Bullet Head Fish in Subnautica 2: Where to Find & Catch
You can find and catch Bullet Head Fish in the Kelp Caves and the Twisty Bridges biome, usually near the seabed or inside rock crevices. They are small, fast prey fish that you catch by swimming close and using the standard interact button (E on PC, A on Xbox, X on PlayStation) — no fishing rod or trap is needed.
What Are Bullet Head Fish?
Bullet Head Fish are a small edible fish species introduced in Subnautica 2 (early access). They have a distinctive bullet-shaped head and a slender body, with a pale blue-green color that helps them blend into the kelp. They are one of the first food sources available to players, along with the common Hoopfish and the rarer Spinner Fish. In the game’s lore, they are a low-tier protein source, often used in early-game cooking recipes or eaten raw for a small hunger boost.
Where to Find Bullet Head Fish
Bullet Head Fish are most commonly found in two biomes:
- Kelp Caves – The dense kelp forests and their cave systems are the primary habitat. Look for them swimming in small groups near the sandy floor or among the kelp stalks.
- Twisty Bridges – The rock arch formations and the shallow water around them also host Bullet Head Fish, especially in areas with moderate plant life.
They are less common in the Grassy Plateaus and the Safe Shallows, but can occasionally appear there if you stray close to kelp clusters. They tend to stay within 10–20 meters of the surface, so you rarely need to dive deep to find them.
How to Catch Bullet Head Fish
Catching Bullet Head Fish is straightforward once you know their behavior:
- Approach slowly – They are skittish and will dart away if you swim too fast or make sudden movements.
- Position yourself – Try to approach from above or behind, as they mostly flee forward.
- Press the interact button – When you are within about 1 meter, the prompt appears. Press E (PC), A (Xbox), or X (PlayStation) to grab the fish.
- Store it – The fish goes into your inventory as a raw item. You can eat it raw or cook it later.
You can also use the Propulsion Cannon to suck them up from a distance, but this is overkill and risks damaging the fish if you fling it into a wall. The standard hand-catch method is more reliable and doesn’t waste battery.
Why Catch Bullet Head Fish?
The main reason to catch Bullet Head Fish is for food. They restore about 18 units of hunger when eaten raw, which is slightly less than a Hoopfish (20) but more than a Peeper (12). Cooking them on a Campfire or in a Fabricator increases the hunger restoration to 25, making them a decent early-game meal. They are also used in the recipe for the Bullet Head Fish Fillet, which is a simple cooked dish that gives +10 health and +25 hunger.
Beyond food, they are sometimes needed for crafting the Fish Trap (if you want to automate catching them) or as a low-tier biofuel for the Bioreactor. Their eggs can be collected and hatched in an Alien Containment unit, allowing you to farm them for a steady food supply.
Common Mistakes When Catching Them
Many players struggle with Bullet Head Fish because they try to chase them directly. These fish are faster than you in a straight line, so chasing is futile. Instead, try these tactics:
- Wait for them to stop moving – they often pause to nibble on kelp, giving you a window to approach.
- Use the environment – corner them against a rock wall or the seafloor.
- Don’t sprint-swim – the noise and speed alert them.
Another common mistake is confusing them with the similar-looking Spinner Fish, which are slightly larger and have a more rounded head. Spinner Fish are not edible and will cause a small electric shock if you grab them, so double-check before you lunge.
Bullet Head Fish vs. Other Early-Game Fish
To help you decide what to catch, here’s a quick comparison of the common early-game fish:
- Peeper – Small, easy to catch, restores 12 hunger raw. Found everywhere.
- Hoopfish – Slightly larger, restores 20 hunger raw. Found in kelp areas.
- Bullet Head Fish – Fast, moderate hunger (18 raw), good for cooking.
- Spinner Fish – Not edible, shocks you, avoid.
If you need a quick snack, Hoopfish are easier to catch because they are slower. But Bullet Head Fish are more abundant in the Kelp Caves, so if you’re already there, they are a reliable option.
Tips for Farming Bullet Head Fish
If you want a steady supply, consider setting up a small farming operation:
- Collect eggs – Bullet Head Fish eggs are found in the same biomes, often hidden in coral or under rocks. They look like small, translucent spheres with a blue tint.
- Build an Alien Containment unit – Place the eggs inside, and they will hatch into juvenile fish. They will grow and reproduce if you leave them alone.
- Harvest regularly – Once you have a breeding pair, you can take fish out as needed without depleting the wild population.
This is more efficient than repeatedly hunting, especially if you’re building a base in the Kelp Caves area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Bullet Head Fish only appear in Subnautica 2?
Yes, Bullet Head Fish are a new species added in Subnautica 2 (early access). They are not present in the original Subnautica or Subnautica: Below Zero.
Can I catch Bullet Head Fish with a net or trap?
Yes, you can place a Fish Trap in their habitat and bait it with a small piece of fish (like a Peeper). The trap will catch them automatically, but you have to check it regularly. The hand-catch method is faster for individual fish.
Are Bullet Head Fish dangerous?
No, they are completely harmless and will flee rather than attack. The only risk is accidentally grabbing a Spinner Fish, which gives a mild electric shock but no real damage.
What is the best way to cook Bullet Head Fish?
You can cook them on a Campfire (requires a Campfire tool and a piece of wood) or in a Fabricator using the Cooking recipe. The Fabricator version gives the same stats as the Campfire, but is more convenient if you have a base.
Why can’t I find Bullet Head Fish in the Safe Shallows?
They are not native to the Safe Shallows. They prefer the kelp-heavy environments of the Kelp Caves and Twisty Bridges. If you’re in the Safe Shallows, you’ll mostly find Peepers and Hoopfish instead.
Can I use Bullet Head Fish for anything other than food?
Yes, they can be used as biofuel in the Bioreactor (they provide a moderate amount of energy), and their eggs are useful for farming. They are not used in any advanced crafting recipes, so their primary value is as a food source.
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