Is it possible to attack underwater?

In Skyrim, my character is an Argonian and I swim a lot and I keep getting attacked by slaughterfish underwater. I don't appear to be able to use my weapons or magic while underwater.

Is there anything in the game that would let me kill those stupid fish while I am underwater with them?

They don't ever kill me but they are annoying and should be murdered like ever other creature I find the in wilderness!

Solution 1:

@RavenDreamer is correct. You cannot perform any attack underwater without a mod / using a console command. Your best efforts would be to do what Raven Dreamer said, lure them to shallow water and then attack them.

For underwater abilities: There are potions that allow you to breathe longer underwater and you can also catch fish / harvest ingredients while underwater.

Solution 2:

@yx has the right idea. A flame cloak is an awesome way to deal with slaughterfish. They do indeed work underwater, and will kill a slaughterfish in about 1.5 seconds.

Solution 3:

Good ideas all around here. My preferred method is shooting in Fireballs from the shore. It's like fishing with dynamite.