Top 10 Largest Fish in the World

The world's oceans are home to some of the most magnificent and massive creatures on Earth. From gentle giants that filter plankton to powerful predators that rule the seas, fish come in incredible sizes that often defy imagination. Today, we'll explore the 10 largest fish in the world, from the colossal whale shark to the impressive great white shark. For more fascinating insights into the natural world, explore our guides to the longest living animals and natural wonders of the world.

Methodology

This ranking is based on maximum recorded weight and length measurements for each fish species, using the most recent and accurate marine biology data available. The criteria for inclusion are:

Inclusion Criteria:

• Fish species (excluding marine mammals like whales and dolphins)
• Maximum recorded weight and length measurements
• Verified scientific data from marine biology research
• Both saltwater and freshwater species included
• Measurements based on documented specimens and scientific records

Data Sources:

• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
• Marine biology research institutions and universities
• Scientific journals and peer-reviewed studies
• Marine conservation organizations
• Fisheries and marine research databases

Important Considerations:

• Size measurements include both length and weight for comprehensive comparison
• Some species may have larger unrecorded specimens in the wild
• Measurements reflect maximum documented sizes, not average sizes
• Both living and historically recorded specimens are included
• Data represents the most current scientific understanding available

Verification Process: All size measurements have been cross-referenced with multiple authoritative marine biology sources and represent the most current and accurate data available from scientific research and documented specimens.

List of Largest Fish in the World

10. Hoodwinker Sunfish (Mola tecta) - Up to 1.87 tons

The Hoodwinker Sunfish is a recently discovered species that was hiding in plain sight for decades. This mysterious ocean sunfish was only officially described in 2017, despite being one of the largest fish in the world. It inhabits the southern oceans and was long mistaken for other sunfish species.

Key Facts:

• Maximum weight: 1.87 tons (1,870 kg)
• Maximum length: 2.4 meters (7.9 feet)
• Habitat: Southern oceans, temperate waters
• Diet: Jellyfish, salps, small fish

Interesting Facts:

• The Hoodwinker Sunfish was discovered through genetic analysis, not physical observation
• It was named "hoodwinker" because it successfully evaded scientific discovery for so long
• This species prefers cooler waters compared to other sunfish species
• It's one of the most recently discovered large fish species in modern marine biology

9. Sharptail Mola (Masturus lanceolatus) - Up to 2 tons

The Sharptail Mola is distinguished by its unique elongated dorsal and anal fins that give it a distinctive "sharp tail" appearance. This ocean sunfish species is found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide and is known for its unusual swimming behavior.

Key Facts:

• Maximum weight: 2 tons (2,000 kg)
• Maximum length: 3 meters (9.8 feet)
• Habitat: Tropical and temperate oceans worldwide
• Diet: Jellyfish, ctenophores, small fish

Interesting Facts:

• The Sharptail Mola has the most elongated fins of all sunfish species
• It's often seen basking at the ocean surface, which is unusual for most fish
• This species can dive to depths of over 600 meters in search of food
• It's one of the least studied large fish species due to its deep-water habits

8. Beluga Sturgeon (Huso huso) - Up to 2.07 tons

The Beluga Sturgeon is the largest freshwater fish in the world and one of the most valuable fish species due to its prized caviar. This ancient fish species has been swimming in Earth's waters for over 200 million years and is now critically endangered.

Key Facts:

• Maximum weight: 2.07 tons (2,072 kg)
• Maximum length: 7.2 meters (24 feet)
• Habitat: Caspian and Black Sea basins, freshwater rivers
• Diet: Fish, crustaceans, mollusks

Interesting Facts:

• The Beluga Sturgeon can live for over 100 years, making it one of the longest-living fish
• Its eggs (caviar) can sell for thousands of dollars per kilogram
• This species has been overfished to near extinction due to caviar demand
• It's one of the few fish species that can survive in both saltwater and freshwater

7. Southern Sunfish (Mola alexandrini) - Up to 2.3 tons

The Southern Sunfish is a close relative of the common ocean sunfish but tends to grow larger and inhabit more southern waters. This impressive fish is known for its massive, disc-like body and unique swimming style.

Key Facts:

• Maximum weight: 2.3 tons (2,300 kg)
• Maximum length: 3.3 meters (10.8 feet)
• Habitat: Southern oceans, temperate and subtropical waters
• Diet: Jellyfish, salps, small fish, crustaceans

Interesting Facts:

• The Southern Sunfish was only recognized as a separate species in 2018
• It's often confused with the common ocean sunfish but grows significantly larger
• This species has been recorded at depths of over 1,000 meters
• It's known for its distinctive "lumpy" appearance compared to other sunfish species

6. Ocean Sunfish (Mola mola) - Up to 2.3 tons

The Ocean Sunfish is the heaviest bony fish in the world and one of the most recognizable marine creatures. Despite its massive size, this gentle giant feeds primarily on jellyfish and is completely harmless to humans.

Key Facts:

• Maximum weight: 2.3 tons (2,300 kg)
• Maximum length: 3.1 meters (10.2 feet)
• Habitat: Tropical and temperate oceans worldwide
• Diet: Jellyfish, salps, small fish, crustaceans

Interesting Facts:

• The Ocean Sunfish can produce up to 300 million eggs at once, more than any other vertebrate
• It's often seen basking at the ocean surface, leading to its nickname "sunfish"
• This species has the smallest brain-to-body ratio of any fish
• It's a favorite subject for underwater photographers due to its docile nature

5. Giant Oceanic Manta Ray (Mobula birostris) - Up to 3 tons

The Giant Oceanic Manta Ray is the largest ray species in the world and one of the most graceful marine creatures. With its impressive "wingspan" and intelligent behavior, this magnificent fish is a favorite among divers and marine biologists.

Key Facts:

• Maximum weight: 3 tons (3,000 kg)
• Maximum length: 5 meters (16.4 feet) disc width
• Habitat: Tropical, subtropical, and temperate oceans worldwide
• Diet: Plankton, small fish, crustaceans

Interesting Facts:

• The Giant Oceanic Manta Ray has the largest brain-to-body ratio of any fish
• It can leap completely out of the water, reaching heights of up to 3 meters
• This species is known to visit "cleaning stations" where smaller fish remove parasites
• It's one of the few fish species that can recognize itself in a mirror

4. Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) - Up to 3.11 tons

The Tiger Shark is one of the ocean's most powerful predators and gets its name from the distinctive dark stripes on its body. This apex predator is known for its voracious appetite and ability to eat almost anything it encounters.

Key Facts:

• Maximum weight: 3.11 tons (3,110 kg)
• Maximum length: 7.5 meters (24.6 feet)
• Habitat: Tropical and temperate waters worldwide
• Diet: Fish, sea turtles, marine mammals, birds, crustaceans

Interesting Facts:

• The Tiger Shark is known as the "wastebasket of the sea" due to its varied diet
• It has the most powerful bite force of any fish, capable of crushing sea turtle shells
• This species can detect electrical fields as small as 5 billionths of a volt
• It's one of the few shark species that can survive in both saltwater and freshwater

3. Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) - Up to 3.32 tons

The Great White Shark is perhaps the most famous and feared fish in the world. This apex predator has been the subject of countless documentaries and movies, earning its reputation as the ocean's ultimate hunter.

Key Facts:

• Maximum weight: 3.32 tons (3,324 kg)
• Maximum length: 7 meters (23 feet)
• Habitat: Coastal and offshore waters worldwide, temperate and tropical
• Diet: Marine mammals, fish, sea turtles, seabirds

Interesting Facts:

• The Great White Shark can detect a single drop of blood in 25 gallons of water
• It can swim at speeds of up to 25 mph and leap 3 meters out of the water
• This species has up to 300 teeth arranged in multiple rows
• It's one of the few fish species that can maintain a body temperature higher than the surrounding water

2. Basking Shark (Cetorhinus maximus) - Up to 19 tons

The Basking Shark is the second-largest fish in the world and one of the most gentle giants of the ocean. Despite its massive size, this filter-feeding shark is completely harmless to humans and feeds exclusively on plankton.

Key Facts:

• Maximum weight: 19 tons (19,000 kg)
• Maximum length: 12.27 meters (40.3 feet)
• Habitat: Cold and temperate waters worldwide
• Diet: Plankton, small fish, crustaceans

Interesting Facts:

• The Basking Shark can filter up to 2,000 tons of water per hour through its gills
• It's often seen swimming slowly at the surface with its mouth wide open
• This species can live for over 50 years and is slow to mature
• It's one of the most migratory fish species, traveling thousands of miles annually

1. Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) - Up to 21.5 tons

The Whale Shark is the undisputed king of the fish world, holding the title of the largest fish species on Earth. This gentle giant is a filter feeder that poses no threat to humans and is a favorite among divers and marine enthusiasts worldwide.

Key Facts:

• Maximum weight: 21.5 tons (21,500 kg)
• Maximum length: 18.8 meters (61.7 feet)
• Habitat: Tropical and warm temperate waters worldwide
• Diet: Plankton, small fish, crustaceans, squid

Interesting Facts:

• The Whale Shark can live for over 100 years, making it one of the longest-living fish
• It has a unique pattern of spots and stripes that acts like a fingerprint for identification
• This species can filter up to 6,000 liters of water per hour through its gills
• It's one of the most docile large fish species and often allows divers to swim alongside it

Summary of the Top 10 Largest Fish

Conclusion

The world's largest fish represent an incredible diversity of marine life, from gentle filter feeders like the whale shark to powerful predators like the great white shark. These ocean giants play crucial roles in marine ecosystems and continue to fascinate scientists and ocean enthusiasts alike.

What's particularly remarkable is that many of these massive fish are completely harmless to humans, with the largest species being gentle filter feeders rather than aggressive predators. This highlights the importance of marine conservation efforts to protect these magnificent creatures and their habitats.

Whether you're interested in the gentle giants that filter plankton or the powerful predators that rule the seas, these largest fish offer endless opportunities for discovery and appreciation of the ocean's incredible biodiversity. For more insights into the natural world, explore our comprehensive guides to the longest living animals and natural wonders of the world.

This list is based on maximum recorded weight and length measurements from scientific research and documented specimens. Rankings may vary as new discoveries are made and larger specimens are documented.