10 Fastest Marine Animals (Flying Fish)

Speed ​​is not just a trait, but rather an essential survival mechanism for underwater animals. This feature not only helps them move quickly through water, but also evade predators and effectively capture prey. While their streamlined bodies reduce drag and their muscles and fins provide the propulsion needed for rapid movements, these animals have adapted well to survive. And it’s this survival competition that inspires innovation in speed. The complex relationship between an ecological role and the animal’s design. Let’s look at some of the fastest marine animals which are difficult to get your hands on.

Black Marlin

Black marlin is a large, fast-moving fish that lives in tropical and subtropical regions of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The fish is capable of reaching speeds of up to 129 km/h (80 mph). The black marlin’s body is laterally compressed rather than spherical, which allows it to swim more quickly.
The sailfish belongs to the same family as marlins and is found in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans. They can swim at a speed of around 68 miles per hour. The reason for their speed lies in their hydrodynamic shape, long, pointed noses, and large dorsal fin that extends the entire length of their bodies.

These apex predators are well known for their sharp beaks which can reach up to 1.5 meters long. But they are also among the fastest marine animals. Swordfish can reach speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour). They can swim so fast thanks to a combination of physical adaptations that include: an oil-producing gland, which reduces drag, a streamlined body, a rough bill, and a stiff tail.

Yellowfin tuna

Yellowfin tuna is a species of tuna found in pelagic waters of tropical and subtropical oceans around the world. They are fast swimmers because they have a torpedo-shaped body, long pectoral fins, a high proportion of red muscle fibers and a high proportion of red muscle fibers to reduce drag.
Mako sharks belong to the mackerel shark family, Lamnidae. They are found in all tropical and temperate seas. Mako sharks have powerful muscles that allow them to move through water, making them one of the fastest marine animals. They are known for their ability to jump out of the water to extreme heights when hunting.

Flying fish

Flying fish are a family of ray-finned marine fish known for their ability to jump out of the water and hover above the surface. They are thought to have evolved to escape predators like swordfish, tuna, mackerel and marlin. Flying fish can swim at speeds greater than 35 miles per hour.
Orcas, also known as killer whales, can swim up to 35 miles per hour (56 kilometers per hour). This is the largest species of dolphin and can grow up to 23 to 32 feet long. Orcas are blessed with a torpedo-like shape that helps them swim quickly underwater.
These medium-sized, ray-finned predatory fish belong to the Scombridae family. They have been recorded at speeds of up to 40 mph (64 km/h). These predatory fish can be found all over the world. They have striped backs and silvery bellies and reach a length of around 75 cm (30 inches).

Bluefin tuna

Bluefin tuna are warm-blooded, like mammals, and can maintain their body temperature higher than that of the water around them. Bluefin tuna is also one of the largest fish and can live up to 40 years. They are large predators and very fast swimmers.

Barracuda

Large barracudas can swim up to 58 kilometers per hour (36 miles per hour). Their speed not only worries marine animals, but also humans who hunt. It can grow to over 5 feet long and over 100 pounds.