What is the fastest fish in the world?
Have you ever wondered what the fastest fish in the world is?
Among the countless species of fish, there are some particularly powerful and frightening ones, whose strength and speed have fascinated and terrified human beings for centuries.
In this article, we will discover which are the 5 fastest fish in all the seas, starting from the sailfish, the undisputed champion capable of even exceeding 110 km per hour. In short, this fish would even be capable of overtaking you on the highway!
What is the fastest fish in the world?
1. The sailfish
With its 110 km per hour, the sailfish is the fastest fish , undisputed ruler of the oceans. Scientifically named Istiophorus Platypterus , the sailfish inhabits the waters of the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic oceans, but can also be found in the southern Mediterranean .
Its name recalls the shape of its dorsal fin , whose length can reach up to one and a half metres. Overall, sailfish can reach a length of over three meters.
Did you know that it is said that the sailfish changes its color based on its mood ?
2. The Mako Shark
The runner-up in the fastest fish competition is the Mako shark , also known as the oxyrin and scientifically as Isurus oxyrinchus .
The Mako shark mainly inhabits tropical and subtropical waters, but has already made some appearances in the Mediterranean Sea.
Its tapered body immediately transmits power and speed. And with its reputation as a highly feared predator , unpredictable and powerful, as well as its speed of 96 kilometers per hour (and beyond), appearances are not deceiving!
You have probably already seen this shark at the cinema: Fiocco in Finding Nemo and the feared shark in Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece Jaws.
3. The Blue Marlin
The third step of the podium is occupied by the Blue Marlin, an elegant swimmer that exceeds 80 kilometers per hour .
The Marlin, belonging to the Istiophoridae family , is often confused with the swordfish due to the similarities between the two species.
Marlin meat is delicious, although less common on the market than its cousin, the swordfish.
This majestic ocean inhabitant can reach considerable dimensions, with a maximum length approaching 6 meters and a weight approaching 900 kilograms.
4. Bluefin tuna
Continuing our list, we meet the bluefin tuna , or Thunnus thynnus. Known for his exceptional agility and strength , facilitated by a sinuous and muscular body, his speed exceeds 80 km/h.
Also known as bluefin tuna , bluefin tuna is more than 3 meters long and its weight can reach 735 kg.
It prefers tropical, subtropical and temperate waters and takes refuge away from cold ocean currents. Coasts rarely see its presence, as it only approaches at certain times of the year, making its sighting a special event.
5. Swordfish
Finally, we conclude the list with the well-known swordfish , scientifically Xiphias gladius, which takes the 5th step of our podium.
The largest among bony fish , whose length even exceeds 4.5 meters , this imposing inhabitant of the deep is capable of reaching 75 kilometers per hour , showing off an extraordinary speed that ensures it fifth place among the inhabitants of the oceans .
Swordfish populate the waters of the Mediterranean , especially due to its predilection for moderate temperatures. One of the main characteristics of this fish, in addition to the delicious taste of its meat, is the shape of its jaw. It is precisely the jaw that gives the fish its name, as its flat, sharp and elongated shape resembles that of a sword.
