Play El Fish Online

El Fish is a simulation game released in 1993 for the MS-DOS platform. Developed by AnimaTek International, Inc. and published by Maxis Software Inc., the software functions as a virtual aquarium and fish breeding simulator.

In the game, the user manages a digital aquarium environment. The primary activities involve catching various tropical fish, breeding them to produce new specimens, and guiding their evolution through genetic algorithms. These algorithms determine the visual appearance and swimming movements of each fish, as well as the forms of plants, background scenery, and aquarium gravel. Players can design their aquarium layout and populate it with their uniquely generated aquatic life.

Progression is centered on experimenting with genetic combinations to discover new fish varieties, including mutated forms. The game also includes a feature to generate background music, offering a selection of eight different musical styles to accompany the aquarium. The experience is open-ended, with the user observing the behavior and interactions of their created ecosystem within the customized tank.