There are some truly titanic-sized fish in the world’s oceans, which can be pretty terrifying, whether or not they’re a threat to humans! We’ve put together a list of the 17 biggest fish out there – be prepared for some seriously ginormous aquatic species!
Whale Shark
World Wildlife Fund states that the world’s largest fish is the famous whale shark. They can grow up to a stunning 41.5 feet and weigh up to 21.5 tons, so it’s no wonder that they’re at the top of the list overall.
Basking Shark
In second place, the basking shark can grow up to a massive 40 feet and weigh 19 tons. So, it’s really not far off in size by comparison to the whale shark! This beautiful creature is typically found in temperate oceans and often ‘basks’ near the surface, hence the name.
Great White Shark
The great white shark is considered to be one of the most fearsome predators in the world, and its immense size is part of the reason for it. It can grow up to 23 feet in size and weigh 3.3 tons, so you really won’t want to come up against one.
Tiger Shark
Another shark humans should try to avoid at all costs is the tiger shark. It has a diverse diet, but it will attack humans. When it grows up to 16 feet and 3 tons, it’s pretty clearly going to win in a fight!
Giant Oceanic Manta Ray
The largest ray in the world is the manta ray, growing up to a tremendous 23 feet and 3 tons. What’s even more impressive is that they often swim in herds, which really is quite a spectacle. You might see this take place in tropical and subtropical oceans.
Ocean Sunfish
The ocean sunfish, also known as the mola mola, is a peculiar fish that looks like a floating blob. But that’s not the only interesting thing about it: According to National Geographic, it’s technically the world’s largest fish, by its scientific definition, at 11 ft.
Southern Sunfish
Another species of Sunfish that can grow to almost the same size as the ocean sunfish is the southern sunfish. This immense fish also grows up to 11 ft and can weigh up to 2.3 tons. Impressive.
Beluga Sturgeon
A more conventionally shaped fish that’s massive in size is the beluga sturgeon, which measures an incredible 24 feet. This fish is actually longer than the sunfish but typically won’t weigh quite as much, although it’s not far off the pace at around 2 tons.
Hoodwinker Sunfish
The fourth sunfish in our list isn’t quite as large as the other three, but that’s not exactly saying much. The hoodwinker sunfish can still grow up to 8 feet in length and weigh up to 1.9 tons. An enormous creature, no less.
Greenland Shark
Many people credit the Greenland shark as being one of the longest-living beings in the world. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration claims that they can live over 250 years, but their size is impressive, too. These old timers can grow up to 21 feet.
Megamouth Shark
The megamouth shark is one of the most recent species of fish to be discovered. It was only found for the first time in 1976, which shows how elusive they are. It’s hard to see how we missed them, though, as they grow up to 18 feet!
Kaluga
This giant species of sturgeon can be found in the Amur River basin, and it’s a fisherman’s dream, provided that they’re able to haul in such an enormous weight of up to 1.1 tons. These fish can grow up to 18 feet in length, too.
Arapaima
A strange fact about the arapaima is that it’s one of the only fish that’s able to breathe air. You’ll find it in the rivers and lakes in the Amazon Basin, and it’s hard to miss when it comes in at a length of up to 10 feet and a weight of 400 lbs.
Mekong Giant Catfish
Sadly, the Mekong giant catfish is critically endangered now because of overfishing, so it might not be for much longer that we’re able to see this glorious fish. This mammoth can grow up to 10 feet in length and weigh up to 650 lbs.
Chinese Paddlefish
The Yangtze River is home to some big fish, but none are bigger than the Chinese paddlefish. It can grow up to 10 feet in length and 660 lbs in weight, but sadly, it’s also critically endangered because of overfishing. In fact, some believe it’s extinct.
Wels Catfish
The Wels catfish can be found in European rivers, which aren’t often home to enormous fish. But this one certainly stands out, as it’s able to grow up to 16 feet and weigh 660 lbs. Sometimes, it’s bad news, though, as it has the potential to be an invasive species.
Alligator Gar
Freshwater rivers and lakes around North America are full to the brim with the mighty alligator gar. It’s known for its beautiful, prehistoric appearance and its mammoth size, which brings joy to the hearts of fishermen. In fact, Texas Parks & Wildlife says that they can grow up to 8 ft.
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