If you own freediving, jet or split fins, you may think that you’re quite the swimmer – and you might be – when comparing yourself to your fellow scuba divers. When comparing yourself to the speeds at which the fastest fish in the world reach, we’re sorry to say – you are incredibly slow.

While it can be difficult to get exact measurements of the speeds at which some of these fish go, the following are typically considered some of the fastest fish in the world:

Sailfish

blue marlin

The sailfish averages speed is 68 mph / 110 kph, which means it can hit even faster speeds than that. That’s a speeding ticket on most roads! These insane speeds make it one of the fastest marine animals. It’s punk rock style, characterized by its mohawk-like dorsal fin and elongated bill, are perfectly suited for its fast lifestyle.

Blue Marlin

Blue Marlin Fish

Well known as one of the fastest fish in the ocean, these very large fish are said to average 50 mph / 80 kph however can reach up to 68 mph / 110 kph! The Blue Marlin is one of the largest fish in the world, weighing up to 2000 lbs / 900 kgs.

Wahoo

The wahoo is a fish found in tropical and subtropical waters whose average speed is 48 mph / 77 kph, which it usually reaches in short bursts as a way to quickly capture prey. In Hawaii, the wahoo is called the “ono” and no, it doesn’t shout “wahoo!” as it builds up speed, although we hope that it thinks it!

Blue Shark

Blue Shark

The blue shark reaches an average speed of up to 43 mph / 70 kph and is found in both temperate and tropical oceans. However, even though they are called the “wolves of the sea”, blue sharks – like most sharks – are actually not that aggressive at all. Did you know, we love sharks!

Bone Fish

bonfish

Named as such due to the many bones in its bodies, the bone fish’s average speeds is around 40 mph / 64 kph. They are relatively small, usually only growing to 19 inches in length, and tend to travel in large schools.

Tunny

The tunny, like the wahoo, is a strong fish known for its resistance to capture. With an average speed of 46 mph / 74 kph, it uses its speed to its advantage for hunting other fish and squid.

Mako Shark

shortfin mako shark

Reaching speeds of up to 43mph / 70 kph, along with the blue shark, the mako shark is considered to be one of the fastest sharks in the ocean and lives in both temperate and tropical oceans. Unfortunately due to overfishing, finning and bycatch, the shortfin mao shark and blue shark species are at threat. You can help Project AWARE’s fight to protect these vulnerable sharks.

You can learn more about and locate these speedy fish in the ScubaEarth Critter Finder.

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