Seafood is any edible animal that comes from the sea or other bodies of water. This includes fish like salmon and tuna, but also shellfish like shrimp, crabs, lobsters, clams, and oysters. Some people consider freshwater creatures like catfish and crawfish to be seafood too, even though they come from rivers and lakes rather than the ocean.

Different cultures around the world have developed distinctive ways of preparing seafood. Japanese cuisine features raw fish in sushi and sashimi. New England is famous for clam chowder and lobster rolls. Coastal communities in Louisiana serve jambalaya packed with shrimp and crawfish. In many places, people go to seafood restaurants that specialize in these dishes, often featuring the freshest catch brought in by local fishing boats.

When someone says they don't eat seafood, they usually mean all fish and shellfish, whether from salt water or fresh water. Some people avoid seafood due to allergies, especially to shellfish, while others simply don't enjoy the taste or texture.