were you thinking or saying to yourself in the dream when you're looking at or interacting with the fish? The thoughts you have in the dream will always apply to what waking life thoughts are currently in your life," she says.

Dreams can be slippery, not unlike a fish—difficult to grasp, but we try nonetheless. Fish are a common symbol that can show up in dreams for similar reasons—and only you can truly know what a dream is truly trying to tell you.