Fish Nails Are The Cutest Trend To Swim Into This Summer

By Allison Kong on 21 Jul 2025

Writes about all things beauty, fashion, lifestyle, and entertainment. When she’s not writing, she’s probably lost in a daydream.

If you haven’t heard, Sardine Girl Summer is everywhere, and it’s swimming into nail salons now. First came the sardine tin bags, fishy socks, and quirky printed totes. Now, the trend has taken an unexpected turn with fish nails popping up all over social media.

@edensaucedo Fishing lure nails!!🧡🩵💙🩷🤍 @Brooke #nailsoftiktok #nailart #nailideas #nailinspo #detailedart #nailtech #gelxnails #fishinglurenails #fishnails #fishnailsdesign #colorfulnails #summernails #beachnails #fish #ocean #vacationnails ♬ hospital beach - Cottonwood Firing Squad

These nail looks are surprisingly pretty, playful, and perfect for anyone who wants to try something different. Think shimmery fins, glittery scales, cute little eyes, and even hyper-realistic koi that look like they’re swimming on your nails.

If you’re ready to reel in this trend, here are 6 fun and trendy fish-inspired manicures that’ll have your nails looking fin-tastic.

Iridescent Fish

Photo from @decobeauty via Instagram

These nails have a nude base with colourful fish details that look both realistic and fun. The shimmery holographic accents remind us of fish fins and shiny scales. It’s simple, cute, and just the right amount of fishy.
Under-the-Sea Bling

Photo from @nails_by_mollyy via Instagram

This playful set has each nail in a different glittery colour, with pops of pink to keep it playful. Add cheeky little fish eyes near the tips, then throw in some stripes and polka dots to make it feel like a party under the sea!
Pastel Guppy Doodles

Photo from @fullsetsbyspens via Instagram

This one's perfect if you love soft, pastel colours. Hand-drawn guppy designs are outlined with glitter details to mimic fins and scales. It’s fun, cartoonish, and looks like it came straight out of a cute sketchbook.
Bubblegum Aquarium

Photo from @mynailgirlness via Instagram

Start with a pink glazed pearlescent base that gives off a soft, shimmery glow. Add two or three cute, colourful fish on a few nails to keep it playful but not too much. Leave the rest plain to let the shine do the talking.
3D Koi on Canvas

Photo from Pinterest

Inspired by Japanese koi ponds, this set features super detailed koi fish with a 3D effect. Some nails even have water ripple swirls or mini pearls to mimic bubbles. It’s calm, elegant, and so pretty up close.
Tiny Fish Illusion

Photo from @betina_goldstein via Instagram

This style is for the bold. It uses hyper-realistic 3D fish designs on a nude-toned base to match your skin. The look is so real it might make people do a double take.