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.
