Tropical Fish
passive
Health
Damage
XP Drop
Added InOverview
The Tropical Fish is a passive mob in Minecraft, which means it will never attack a player and simply goes about its own behaviour.
Tropical Fishes make their home in the Overworld, turning up in Lukewarm Ocean, Warm Ocean, Lush Caves, and Mangrove Swamp.
In practice you will recognise it quickly, because swims in schools of the same variant.
It carries 3 health points — 1.5 hearts — and yields 1–3 experience when it dies.
The Tropical Fish has been part of the game since version 1.13.
Also worth noting: 22 unique preset variants.
Even without combat or loot to speak of, the Tropical Fish adds character to the worlds it lives in and often plays a quiet supporting role in the wider ecosystem.
Spawning
In the wild, the Tropical Fish is generated in Lukewarm Ocean, Warm Ocean, Lush Caves, and Mangrove Swamp.
Because it appears across 4 different biome types, it is one of the easier mobs to track down — heading to any of them should turn one up before long.
Spawns in warm/lukewarm ocean water in groups of 8.
They tend to arrive in clusters of 8 rather than alone, so expect to meet more than one at a time.
Naturally spawned tropical fishes will despawn over time when no player is nearby; naming one with a name tag or leading it away on a lead keeps it permanent.
With no attack to worry about, the Tropical Fish is something you gather or farm rather than fight.
Drops
Killing a Tropical Fish produces the following loot:
Every kill yields 1 Tropical Fish (always, 100% chance).
On top of that, rarer rolls can give 1 Bone Meal (occasionally, 5% chance).
You also collect 1–3 experience for every Tropical Fish you defeat.
Tropical Fish from tropical fishes is renewable, so a small breeding setup keeps you supplied indefinitely.
Across many kills the guaranteed items pile up steadily while the chance-based extras trickle in, so consistent farming is the way to build a meaningful stockpile.
As a harmless mob, the Tropical Fish is best gathered opportunistically while you explore — there is no danger in collecting from it, so it rarely justifies a dedicated trip.
| Item | Count | Chance |
|---|---|---|
| Tropical Fish | 1 | 100% |
| Bone Meal | 1 | 5% |
Tropical Fish
Bone MealBehavior & Combat
In the field, swims in schools of the same variant. Flops on land. Can be picked up with a water bucket.
It is fragile, with only 3 health — a single diamond-sword strike (7 damage) is enough to kill it instantly.
Because it never attacks, you are in no danger from it directly; the Tropical Fish simply goes about its routine.
The Tropical Fish cannot be bred, so the only way to get more is to find them spawning naturally in their home biomes.
It is a water-dwelling creature and will suffocate if it ends up on dry land, so keeping it in water is essential if you want to transport or keep one.
Like other fish, you can scoop it up with a bucket of water to create a "bucket of tropical fish", letting you carry it home and release it into a tank or pond without it taking damage.
All told, the Tropical Fish is a low-risk part of the world that rewards patience more than aggression.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tropical Fish
How much health does a Tropical Fish have?
A Tropical Fish has 3 health points, which is 1.5 hearts on its health bar.
What does a Tropical Fish drop?
When killed, a Tropical Fish drops 1 Tropical Fish (100% chance) and 1 Bone Meal (5% chance), along with 1–3 experience.
Where do Tropical Fishes spawn in Minecraft?
Tropical Fishes spawn in Lukewarm Ocean, Warm Ocean, Lush Caves, and Mangrove Swamp. Spawns in warm/lukewarm ocean water in groups of 8.
Is the Tropical Fish dangerous?
No. The Tropical Fish is a passive mob that deals no damage and will never attack a player.
How much XP does a Tropical Fish drop?
A Tropical Fish drops 1 to 3 experience points when killed.
What biome is the best place to find Tropical Fishes?
Tropical Fishes are found in Lukewarm Ocean, Warm Ocean, Lush Caves, and Mangrove Swamp, so any of those biomes is a good place to start looking.