many kinds of fish/fishes

[hirashin]

Dear native English speakers,
which phrase would be fine?

(a) We can find many kinds of fish in this lake.
(b) We can find many kinds of fishes in this lake.

In which case would you use "fishes" instead of "fish"?

Thanks in advance.
Hirashin

 

[diligentcircle]

I don't think I'd ever use "fishes" period. Some people use this word, especially children, but using "fish" plurally is more common overall.

But as to your question, yes, you can say "kinds of fishes". It's no different grammar-wise.

 

[hirashin]

Is it that you can say either (a) or (b)? Are both correct?

 

[OoTmaster]

Both are correct. Note that fishes is correct only when referring to multiple types of fish and not just for more than one of a fish of a single type.

 

[hirashin]

Thanks for the help, OoTmaster.