ShellFish
ShellFish is an SSH and SFTP client for Mac that lets you connect to remote servers, run terminal sessions, and work with remote files in Finder.
What is ShellFish?
ShellFish is a Mac SSH and SFTP client for connecting to remote servers, opening terminal sessions, and browsing remote files. It is designed for people who manage servers, development environments, or remote systems and want both command-line access and file access in one app. On Mac, ShellFish can expose remote server directories in Finder so you can open, edit, move, and manage files with familiar workflows. It also supports automation tasks such as running commands and file operations through Shortcuts, which can help with deployment, backups, and repeatable admin work. The app includes support for modern SSH authentication options, including public keys and security-focused credential workflows, and it can keep server information synced across Apple devices through iCloud features.
Key features
- Connect to remote servers with SSH for interactive terminal access.
- Browse and manage remote files over SFTP in Finder.
- Open and edit remote files in place with Mac apps.
- Run file and server actions through Shortcuts automation.
- Use public keys, security keys, and other advanced SSH authentication methods.
- Keep server configurations and snippets synced across Apple devices.
- Mark remote folders for offline access when needed.
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Safety overview
Status: Mostly safe
ShellFish is a legitimate remote-access app whose permissions and network activity are consistent with its purpose. Because it can connect to servers, transfer files, and store connection details, treat it like any SSH client: protect saved credentials, review which servers are configured, and confirm you trust any remote host you connect to. If you use iCloud syncing, server settings and related data may sync across your Apple devices.
Recommendation: Keep ShellFish if you use it for SSH, SFTP, remote file access, or server automation on your Mac. If you no longer connect to remote systems, you can remove it to clear saved connections and local app data; doing so may also remove offline files and Finder-based access to your servers.
Common paths
/Applications/ShellFish.app
Cache paths
~/Library/Caches/com.appliedphasor.secure-shellfish
Support paths
~/Library/Application Support/com.appliedphasor.secure-shellfish
Preference paths
~/Library/Preferences/com.appliedphasor.secure-shellfish.plist
Container paths
~/Library/Containers/com.appliedphasor.secure-shellfish
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