How to get and use tropical fish in Minecraft in 2022

When it comes to Minecraft’s prettiest aquatic monsters, tropical fish take the crown. These lesser known mobs are beautiful to look at as they come in many different sizes and colors.

In a single world, there are no less than 2700 tropical fish variants that spawn naturally in multiple ocean biomes. Not only are they nice to look at, but they can also be used by gamers for multiple purposes.

As players explore the ocean, they will notice different types of ocean biomes based on the color of the water. This will help players find and obtain tropical fish. Remember that the method of obtaining these fish will result in different uses.


Ways to get and use tropical fish in Minecraft (2022)

Where to find them

Tropical fish can also be found in Minecraft's new Mangrove Swamp biome (Image via Mojang)
Tropical fish can also be found in Minecraft’s new Mangrove Swamp biome (Image via Mojang)

First, players must find these fish in a world. They spawn in the Mangroves, Warm Oceans, Deep Warm Oceans, Warm Oceans, and Lush Caves biomes.

Tropical fish usually spawn in groups of eight. Players can find warm and hot ocean biomes by observing the light blue or aqua color of the water. They are the most common generation near coral reefs in warm oceans.


Ways to get and use tropical fish

When players find tropical fish, there are two ways to get them: as an item by killing them, or in a bucket of water. Depending on the capture method, their use will change.

As part

Tropical fish as an item can be used to feed wolves and trade with villagers in Minecraft (Image via Mojang)
Tropical fish as an item can be used to feed wolves and trade with villagers in Minecraft (Image via Mojang)

Usually new players first try to kill tropical fish like any other group of fish to get it as an item. When killed, they can also drop Bone Meal (Java Edition only) and Bone (Bedrock Edition only). Tropical fish as an item can be used to trade with villagers, feed a wolf, or eat as food.

The fish restores one point of hunger for wolves and players. Additionally, an expert-level fishing villager will buy a single fish for one emerald (Bedrock Edition) or six tropical fish for one emerald (Java Edition).


In a bucket of water

These mobs can also be caught with a bucket of water (Image via Mojang)
These mobs can also be caught with a bucket of water (Image via Mojang)

If players want live tropical fish from the ocean, they will need to capture them from a bucket of water. A bucket can only catch one fish. After picking up a fish, the water bucket item becomes “Tropical Fish Bucket”. This can be used to attract and breed Axolotls or simply to transfer fish from one location to another.

Axolotls can breed using a bucket of tropical fish in Minecraft (Image via Mojang)
Axolotls can breed using a bucket of tropical fish in Minecraft (Image via Mojang)

After Update 1.17, the Tropical Fish Bucket finally received a use purpose after the release of Axolotls. Players should always remember that Axolotls will not spawn with a tropical fish as an item.


For detailed guides, walkthroughs, tips and more, check out Minecraft Wiki

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