Fish species are found in abundance globally. That should not come as a surprise as over 70% of the planet is covered by water. From cod to halibut to sardine and even great whites, the aquatic creatures are found everywhere. Most humans use them mainly for food while others use them as pets or for research purposes.
What some others are not aware of is that fish are capable of reaching great speeds in water. The incredible speeds of fish have to do with survival. The immense speeds are used to either escape from a predator or deployed to fair use when chasing prey. Here is a piece on the top 10 fastest fish:
- Black Marlin: This is the champion of speed in the fish world. The black marlin (Istiompax indica) is capable of reaching a top speed of 129 km/h. it is a marlin species that primarily inhabit the tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
- Sailfish (Istiophorus): This calls the waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans home, and it can reach a swimming speed of anything from 100km/h to 110 km/h.
- Striped Marlin: Here is another speedy type of marlin. The striped marlin (Kajikia audax) is found in abundance in temperate and tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is said to be able to achieve a top speed range of anything between 60 km/hr to 80km/hr. Marlins are generally known and appreciated for their incredible speeds.
- Wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri): Wahoo is distributed worldwide and can be found wherever you can find sub-tropical and tropical waters. A speed range of 60 to 78km/h has been recorded for this swift fish.
- Mako Shark: The scientific name for the Mako shark is Isurus oxyrinchus, and it lives in the temperate and tropical oceans of the world. It is capable of speeding up to 74 km/h.
- Atlantic Bluefin Tuna: The Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is found primarily in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean’s eastern and western flanks. It appears on this list as it can swim at speeds up to 60 or 70 kilometers in one hour.
- Blue Shark: The distribution of the blue shark (Prionace glauca) is across the tropical and temperate oceans. It has a swimming speed range of between 59k km/h and 69 km/h.
- Bonefish: Bonefish (Albula vulpes) are found in tropical waters all over the world. It can whizz across at a speed range of 60 to 69 km/h – still very impressive.
- Swordfish: It will be a surprise if the swordfish (Xiphias gladius) is not found on this list. This is because it has a body that has been designed for speed. Its hydrodynamic features are excellent. It is found in temperate and tropical sections of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. It can achieve as much as 55 to 64 km/h.
- Flying Fish: This fish has dazzled many with its ability to leap out of the water and fly like a bird. Many do not even know about the flying fish (Atheriniformes) because it is not just about flight alone but also about speed, which explains why it has a spot on this list. The flying fish is found in the subtropical waters of the Pacific and Atlantic.
However, it should be clarified that flying fish live in all the oceans of the world. Their body structure gives them unique aerodynamic and hydrodynamic advantages. They can swim with speeds of up to 56 km/h, but that is in water. When the flying fish leaps into the air, it can fly at speeds well over 70km/hr.
