Fish are the life of water bodies. Just as land is home to so many creatures, water is home to fish.
Fish can’t survive out of the water and that is why a dream associated with seeing a fish out of water can have a lot of negative implications.
Dreams about fish out of water can signify stress, anxiety, personal problems, and vulnerability.
Dreaming about a Fish Out of Water – General Meaning and Symbolism
1. Stress and Anxiety
In general, if you see a fish out of water in your dreams, it can highlight the stress and anxiety build-up in your mind.
The sight of a fish out of water can be a sign that you, yourself, feel uncomfortable as if you’re in a situation that is stressful. Flipping around like the fish on the shore must be a very stressful feeling.
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2. Feeling Lonely
If you see a fish out of water in your dreams, it can mean that you feel detached and lonely in this world.
Just like the fish, you feel alone without your people, or your ‘school of fish’ who you should be with. You’re somewhere where you shouldn’t be.
3. Vulnerability
A dream about seeing a fish out of water can highlight your vulnerability.
Like a fish on shore, you may feel like you’re vulnerable because you can’t escape. You can’t do anything but sit and wait, hoping someone can come and save you.
Spiritually, the dream may be a subconscious sign that you need to find a way to be more self-sufficient and independent in your life.
See Also: Blue Koi Fish Spiritual Meaning
4. Warning Sign
Seeing a fish out of water in your dreams can be viewed as a warning sign. You could interpret it as a sign that something bad might happen at some time in the future.
I’m always cautious to interpret these dreams too strongly, so generally, if I reflect on a dream and decide that it is a warning sign, I’ll often just try to be cautious in the coming weeks and make sure I keep myself alert.
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5. Out of the Comfort Zone
Fish live in water and if you take them out of the water, they die. So, a dream about seeing a fish out of water can often happen when you’re out of your comfort zone.
This dream can be interpreted in many ways.
In one sense, it can help you understand that it’s not always good to go too far out of your comfort zone. Sometimes going too far means no way to come back.
On the other hand, it could mean that you’re feeling anxious about being out of your comfort zone, but that isn’t necessarily bad.
Therefore, sometimes it’s a good idea to think about whether it’s worthwhile in the long run to stay out of your comfort zone. You need to think about whether you want to persist and try to feel comfortable in your new situation, or retreat to a more comfortable situation.
See Also: Waterfall Symbolism
Specific Dreams About Fish out of Water
1. A Dream Where you See a Fish Out of Water
If you see a fish out of water in your dreams, then it can have negative meanings. Chances are that you are going through a rough phase in life and time and luck are not in your favor.
We all go through bad phases in life. Though some people face more trauma than others, you should understand that it is what makes you a stronger person in life.
No matter how tough the situation in your life is, do not lose hope and keep working to make your life better. This bad phase will soon go away and make you a stronger person.
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2. Putting the Fish Back in Water
If you dream about putting a fish back in the water, it can highlight your helping nature. Such a dream shows that you like to help people.
Helping other people in tough times is one of the best things you can do as a human. It gives you a sense of relief and also makes you feel good. Just never stop helping people.
3. Seeing a Small Fish Out of Water
Seeing a small fish out of water in your dreams can hint towards some upcoming small problems in your life. The size of the fish might be a sign of the size of the problem: it may just be small.
4. Seeing a Fish in Mud
If you see a fish covered in mud out of water in your dreams then it can be interpreted as a negative sign. It can hint towards some major problems coming your way soon.
With this warning sign, you must be prepared for some problems in life. They won’t come announcing, so make sure that you keep a track of everything.
5. Watching a Fish Out of Water
Watching a fish suffer out of water in your dreams can highlight the stage of helplessness in your life.
We all go through a stage in life where we feel helpless and it is one of the worst feelings ever. It feels like nothing could change in our lives and everything is worth nothing. However, in tough times, one must learn how to be patient. Empower yourself that you do not feel helpless again.
Also, sometimes it is important to understand that there is nothing you can do in certain situations and you may need to accept a new reality.
6. Seeing a Fish Out of Water
If you see a fish thrown out of the water by someone then this might be interpreted that you might get betrayed by someone close.
The sad thing about betrayal is that it always comes from someone close and at times when you least expect it. While you can’t control what other people do or think, you can definitely keep an eye on any potential red flags.
If you sense something is wrong, don’t hesitate to investigate.
See Also: Bubbles in Water Symbolism
What Does It Mean to See Fish Out of Water in Your Dreams?
If you dream about a fish out of the water, it mostly has negative meanings and symbolism. It can symbolize problems, bad times, helplessness, betrayal, etc.
Here are a few examples of possible interpretations (remembering none of them might be the right one!):
| Dream About a Fish Out of Water Symbolism | Potential Meaning or Interpretation | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Seeing a Fish Out of Water | It can mean that you might be going through a rough phase in life and things are not in your favor. |
| 2. | Putting the Fish Back in Water | It can mean that you have a helping nature and you help people in trouble. |
| 3. | Seeing a Small Fish Out of Water | You can expect some small problems in life. |
| 4. | Seeing a Fish in Mud Out of Water | There might be some problems in your life soon. |
| 5. | Watching a Fish Suffer Out of Water | It can signify the state of being helpless. |
| 6. | Seeing a Fish Thrown Out of Water | There is a chance that you will get betrayed by someone. |
Related Fish Symbolism
Conclusion
Since seeing a fish out of water in your dreams mostly has negative connotations, it is crucial that you carefully interpret the dream and then act accordingly. You can take the early signs as warnings and be extra cautious.
I’m Chris and I run this website – a resource about symbolism, metaphors, idioms, and a whole lot more! Thanks for dropping by.