Why is this French fish taking over your FYP?

This weird little guy is making waves on TikTok.
By
Chance Townsend
 on 
an orange fish named steve
Credit: Vigz / Mashable composition

I’m a firm believer that the internet runs on two things: catchy beats and weird little guys. This week’s weird little guy? A French fish with arms, legs, and undeniable star power.

Le Poisson Steve, a chiptune earworm by French musician Tomo, found its way into virality through an animated clip by illustrator Vigz. The concept is delightfully minimal. Steve is a fish. He is orange. He has arms and legs. That’s the whole thing — and it works.

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The language barrier doesn’t matter. Even with a handful of French, the song’s appeal cuts through. Steve’s pixelated strut and absurd confidence have already sparked a tidal wave of fan art and edits.

Steve the Fish now belongs to the internet — another funky little guy for the digital canon. Plus, there's a longer version of the song you can listen to on Spotify.

Headshot of a Black man
Chance Townsend
Assistant Editor, General Assignments

Currently residing in Chicago, Illinois, Chance Townsend is the General Assignments Editor at Mashable covering tech, video games, dating apps, digital culture, and whatever else comes his way. He has a Master's in Journalism from the University of North Texas and is a proud orange cat father. His writing has also appeared in PC Mag and Mother Jones.

In his free time, he cooks, loves to sleep, and finds great enjoyment in Detroit sports.


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