The Sea and Little Fishes is a short story by Terry Pratchett, written in 1998.

It is set in his Discworld universe, and features Lancre witches Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg.

The story established a basis for various elements of the novel A Hat Full of Sky, but is not required to understand that novel.

It is revealed in later stories, most specifically the Tiffany Aching series, that this is because Granny has made it clear that she does not approve of Lettice Earwig's methods, and admitting that a rival is correct "at the time of her own choosing" is the greatest and most calculated insult Granny can possibly deliver to another witch, essentially having agreed with Lettice Earwig's own unwitting 'admission' that she cannot beat Granny.

It is based on the "ancient phrase" The big sea does not care which way the little fishes swim, which Pratchett made up at some point before the story, and finally used in Night Watch.