By Abby Deen 

Move over, Pisces, because you’re no longer the only astrological sign connected to fishes! Recent studies by fish ecologists have found links between the native and non-native fishes of California and astrological sun signs. The characteristics of the twelve zodiac signs align perfectly with those of particular inland fishes, measured through comparisons between celestial patterns and catch data. 

Ecologists analyzed catch data from research projects based in the San Francisco Estuary (SFE) alongside solar cycles to see how these two unlikely fields could be connected. More research is still needed to develop links between fishes and other zodiac placements, such as moon or ascendent signs, and to broaden study areas to other habitats and fish species. Here are some inland fishes of California and their recently uncovered zodiac sign counterparts – which one are you? 

Aries: Sacramento pikeminnow

Sacramento pikeminnow and Aries share the instinct to roam. Pikeminnow match the ambition and impulsivity of the zodiac Aries. They strike fast as opportunistic predators and swim against the current, but always manage to keep up. Much like Aries, who seem to always know the hot gossip and find out the inner workings of any situation. 

Taurus: Common carp

Common carp are the bulls of the estuary. As benthic fish, they are grounded, have a calm energy about them (once caught), and are stubborn (when being caught). Their zodiac twin, Taurus, also stays grounded as they are patient and dependable. Carp stir nutrients in the water, and Tauruses are hard to stir from the couch. 

Gemini: Sacramento perch

Sacramento perch are arguably the most adaptable fishes that once inhabited the SFE. These fish, extirpated from their native range, now live in habitats ranging from backyard ponds to reservoirs – just like Gemini, who change their motives on a whim. This versatile zodiac can adjust to the most obscure situations while donning a smile. Similar to Sacramento perch, who have been put through the ringer, Geminis know how to keep swimming. 

Cancer: Tule perch

Tule perches are the zodiac sister of Cancer. Tule perches demonstrate a sense of responsibility through viviparity, giving live birth to their baby fish. Cancers relate to viviparity as innate nurtures and often put themselves in an older sibling role. However, their intense care for others can manifest in possessive ways. Tule perches avoid this obstacle by providing no parental care. Cancers love emerging ideas, using strong intuition to weed out the bad from the good, and tule perches love emergent vegetation.

Leo: Coho salmon

Coho salmon are cosmically connected to Leos. As the stars of the show, they live for attention. Coho salmon reside in shallow, clear water where they can be seen and admired, while Leos stay in the spotlight of life. Salmon are extremely dedicated to their persistence as semelparous reproducers; their dramatic journey upstream to spawn is nothing short of remarkable. They have loyalty to their migrational cohort, just as Leos stay true to their pack. 

Virgo: Golden shiner

Golden shiners are tied to Virgos. They exhibit the practicality of Virgos through organized rearing schemes, laying eggs in the nests of larger fishes for protection. They put their brains to good use, taking advantage of schooling for protection. Virgos are also known for their smarts, as they can’t resist correcting mistakes made by others. Golden shiners school in the day but disperse into open water at sunset, similar to how Virgos enjoy socializing but only to an extent. 

Libra: Sacramento sucker

Sacramento suckers are gorgeous fish that do their part to contribute to a healthy aquatic ecosystem as algae and detritus eaters. They maintain balance while executing their role in the system. As benthic feeders, suckers avoid conflicts in the pelagic habitat. Likewise, Libras prefer peace over confrontation, and often take the high road. Unlike Sacramento suckers, they don’t go low. 

Scorpio: steelhead

Steelheads are very elusive fishes. They share intrigue and mystery with their zodiac partner, Scorpio. Residing in deeper water and notoriously hard to catch, steelhead remain unseen to the common angler. Both come and go as they please, whether it’s to and from their natal waters or just in life. Known for being hard to pin down, these two creatures are extremely strong willed, so if you start something with them, be prepared to finish it! 

Sagittarius: striped bass

Striped bass are big personalities that can swim with the flow, embodying the similarly nomadic Sagittarius. Striped bass school but aren’t afraid to venture off alone. Both stripers and sagittariuses have power in social settings, but value their independence. Striped bass are ambush predators, much like Sagittarius whose jovial, free-spirited nature will surprise you. But unlike stripers, sagittariuses won’t ambush you. You’ll always hear them before you see them. 

Capricorn: Mississippi silverside

Mississippi silversides are now abundant in the San Francisco Estuary; these fish know what they want and how to get it. Their adaptability allows them ton compete with native fishes in the SFE and live well. Their determination resonates with the ambition and drive of Capricorn. Capricorns tend to live a linear lifestyle, much like the Mississippi silverside, who play an important role in the food web as prey for larger, piscivorous fishes. 

Aquarius: Bluegill

Bluegills are entangled with Aquarians. They share rebellious and intellectual qualities. Male bluegills exhibit these behaviors as they protect their nests or raid others. Aquarians often have Aquarius relatives, and bluegills are colony spawners too. But don’t be fooled, their social behaviors make bluegill susceptible to anglers, demonstrating a vulnerability that Aquarians hate to admit that they have.  

Pisces: Delta smelt

Delta smelt are the fish on everyone’s minds; funders and scientists alike. This extremely sensitive fish is represented by none other than the zodiac empath, Pisces. Pisces and Delta Smelt often seek refuge, whether it’s from high temperatures or reality, preferring to stick to their own school. Pisces can be put in hard situations due to their caring instincts, much like Delta smelt who have been rapidly declining ever since they started sharing their waters with us.

This interrelationship between astrology and ecology connects humans and fish once again. Offering a new lens through which both the natural world and celestial forces of birthright can forge a union. Through this discovery, astrology could become an important component in understanding certain dynamics of various fishes, such as behavioral changes based on moon phase or inter-species interactions. Future studies need to delve deeper into the potential links between other astrological placements and other fishes across different habitats. Until then, we can focus on and enjoy these stellar San Francisco Estuary fishes.

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Abby Deen is a new researcher but long-time zodiac enthusiast. She is particularly interested in the fishes found in the SFE and co-leads a long term monitoring project in the North Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.