| Heavy metals such as As, Pb, Hg, Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn are usually toxic for the aquatic ecosystem. Exposure of heavy metals in the aquatic organisms is linked to the retardation of growth, lesions in liver and damages in kidney. They are also causing infertility in animals. Chronic exposure and excessive concentrations are also deleterious for the normal physiological functions of human. Consumption of fishes contaminated with toxic metals are neurotoxic and carcinogenic to blood, lungs, kidneys, bones, liver and other vital organs of human. The present review outlines the contamination of aquatic environment with heavy metals and their contagious effects on aquatic animals and their public health concerns.