Stardew Valley: Best Fish to Keep & Why

Embarking on a digital farming adventure in Stardew Valley often involves making strategic decisions about which creatures to keep and breed. Fish, in particular, play a significant role in the game's economy and can provide valuable resources for crafting and cooking. But with so many species to choose from, it can be challenging to decide which fish to keep and breed. This guide will help you understand the benefits of each fish species and provide tips on which ones to prioritize in your Stardew Valley farm.

Before we dive into the specifics, it's essential to understand that fish in Stardew Valley can be caught, purchased, or obtained through other means like fishing tournaments or quests. Some fish are more challenging to catch than others, and certain species are only available during specific seasons or weather conditions. Knowing this will help you make informed decisions about which fish to focus on.

Fish for Profit

If you're looking to maximize your profits, certain fish species are more valuable than others. These fish can be sold for a high price at the Carpenter's Shop or used to create high-value items through cooking and crafting.

One of the most profitable fish in Stardew Valley is the Mutant Carp. This rare fish can be sold for a whopping 2,500g, making it an excellent choice for farmers looking to make a quick profit. However, catching a Mutant Carp requires a lot of patience and luck, as it only appears randomly in the Sewers during the night.

Mutant Carp

The Mutant Carp is a giant, grotesque fish that is worth a small fortune. To catch one, you'll need to explore the Sewers at night and use a Fishing Rod with a high quality rating. Keep in mind that Mutant Carp are rare, so be prepared for many failed attempts before you finally catch one.

Once you've caught a Mutant Carp, you can sell it immediately for a massive profit or use it to create the Mutant Carp Soup, which restores a significant amount of health and energy. However, be aware that eating Mutant Carp Soup has a chance of causing the "Mutant" buff, which can have negative effects on your character.

Shad

Another profitable fish to consider is the Shad. This small, silver fish is relatively common and can be caught in various bodies of water throughout Stardew Valley. Shad are worth 120g each, making them an excellent choice for farmers looking to make a steady income.

To maximize your profits from Shad, consider breeding them in your farm's pond. You can obtain Shad eggs from the Old Mariner's shop or by catching them yourself and using them to breed more Shad. By breeding Shad, you can create a consistent supply of this valuable fish and sell them for a tidy profit.

Fish for Crafting and Cooking

While some fish are primarily valuable for their monetary worth, others are more useful for their role in crafting and cooking recipes. These fish can be used to create a variety of items, from tools and furniture to delicious meals that grant unique buffs.

One fish that is particularly useful for crafting is the Pufferfish. This small, spiky fish can be used to create the Iron/Gold/Crystal Dishes, which are essential for displaying items in your farmhouse. Pufferfish can be caught in the ocean or obtained from the Old Mariner's shop.

Pufferfish

The Pufferfish is a small, spiky fish that can be used to create various dishes and items. To catch a Pufferfish, you'll need to fish in the ocean using a Fishing Rod with a high quality rating. Alternatively, you can purchase Pufferfish from the Old Mariner's shop for 250g each.

Pufferfish can be used to create the Iron/Gold/Crystal Dishes, which are essential for displaying items in your farmhouse. Additionally, Pufferfish can be cooked to create the Pufferfish Meal, which grants the "Full" buff and restores a significant amount of health.

Crayfish

The Crayfish is another fish that is useful for crafting and cooking. This small, red creature can be caught in the sewers or obtained from the Old Mariner's shop. Crayfish are used to create the Crayfish Platter, which grants the "Loved" buff and increases your friendship with your spouse if given to them.

To catch a Crayfish, you'll need to explore the Sewers and use a Fishing Rod with a high quality rating. Alternatively, you can purchase Crayfish from the Old Mariner's shop for 100g each. Once you have a Crayfish, you can use it to create the Crayfish Platter by combining it with a Truffle Oil and a Salad.

In Stardew Valley, the fish you choose to keep and breed ultimately depends on your personal goals and playstyle. Whether you're looking to maximize your profits, create valuable items, or simply enjoy the fishing minigame, understanding the benefits of each fish species is essential for making the most of your digital farming adventure. So grab your Fishing Rod and start exploring the waters of Stardew Valley – who knows what treasures you might find?