11 Fastest Fish in the World, Some Can Swim 128 Km per Hour

JAKARTA – Cheetahs may be proud to be the fastest animals on land, but it’s a different story in the ocean. The row of fish below will amaze anyone. Why not, their swimming speed is truly extraordinary, some are even able to reach speeds of 128 km per hour.

Many people are curious about why fish are able to swim so fast. The secret is in the fish’s slender body shape. In addition, fish that are able to swim fast usually have pointed snouts and wide tails and locomotion that is able to maneuver through open spaces with minimal resistance.

Immediately, here is a list of the fastest fish in the world as reported by HowStuffWorks, Thursday (28/3/2024):

1. Sailfish

It is called a sailfish because it has a dorsal fin that resembles a sail. The sailfish is called one of the fastest fish in the world, a title it holds proudly thanks to its extraordinary adaptations and evolutionary prowess. In fact, sailfish are capable of touching a top speed of 68 mph (110 Km/h).

Sailfish live in the warm waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. This fish has a streamlined shape that symbolizes hydrodynamic efficiency. Its powerful muscles contracted rapidly, pushing through the water at a speed that exceeded the speed of the pursuit in a short time.

Unlike other species, sailfish have many fins arranged precisely along their slender body. The sail-like dorsal fin, along with the dorsal fin protruding from the back and the pectoral fins on the sides, provide the key to stability and maneuverability in swimming. The rear fins act as propulsion which makes it able to move quickly to lunge forward.

Beneath its sleek body, bony spines add to its structural integrity, allowing for eye-catching bursts of speed. Fins that resemble sails make movement minimally difficult and the developed fins function as self-protection from predator threats.

2. Swordfish

Diving into deeper waters, the swordfish emerges as one of the fastest fish in the world. The maximum speed of the Swordfish is approximately 60 mph (94 km/h).

Known for its iconic, elongated sword-like beak, this species cuts through the water with precision and agility. The swordfish’s large, powerful muscles enable rapid bursts that propel the fish forward, allowing it to navigate the water at breathtaking speed.

The swordfish can withstand extremely cold water temperatures due to the presence of a special organ located near its brain, known as the countercurrent heat exchange mechanism. This special organ actually heats the brain and eyes, allowing the Swordfish to think clearly even in cold water. Apart from that, it also makes it easier to stalk your prey.

3. Wahoo or Mackerel fish

In tropical and subtropical waters around the world, Wahoo is a name that reflects speed and agility. This fish is renowned for its ability to reach speeds that make it a formidable predator. The maximum speed of a wahoo is about 48 mph (77 km/h).

The wahoo’s streamlined, torpedo-shaped body is perfectly adapted to high-speed pursuits, allowing it to streak through the air with incredible acceleration. Their streamlined shape minimizes drag, allowing wahoo to slice through ocean currents while pursuing prey efficiently.

One of the interesting features of the wahoo is its sharp, serrated set, which is capable of slicing through its catch, usually small fish and squid, with ease.