Top 10 Ocean’s Fastest Animals

Like the cheetah on land, some marine mammals can reach impressive speeds underwater. And since water is 750 times denser than air, it may seem impossible attain on-land velocity underwater. But don’t underestimate the sheer power of marine mammals, as they too are able to blast through the water like a Ferrari on an airport runway. Here we’ll take a look at 10 of the ocean’s fastest animals.

Killer whale
First up is the largest member of the dolphin family, the killer whale, also known as an orca. They can leap, and swim, at 34 miles per hour, or 55 kilometers per hour, which is remarkable given their weight. Males range from 20 to 26 feet, or 6 to 8 meters, long and weigh around 6.5 tons. Females are generally smaller, ranging from 16 to 23 feet, or 5 to 7 meters, and weigh approximately 3.3 to 4.4 tons. These mammals are kings and queens of the seas, as they have no predators. They prey on other marine animals like fish, dolphins, seals, sharks, and even whales, and, if healthy can live up to 80 years.

Flying Fish
The flying fish is a slightly comical species. It can leap out of the water and glide through the air just above the waves to avoid predators, hence its name. When ‘flying,’ this impressive critter can cruise at 35 miles per hour, or 56 kilometers per hour. They can even fly so high out of the water that they accidentally end up on the decks of boats and ships, accidentally committing suicide. These aquatic airplanes inhabit tropical and subtropical oceans all around the world. They love the sea’s sunlight zone, though they can move comfortably to depths of about 650 feet, or 200 meters, and have a lifespan of about five years if left undisturbed.

Bonefish
Bonefish are a common target of sportfishermen, largely because they are so quick underwater and make for a challenging catch. They inhabit shallow, inshore tropical waters and mudflats and are thusly named because their bodies have a large number of delicate bones. Bonefish have been recorded to swim at a speed of 40 miles per hour, or 64 kilometers per hour, although to escape from predators they can employ more speed.
Bonefish from the Caribbean and Western Atlantic Ocean can reach 31 inches, or 78 cm long, and can weigh around 13 to 14 pounds, or around 6 kilograms. Hawaiian and African bonefish, however, can reach a whopping 20 pounds, or 9 kilograms.