Why are new prison inmates called fish?

It is most probably linked to the earlier use of the term starfish to describe a homosexual in a prison which has connotations with the anus. A fish is a term that was originally sexual in nature and was akin to saying here's some new action. An inmate ceases to be a fish when a new sexual label can be pronounced for him.

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Well consider fresh fish the new inmates who have a nice fresh butt for all the old inmates to rape and make their bit*hes

Sad but true.

I think that the "fresh" part is the operative word. "Fresh fish" is something that a vendor would yell on the seashore when trying to peddle his catch to passers by. It indicates new and relatively untouched, unmolested, and otherwise green inmates that are "fresh" for corruption, rape, or other such prison activities.

Because they wander around , afraid to invade someones "space" .

Kinda like the way a fish just swims around aimlessly , in a bowl.(their prison)

edit :

WOW !! Are you guys just making everything up , or just the answer to this one. Sheesh !

You know you don't have to answer the ones you don't know.

God forbid I actually get to use my imprisonment and knowledge attained to get 10 lousy points on yahoo.

I'm reformed , if it matters to anyone.

I'm not really sure but I sure know that 'they' the fish or fresh fish are bound to get 'played' and 'eaten up' by the cats,esp the big one?Most probably the term,fish.

same reason a freshman in a high school is called a fish. They are new.

because it's an expression that there being hooked and into jail and away from freedom,

i really don't know this answer sorry but i will check for u and get back to you as soon as i get it