Although the origins of the names of individual fish species are often uncertain, the origin of the word fish itself is quite clear. Fish ultimately derives from an Indo-European word pronounced something like piskos. This word entered the Germanic family of languages as fiskaz, which became the Old English word fisc, which by the thirteenth century had been respelt as fish. The Indo-European piskos also worked its way into another language family: it became the Latin word for fish, piscis, the plural of which is Pisces, the name of the twelfth sign of the zodiac. The Latin piscis also exists in English as part of the word porpoise. This large sea mammal—in the Middle Ages a popular dish among British royalty who garnished it with tiny minnows—derives its name from the Latin porcus piscis, literally meaning pig fish.
There are numerous types of fish available, and the United States is fortunate to have access to a plentiful and diverse supply of fish. Fish is a valuable food source that provides important nutrients such as protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins and minerals. In recent years, the benefits of fish as a food source have become more widely recognized, leading to an increase in fish farming and aquaculture. This allows for greater control over the quality and quantity of the fish supply, and can help to ensure a sustainable and consistent source of fresh fish for consumers.