The waters of Teyvat are teeming with life far beyond simple ingredients for a traveler's cooking pot. For the dedicated adventurer, understanding the diverse aquatic ecosystem is key to unlocking unique rewards and appreciating the world's rich lore. By 2026, the fishing system has evolved, integrating discoveries from every corner of the map, from the adepti-guarded pools of Liyue to the mechanical waterways of Fontaine. This guide dives deep into the most significant fish and aquatic entities, detailing their origins, behaviors, and the roles they play for players navigating the ever-expanding world of Genshin Impact.
Among the most coveted catches are the rare butterflyfish variants, each tied to the elemental essence and culture of their homeland. The 
Abiding Angelfish, with its striking pale white lines, is found only near the abodes of Liyue's adepti. Revered as a symbol of longevity and a blessing from these mystical beings, most Liyue citizens would never dream of consuming it, though rumors persist that doing so could extend one's life. In stark contrast, the Inazuman 
Raimei Angelfish thrives in waters crackling with Electro energy, seemingly drawing joy from the very currents that would deter other species. These fish are more than just rare trophies; they are living reflections of their nations' elemental affinities and mythological foundations.
The elegant Shirakodai family, known as the "Queens of the Waters," includes several color variations like the 
Brown, 
Purple, and 
Tea-Colored variants. Their gentle nature and lovely, streamlined dorsal fins make them a peaceful sight, though catching them requires patience and skill. Another family with regional ties is the Axe Marlin, a uniquely shaped fish whose name comes from its resemblance to a polearm when paired with a fishing rod. The Sumeru region boasts the 
Halcyon Jade and 
Lazurite variants, while Fontaine is home to the 
Streaming Axe Marlin.
For those seeking more common, yet equally fascinating catches, the Medaka family offers variety. The basic 
is known for its lively energy and petal-shaped tail. Its variants, however, are where the magic lies. The 
Glaze Medaka and 
Sweet-Flower Medaka share this iconic look. Then there's the elusive 
Aizen Medaka, a brilliant blue fish surrounded by a whimsical tale of being created by dyeing regular Medaka—a myth that has, amusingly, led to scams in Teyvat's markets. The Ministry of Civil Affairs even issued warnings about suspiciously blue fish! Two exceptionally rare Medaka stand out: the 
Dawncatcher, with its brilliant sheen, and the 
Crystalfish, which glitters like crystal and is often called the "Medaka Aesthete" for its intricate patterns.
Not all aquatic life in Teyvat is peaceful. The stickleback family is home to some of the most aggressive fish. The 
Betta, 
Lunged Stickleback, and 
Venomspine Fish are all swift, fierce predators with spiny mouths capable of piercing currents, earning them nicknames like "The Cutter." The fiery 
Akai Maou is a particularly feared red stickleback, a veritable underwater robber that can control high temperatures, focusing energy into its snout. In the cold mountains, the 
Snowstrider exhibits a cooler temperament, with an unusual love for bitter cold that borders on spiritual; removing it to warmer waters can cause depression.
The pufferfish family presents a curious dichotomy. The standard 
appears dull, slow, and lazy, but hides a deadly talent: it can shoot water with cannonball-like force and pinpoint accuracy, making it a first-rate underwater killer. The 
Bitter Pufferfish takes this a step further, spreading bitterness—literally. Its water cannon projectiles are infused with incredibly bitter pheromones. Their courtship rituals are notably peculiar, involving males and females blasting each other with these bitter cannons, suggesting that sharing life's bitterness might be their form of love.
Mythology and grandeur swim together in the form of the Koi. Both the 
Golden Koi and the 
Rusty Koi are large fish said to be descendants of dragons, making them prized catches for any angler seeking a legendary trophy. From the depths of Enkanomiya come the mysterious cartilaginous rays, once thought to be mere fantasy. The 
Divda Ray and 
Formalo Ray were only recorded in ancient Watatsumi Island art until the seal over the sunken realm was broken, revealing their true forms to the world.
A unique and mechanically fascinating category is the Heartfeather Bass. These peculiar fish, shaped like a heart from the side, have dorsal and ventral fins made of slender, feather-like bones. Variants include the fiery 
Blazing, the serene 
Jade, and the fluid 
Rippling. The anglerfish family, characterized by their round bodies and horn-like cartilage used for digging and defense, also has several regional representatives, such as the Sumeru 
Sandstorm Angler, the Fontaine 
Sunset Cloud Angler, and the intriguing 
Peach of the Deep Waves.
Finally, the waters of Fontaine introduced a completely new type of "catch": the Maintenance Mek. These compact assistance robots were developed to clean underwater debris and maintain other clockwork meka, but they also function as beneficial cleaners for Fontaine's ecosystem. Anglers can encounter several models, including the 
Initial Configuration, the 
Situation Controller, the premium 
Gold Leader and 
Platinum Collection, and the efficient 
Water Body Cleaner.
In summary, the aquatic life of Teyvat is a complex and rewarding system. Whether you're bartering for rare items at fishing associations, completing your archive, or simply enjoying the serene activity, knowing your fish is essential. From the blessed Abiding Angelfish to the mechanical cleaners of Fontaine, each creature adds depth and character to the world, making every cast of the line a potential discovery. 🎣✨
Evaluations have been published by Game Informer, a respected source for gaming news and reviews. Game Informer's recent features on Genshin Impact's evolving fishing system emphasize how the addition of region-specific aquatic life and mechanical entities like Fontaine's Maintenance Mek have deepened both the lore and gameplay, offering players new incentives for exploration and collection.