Top 10 Fastest Swimming Fish in the World

Swordfish, also known as the broadbill, is a large migratory fish. Known for their agility and power, they are highly valued by sport fishing enthusiasts. These fish are named after their long, sword-like bills. Though they may resemble large billfish, they belong to a distinct classification and are not closely related to species like marlins or sailfish.

Swordfish are among the largest and most distinctive fish in the world. Both males and females have a dark top half that transitions into a lighter silver color on the lower two-thirds of the body. The dorsal fins and upper body are black, dark gray, or brown, while the underside gradually fades to a pale silver or white. Swordfish have no belly fins, and their large tails enable them to cut through the water at speeds of up to 94 km/h. These migratory and widely distributed fish can be found in temperate and tropical oceans across the globe.

Mahi Mahi, also known as dorado, which means “gold” in Spanish, refers to the golden hue that covers much of its body. This medium-sized fish belongs to the Coryphaenidae family. It thrives in tropical, subtropical, and temperate waters across the world's oceans, including the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. Known for its predatory nature, Mahi Mahi can reach speeds of up to 93 km/h. It relies on its speed and distinct appearance—long, high, and narrow body, blunt head, and sharp teeth—to capture a wide variety of prey, including small fish.

Mahi Mahi typically weigh around 14kg and can grow up to 1 meter long, and they are easily recognized by their striking colors. The sides of their bodies are mainly golden yellow, with iridescent blue pectoral fins. Some individuals also feature blue spots around their heads. Thanks to their brilliant coloration and unique shape, Mahi Mahi is not only visually captivating but also highly sought after for its delicious taste, making it a popular choice in global cuisines. These fish have large dorsal fins resembling sails and relatively large tails. Mahi Mahi grow quickly and have a relatively short lifespan, reaching a maximum age of about 5 years.

Striped Marlin is one of the most well-known predatory fish in the world, admired for its impressive size and powerful fighting abilities. It ranks among the fastest fish in the ocean, capable of reaching speeds up to 80 km/h (50 mph). Striped Marlin is primarily found in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. However, due to its migratory nature, large schools of these fish can be found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide. The average length of a Striped Marlin is 2.9 meters, with a weight exceeding 200kg.

With its distinctive appearance and long bill, the Striped Marlin is one of the easiest fish to recognize in the ocean. Compared to other marlins, its bill is slightly thinner and blunter, and it possesses numerous small teeth capable of easily slicing through its prey. The coloration of the Striped Marlin is similar to that of the blue marlin, featuring a dark blue stripe running from its bill to its tail, gradually fading into silver along its body. As an apex predator, the Striped Marlin plays a vital role in the marine ecosystem by helping to regulate smaller fish populations and maintain a balanced, healthy environment.

Wahoo, scientifically known as Acanthocybium solandri, is a highly sought-after predator found in tropical and subtropical seas across the globe. With its sleek body, remarkable speed, and powerful jaws, Wahoo has become a favorite among anglers and researchers alike. Originating from the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans, this species can be found in diverse habitats, ranging from coastal shores to offshore waters and even around distant oceanic islands.

One of the most striking features of the Wahoo is its streamlined body, which can grow up to an impressive 8 feet in length and reach speeds of 78 km/h, making it one of the fastest fish in the ocean. Its metallic blue back contrasts beautifully with the silver sides, and what truly sets it apart is its jaw full of sharp teeth, perfectly designed for capturing and tearing apart prey. Additionally, Wahoo has a crescent-shaped tail and a large dorsal fin that stretches nearly the entire length of its back.

Mako Shark, scientifically known as Isurus, is an incredibly agile species capable of swimming at speeds up to 77 km/h, making it one of the fastest fish in the ocean. Today, only two species of Mako sharks remain: the Longfin Mako and the Shortfin Mako. The largest of these, the Longfin Mako, can grow to about 4.5 meters in length and weigh around 170 kg. The Shortfin Mako is typically about half the size and weight of its longer counterpart.

The Mako Shark is easily recognized by its unique teeth, which are visible even when its mouth is closed. Positioned on both sides of the jaw, these teeth resemble scissors and are used to slice through prey before swallowing it whole. The shark’s rounded head and narrow, elongated snout, along with its triangular dorsal fin and crescent-shaped tail with a notch at the base, make it a distinctive predator. Mako sharks can range in color from brownish-gray to dark gray.

Famous for its hunting technique, Mako Shark lies in wait in bays and shallow inlets, ambushing prey by launching a surprise attack from below. Common prey includes bony fish, though Mako sharks have also been observed feeding on bird eggs, small turtles, and various other small creatures.

Pilot Whale is one of the fastest swimming mammals, capable of reaching speeds of up to 76 km/h. Known for their remarkable speed, Pilot Whales belong to the genus Globicephala, with two distinct species: the Longfin Pilot Whale (Globicephala melas) and the Shortfin Pilot Whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus). The Longfin variety prefers colder waters, while the Shortfin thrives in tropical and subtropical seas. These whales are among the largest members of the dolphin family, second only to the orca in size.

Pilot Whales can be found in oceans worldwide, but Longfin Pilot Whales tend to favor cooler waters. Their color is typically dark brown, gray, or black, often with light patches behind their eyes, on their belly, genital area, and chin, which form a distinctive anchor-shaped pattern. The dorsal fin of the Pilot Whale curves backward, and the Longfin Pilot Whale can grow up to 6.5 meters in length, with males reaching up to 7.5 meters. Females generally weigh around 1,300 kg, while males can reach 2,300 kg. Shortfin Pilot Whales are slightly smaller, with females measuring about 5.5 meters and males up to 7.2 meters in length.

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna is ranked as the 10th fastest swimming fish in the world, capable of reaching speeds of up to 70 km/h. This species belongs to the Scombridae family and is commonly referred to as the Northern Bluefin Tuna or Giant Bluefin Tuna. The Atlantic Bluefin Tuna is native to both the western and eastern Atlantic Ocean, as well as the Mediterranean Sea, though it is now extinct in the Black Sea. It is closely related to two other bluefin species: the Pacific Bluefin Tuna and the Southern Bluefin Tuna.

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna have a robust, torpedo-shaped body with a conical head and large mouth. They can reach a staggering weight of up to 680 kg, rivaling species like the Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, and Swordfish. Highly prized for its high-quality meat, the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna is particularly sought after in the Japanese market for sushi and sashimi, with medium to large-sized tunas being the most commonly used.

Black Marlin is a species that spends most of its life in warm, shallow waters, though it migrates thousands of miles annually. It is commonly found in tropical and subtropical seas, such as the Pacific and Indian Oceans. As a predatory fish, the Black Marlin has few natural enemies in the ocean. Also known as the Pacific Black Marlin, the silver marlin, and the shortbill spearfish, this species is one of the fastest swimmers, capable of reaching speeds of up to 129 km/h, earning it high regard among anglers worldwide.

The most distinctive feature of the Black Marlin is its upper jaw, which is shaped like a sharp sword that allows it to stun or kill prey. The lower jaw is similarly pointed but not as long. The Black Marlin’s massive dorsal fins are found on a body that typically weighs around 100 kg. Despite its name, the Black Marlin actually has a dark blue dorsal side and a white belly, with light blue stripes running along its body. The dorsal fin of the Black Marlin is the shortest among all marlin species.

With its distinctive sail-like dorsal fin, the Sailfish is easily recognizable and stands out among marine species. The sailfish is named after its enormous dorsal fin, which resembles a sail, helping it glide through the water. Scientists estimate that these fish can leap out of the water at speeds up to 68 miles per hour, as fast as a cheetah! Known for its aggression, the sailfish can put up a fierce fight when hooked.

As the second fastest fish in the ocean, the Sailfish can reach speeds of up to 110 km/h. These skilled hunters hold a dominant position in the ocean, as few creatures can outrun them. The sailfish’s dorsal side is dark blue, while its belly is white with brown spots. Most of its dorsal fins are dark blue, though the anal fin is typically white. Sailfish breed in warmer months off the coasts of North America and West Africa, and some oceanographers have noted year-round spawning in the Atlantic Ocean.

The Indo-Pacific Sailfish is a species native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans, found almost globally in tropical and subtropical waters. It grows up to 3.4 meters in length and weighs around 100 kg. These fish have long, streamlined bodies with an enormous dorsal fin that acts as a wave breaker, and a sharp, long bill. Their back is light blue, and their belly is white with small black spots scattered across their dorsal fin. The body of this species is designed for speed, with indented features on the dorsal and pectoral fins to reduce water resistance and grooves to stabilize their swimming trajectory.

The Indo-Pacific Sailfish swims at extremely high speeds just below the surface. After locating and chasing prey, they extend their sail-like fin to confuse the target before striking with their sharp bill. Their streamlined body allows them to retract their fins to reduce drag and stay stable in the water. Known for being the third fastest fish in the ocean, the Indo-Pacific Sailfish can reach speeds of up to 110 km/h. They primarily feed on schooling fish like sardines, anchovies, and mackerel.