The 5 fastest fish in the ocean

Fact vs. fiction

There is a wide range of data that classifies this fish as the fastest. Each account reports a different maximum speed for each type, making it difficult to understand all the information. It is important to remember that measuring these extreme speeds comes with many difficulties. Scientists take what they know about the limitations of biophysics and apply them to assess the maximum possible speed of the fish. In addition to this set of data, there are also first-hand reports – the wisdom of hunters and the lived experience – which makes it so that instead of a reliable single number, there is a range of reasonable maximum speeds for all these species.

5. Yellowfin tuna

Yellowfin tuna ranks fifth, swimming at speeds of 43 to 46 miles per hour. Although it is not unusual for this fish to swim so fast, yellowfin tuna uses its full hydrodynamic design in short intervals. As with the other species on the list, the economical use of space and muscle by the fish body makes it gain its status. Not only are they fast, but the yellowfin torpedo-shaped body is incredibly agile and maneuverable. The fins of this type rotate, allowing sharp turns and changes in direction during high speeds. These features make yellowfin tuna an excellent open-seas predator where they hunt their flocks, taking advantage of their short periods of overall speed to catch their prey – other pelagic fish and squid.

4. Wahoo

As the fourth fastest fish, the wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri) is a fast predator known for its speed and agility in the open ocean. This slender, streamlined creature can reach astonishing speeds of 48 to 50 mph – in part due to its deeply branched tails. The forked tail creates less resistance while swimming, giving the wahoo its continuous speed. All this speed pushes this fish to make it a more effective predator in ambushes. Wahoo surprises its prey, using bursts of speed to catch squid and other fish by surprise. Just like yellowfin tuna, wahoo lives in tropical and subtropical waters around the world and has a similar diet consisting mainly of fish and squid. Wahoo are isolated hunters, and tend to isolate themselves from other wahoos to increase their individual chances of success.

3. Black marlin

Black marlin (Istiompax indica) has a wide range of speeds, from low ratings of up to 22 mph to high emphasis on its speed of up to 82 mph. The minimum speeds come from a study looking at swimming speed limitations due to lumen or the creation of cavities in the surrounding water due to swimming power. The higher figure comes from the experience of a fisherman who pulled his fishing line at 120 miles per hour by fish, estimating that he had to walk at least 82 miles per hour to achieve such a feat. While this range is generous, somewhere there's the true speed of this fast species, which we average to be the third fastest fish at 52 mph.

2. Shortfin mako

The shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) is the second fastest fish and fastest shark species, reaching speeds of 60 miles per hour. While it usually sails at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, high-speed bursts have been reported making the species the penultimate position. Thanks to its torpedo-shaped body and long, thin tail, the shortfin mako makes its way through the water in search of its prey. As a major predator, shortfin mako targets some of the largest fish in the sea, including bluefish, tuna, other sharks, swordfish and even marine mammals. The average shortfin mako is 6 to 7 feet tall and weighs 130 to 300 pounds. However, larger specimens can be up to 13 feet long and have been caught weighing more than 1,300 pounds.

1. Sailfish

The sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) is the fastest fish on the planet. It is capable of reaching speeds of up to 68 miles per hour, and takes this type of hydrodynamics to the maximum level. Although the average speed of this species tends to be between 20 to 35 miles per hour, sailfish are capable of incredible bursts of speed when targeting fast prey – such as taamia fish and squid. What makes sailfish so fast?

• Long, slender bodies that penetrate water easily

• Massive dorsal fin or "sail" that folds down for an extra dash of speed

• A crescent-shaped tail acts as a fan, aiding in sudden acceleration

• Secrete oil from its beak allowing smoother movement through the water

This combination of features makes the sailfish not only fast, but also maneuverable. Along with this speed, sailfish grow to lengths ranging from 7 to 11 feet and weighing 120 to 220 pounds. Despite their length, these fish are incredibly compact and use their relatively light weight to make their way through the water. These fish are also known for their vibrant colors, which can change quickly when they are excited or caught. This change in color is used to confuse prey, making the sailfish, along with its dash of speed, an impossible predator to evade.