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The Fastest Animals In The Sea
WorldAtlas • • science
Key Points:
- The fastest fish in the ocean, including sailfish, swordfish, and marlin, can reach speeds of about 70 mph (113 km/h), aided by streamlined bodies and powerful tails.
- The shortfin mako shark is the fastest shark, capable of speeds over 40 mph (64 km/h), with adaptations for maintaining body temperature and chasing fast prey.
- Among marine mammals, the Dall's porpoise reaches speeds of 34 mph (55 km/h), while the killer whale has been timed at 34.5 mph (55.5 km/h), both relying on bursts of speed during hunting.
- Other fast swimmers include the great barracuda at 36 mph (58 km/h) and the little tunny at around 40 mph (64 km/h), both using speed for surprise attacks and evasion.
- Speed is a crucial survival adaptation in the open ocean, enabling predators to catch prey and prey to escape, with some species moving at speeds comparable to highway vehicles.
