Grzimeks Student Animal Life Resource: Fishes offers readers comprehensive and easy-to-use information on Earths Fishes. Entries are arranged by taxonomy, the science through which living things are classified into related groups. Each entry includes sections on physical characteristics; geographic range; habitat; diet; behavior and reproduction; fishes and people; and conservation status. Family entries are followed by one or more species accounts and a range map and photo or illustration for each species. Entries conclude with a list of books, periodicals, and Web sites that may be used for further research.

The volume of Grzimeks Student Animal Life Resource: Fishes includes a pronunciation guide for scientific names, a glossary, an overview of fishes, a list of species in the set by biome, a list of species by geographic location, and an index. The set has nearly 250 full-color maps, photos, and illustrations to enliven the text, and sidebars provide additional facts and related information.