History of the TLD

.fish is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) introduced under ICANN’s New gTLD Program. It was delegated into the Domain Name System root zone on 21 February 2014 following application and approval processes. The domain was made available for general registration after standard launch phases including sunrise and general availability. The TLD was designed to provide an online namespace for entities connected to fish, fishing, aquaculture, marine products, and related interests.

Main Use and Industry Position

.fish is positioned as a descriptive and industry-aligned TLD for businesses, organisations, hobbyists, and individuals involved in the fishing industry, seafood supply, aquaculture, fishing tourism, aquatic conservation, aquarium hobby sectors, and other fish-related activities. It supports branding and niche identification for online presences with a maritime or piscatorial focus.

Comparison to Other TLDs

Compared to legacy TLDs such as .com or .net, .fish offers a niche, industry-specific extension that communicates the core theme of fish and fishing to audiences. It contrasts with broad generic TLDs by providing semantic relevance for specific sectors rather than generic use. Unlike highly restrictive sponsored TLDs, .fish is open for registration without eligibility limits, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Pros and Cons of the TLD

Pros

• Provides a clear and relevant namespace for fishing and fish-related projects

• Open registration without restrictive requirements

• Supports memorable and industry-aligned branding

Cons

• Lower general recognition compared with legacy extensions such as .com or .org

• Highly specialised niche which may limit broad commercial appeal

• Overall adoption remains small relative to major TLDs and many niche extensions

Registration Criteria

Registration of a .fish domain is open globally to any individual or organisation. There are no specific eligibility restrictions tied to industry or business licensing. Domains are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Summary

.fish is an active generic top-level domain created under ICANN’s New gTLD Program and operational since early 2014. It serves niche use cases related to fishing, seafood, aquaculture, marine hobbies, and associated industries, providing an expressive and industry-focused alternative to legacy and generic TLDs. With open registration and support for standard domain features, .fish enables entities of all sizes to establish a targeted online identity.