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The fastest fish in the world is the black marlin, which can reach speeds of almost 130 kilometers per hour. The five fastest fish species are all predatory fish. The mako shark is also included in the ranking.
The fastest fish in the world: 1st and 2nd place
According to Statista, the fastest fish in the world are the black marlin, the fanfish, the striped marlin, the wahoo, and the mako shark.
- With a speed of almost 130 kilometers per hour, the black marlin (Makaira indica) could easily take to the highway – despite weighing around 650 kilograms and measuring up to 4 meters in length. This species, which belongs to the spearfish family, is the fastest fish in the world.
- These animals live in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. They feed on crabs, squid, and other fish such as tuna.
- In second place, with a top speed of 100 to 110 kilometers per hour, is the sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus). These animals have a large first dorsal fin that they can unfold like a sail, which is how they got their name. The fin is deployed when swimming fast.
- The species is found almost globally in subtropical and tropical waters. It grows to a length of about 3 meters and can weigh up to 100 kilograms. The animals feed on crustaceans, smaller fish, and squid.
Places 3 to 5 in the ranking of the fastest fish
The striped marlin (Kajikia audax) can swim at speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour, earning it third place in the ranking. Like the number one on the list, it belongs to the spearfish family.
The species is considered endangered, mainly due to fishing.
- The animals grow to an average length of just under 3 meters, with some females reaching lengths of over 4 meters and weighing up to 440 kilograms. They live in subtropical waters, especially in the Indian Ocean, but can also migrate to tropical regions if temperatures allow. Their main food source is squid and other fish.
- Fourth place in the ranking goes to the wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri). With its torpedo-like body, it can reach speeds of up to 78 kilometers per hour, putting it just behind the striped marlin.
- These predatory fish grow to an average length of up to 1.70 meters, but some can exceed 2 meters. They can weigh up to 80 kilograms. They live in tropical and subtropical waters in the Indo-Pacific, the Atlantic, and the open sea, feeding on cephalopods and fish.
- Bringing up the rear in this list, but still impressive at 74 kilometers per hour (some sources cite only 50 kilometers per hour), is the shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus).
- This species, which belongs to the mackerel shark family, can grow up to 4 meters long and weigh half a ton. It feeds on various fish species such as tuna and swordfish. A special feature is that they are viviparous, meaning that their offspring are born without a yolk sac.
