Why do we say Tuna fish? when serving Tuna.?

Question

We dont say trout fish or salmon fishWe know tuna is not a dog etc

Answer 1

You're right. "Tuna" alone would be entirely appropriate and sufficient. In certain species, the "fish" suffix is necessary, because the first half of their name would otherwise have another meaning: goldfish, catfish, swordfish, angelfish, clownfish, blowfish... But tuna? Ah, the oddities of the English language!
BTW, in England they say "tunny"... and "tunny fish". :-)

Answer 2

I say Tuna when ordering Tuna in a restaurant, but Tuna fish when making a sandwich from a can at home. Just a way to distinguish the differences in my mind.

Answer 3

We say Swordfish as well, try not to eat Tuna it is a very endangered species now and will be exticnct very soon at the present rate of fishing.

Answer 4

Hmmmm. When serving or ordering Tuna, I do not remember ever saying "Tuna Fish." In fact, I don't remember ever hearing anyone refer to Tuna as "Tuna Fish."

.

Answer 5

I don't eat fish at all but if I served it I would say tuna.

Answer 6

I always say "tuna fish"... never thought about it. I certaily don't say "grupper fish" or "bass fish". I suppose it has been the canning industry that has forced this way of saying on us.

I do say: "monk fish" though and come to think of it use the "fish" prefix for many other fish.

Answer 7

I never say "tuna fish"...Tuna is fine.

Maybe it's a regional thing?

Answer 8

I do say catfish and red fish though, I guess it depends on what kind of fish it is.

Answer 9

Hmmm. I never say that. But you are right, it's weird that some people do.

Answer 10

It is euphonious and it rolls off the tongue so nicely.