---
title: "Is This Fish Kosher: Reading the Status and Filters"
description: "The kosher status on each fish page is a plain-language read of one rule: a fish is kosher only if it has both true fins and scales. That rule comes from Leviticus 11:9. KosherFish applies it the same way for…"
url: "https://kosherfish.co/help/what-the-kosher-status-means/"
updated: "2026-06-23"
category: Kosher Fish Basics
---

# Is This Fish Kosher: Reading the Status and Filters

The kosher status on each fish page is a plain-language read of one rule: a fish is kosher only if it has both true fins and scales. That rule comes from Leviticus 11:9. KosherFish applies it the same way for every species and cross-references widely accepted lists from the Orthodox Union and Chabad.

## Kosher

A green badge means the fish has true fins and scales that can be removed without tearing the skin. Salmon, tuna, cod, tilapia, and most fish you see at a regular counter are kosher.

## Not Kosher

A red badge means the fish fails the test. The page tells you why. Common reasons:

- **No scales.** Catfish, shark, and eel have skin instead of removable scales.
- **Wrong kind of scales.** Some species have scales that are fused to the skin and tear when removed, which do not count.
- **Not a fish at all.** Shellfish and other sea creatures fall outside the category entirely.

## A guide, not a ruling

Treat the status as a strong, well-sourced starting point. It is not a halachic ruling on your specific fish or how it was prepared. When in doubt, ask a trusted rabbi.

## Filtering to kosher or not-kosher fish

You can narrow a search to only kosher fish or only non-kosher fish. This is handy when you want to browse what is safe to buy, or to double-check the fish to avoid.

### How the filter works

The kosher filter limits results to fish that pass the fins-and-scales test. The not-kosher filter shows the species that fail it, like catfish, shark, and eel. Combine a filter with a name search to answer a narrow question, such as "is any fish sold as bass non-kosher?"

### Reading the badge

- **Green "Kosher"** means the fish has true fins and scales and is permitted.
- **Red "Not Kosher"** means it fails at least one part of the test. The badge gives the specific reason, like "no scales."

### Why some "fish" never show as kosher

Shellfish, shrimp, lobster, crab, octopus, and squid are not fish in the kosher sense and never have scales, so they are never kosher. The same goes for catfish, shark, eel, and other smooth-skinned species.