List of Top 10 Biggest Fish in the World
Last Updated :
06 Mar, 2024
Top 10 Biggest Fish in the World: The ocean is a huge, enigmatic place where a staggering variety of life forms, some of which are actual giants in their domain, can be found. Ocean animals that are the largest in size captivate and inspire us, from the majestic whale shark that glides over tropical waters to the elusive giant squid that lurks in the depths.
In this article, we have provided the top 10 list of the biggest fish in the world, with their length, habitat and notable features.
Top 10 Biggest Fish in the World
The below table lists the top 10 biggest fish in the world, with their length, habitat and notable features:
Rank |
Species |
Maximum Length |
Habitat |
Notable Features |
1 |
Whale Shark |
Up to 18.8 meters (62 ft) |
Warm-temperate and tropical waters worldwide |
Largest living non-mammalian vertebrate |
2 |
Basking Shark |
Up to 12.27 meters (40 ft) |
Cold and temperate seas |
Second-largest living fish |
3 |
Great White Shark |
Up to 6.4 meters (21 ft) |
Cool coastal waters worldwide |
Known for its size and is a famous predator |
4 |
Tiger Shark |
Up to 5.5 meters (18 ft) |
Tropical and temperate waters worldwide |
Notable for its dark stripes |
5 |
Giant Oceanic Manta Ray |
Up to 7 meters (23 ft) |
Tropical, subtropical, and temperate waters |
Largest ray in the world |
6 |
Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) |
Up to 3.3 meters (11 ft) |
Tropical and temperate oceans |
The heaviest known bony fish in the world |
7 |
Greenland Shark |
Up to 7.3 meters (24 ft) |
Arctic and North Atlantic oceans |
One of the longest-living vertebrates |
8 |
Beluga Sturgeon |
Up to 7.2 meters (24 ft) |
Caspian and Black Sea basins |
Produces the famous beluga caviar |
9 |
Hammerhead Shark |
Up to 6.1 meters (20 ft) |
Tropical and warm temperate seas |
Recognizable by its unique head shape |
10 |
Bluefin Tuna |
Up to 4.6 meters (15 ft) |
Open waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans |
One of the largest and fastest fish species |
1. Whale Shark
Think of a huge, friendly fish that swims around eating tiny sea stuff. That’s the whale shark for you. It’s the biggest fish in the sea, but it’s gentle and only eats small things like plankton.
2. Basking Shark
The basking shark is another big, chill fish that just swims with its mouth open, catching tiny food. It’s huge but totally harmless to us.
3. Great White Shark
This one’s famous! The great white shark is big and strong, and it’s at the top of the food chain. It eats other sea animals and has a bit of a scary reputation, but it plays a key role in keeping the ocean healthy.
4. Tiger Shark
The tiger shark likes warm water and is known for its stripes. It’s not picky about its meals and eats all sorts of things it finds in the water. It usually likes to hang out alone.
5. Giant Oceanic Manta Ray
Imagine a huge underwater bird – that’s pretty much the giant manta ray. It’s the biggest ray and gracefully swims in the ocean, eating tiny plankton.
6. Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola)
The ocean sunfish, or mola mola, looks really odd, like a big fish head with fins. It enjoys sunbathing at the water’s surface and is the heaviest of all the fish with bones.
7. Greenland Shark
This shark is super old, living for hundreds of years in icy waters. It’s slow and eats whatever it can find. People think of it as a living piece of history from the deep sea.
8. Beluga Sturgeon
Known for the fancy caviar it gives, the beluga sturgeon lives in certain seas. It’s been around for ages and gets really big. Saving it helps keep the caviar tradition alive.
9. Hammerhead Shark
With a head like a hammer, this shark uses its unique shape to find snacks hidden in the sand. Hammerheads often stick together in groups.
10. Bluefin Tuna
The bluefin tuna is super fast and big, and people love it in sushi. Keeping this fish safe is important for the ocean and food cultures around the world.
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Summary – List of Top 10 Biggest Fish in the World
Some fish are simply gigantic and incredibly fascinating in the vast, enigmatic world of the ocean. The largest shark of them all, the whale shark, is swimming around calmly, content to consume small plankton. Then there’s the great white shark, a formidable predator, and the basking shark, another gentle behemoth. A couple of other noteworthy species are the enormous oceanic manta ray, which resembles a big bird flying through the sea, and the tiger shark, which has amazing stripes. The ancient Greenland shark stealthily glides through chilly waters, while the peculiar-looking ocean sunfish enjoys lounging in the sun. The hammerhead shark is distinguished by its unusual head form, and the beluga sturgeon is well-known for its caviar.
FAQs on Top 10 Biggest Fish in the World
What is the biggest fish in the ocean?
The biggest fish in the ocean is the whale shark. These gentle giants can grow up to 18.8 meters (62 feet) long and are known for their peaceful nature, feeding on tiny plankton in warm-temperate and tropical waters around the world.
Can basking sharks harm humans?
No, basking sharks are completely harmless to humans. Despite their large size, up to 12.27 meters (40 feet), they feed on plankton and small fish by filtering water through their wide-open mouths as they swim.
How fast can a bluefin tuna swim?
Bluefin tuna are among the fastest fish in the ocean, capable of reaching speeds up to 70 kilometers per hour (43 miles per hour). Their streamlined bodies and powerful muscles make them incredibly fast swimmers.
Why are great white sharks considered top predators?
Great white sharks are considered top predators due to their size, strength, and hunting efficiency. They can grow up to 6.4 meters (21 feet) long and have a diverse diet that includes fish, seals, and even small whales. Their powerful jaws and sharp teeth make them formidable hunters.
Are giant oceanic manta rays endangered?
Yes, giant oceanic manta rays are considered vulnerable and face threats from fishing and habitat loss. Their slow reproduction rates make them particularly susceptible to overfishing. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these majestic creatures and their habitats.
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