Have you ever wondered which ocean creatures are able to reach speeds faster than any other living things? In the vast expanse of the ocean, there are fascinating species that propel themselves through the water at incredible speeds, thanks to a variety of adaptations and abilities. Today, we'll explore the top 5 fastest animals in the ocean and discover what makes them so remarkable.

#5 Pilot Whale – 47 mph

(photo: thoughtco.com)

If you can believe it, Pilot Whales is the second-largest dolphin species. They got their name from the behavior of following a “pilot,” or leader when going long distances. They can reach speeds of 47 miles per hour. There are two species of Pilot Whale, one with long fins and the short-finned Pilot Whale.

Depending on the species of Pilot Whale, they may be located anywhere from the temperate waters of the Indian Ocean to the subpolar latitudes of the North Atlantic Ocean. They live between 45-60 years, can grow as long as 19ft (6.5 meters), and max out at 5,070 lbs. (2300 kg).

#4 Yellowfin Tuna – 50 mph

(photo: a-z-animals.com)

The Yellowfin Tuna (or Thunnus albacares) is a torpedo-shaped species of tuna often marketed as Ahi. They are larger tuna but not as large as the Bluefin. They grow up to 400 lbs. (180 kg) in weight and are as long as 7’10” (2.4 meters). The average lifespan for them is 6 or 7 years. Like the bluefin tuna, the yellowfin tuna is warm-blooded, and though its circulatory system isn’t as efficient as the bluefin’s, it appears that it can swim even faster at 50 miles per hour.

The Yellowfin Tuna can be found in the open ocean worldwide, wherever tropical or temperate waters are. They start as microscopic babies and then grow into its full size.

#3 Swordfish – 60 mph

(photo: critter.science)

Swordfish (Xiphias gladius), also known as broadbills in some countries, are large, highly migratory predatory fish characterized by a long, flat, pointed bill. They are a popular sport fish of the billfish category, though elusive. These fish are found widely in tropical and temperate parts of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, and can typically be found from near the surface to a depth of 550 m (1,800 ft), and exceptionally up to depths of 2,234 m. They commonly reach 3 m (10 ft) in length, and the maximum reported is 4.55 m (14 ft 11 in) in length and 650 kg (1,430 lb) in weight. Like their relatives, the swordfish are torpedo-shaped and their long and compressed body allows it to swim through the water at up to 60 miles per hour.

#2 Sailfish – 68 mph

(photo: dinoanimals.com)

The sailfish can reach speeds of 68 miles per hour as it leaps out of the water or plunges into a school of prey fish. These fishes are smaller than the swordfish at around 11 feet in length, and it usually weighs only about 182 pounds. Like the swordfish, they have a compressed, long, tapering body. Their tops are dark blue while their bellies are silvery, and grown fishes have rows of golden spots on their sides.

There are two main subspecies of sailfish: Atlantic and Indo-Pacific. They get their name from the dorsal fin that nearly spans the length of their bodies.

They like to inhabit warm and temperate waters across the world. The average lifespan is only four years, so they quickly grow to adult size.

#1 Black Marlin – 82 mph

(photo: outsider.com)

Though the black marlin may outrun the sailfish in terms of speed, one fish is said to have reached 82 miles per hour. The sailfish is regarded to be the fastest animal in the ocean. This fish, which is slightly larger than the sailfish at 15 feet long, is found in the warmer regions of the Pacific and Indian oceans. It weighs 1650 pounds, which makes it much heavier.

The black marlin's dorsal fin is lower and rounder than that of the sailfish, and its bill is considerably shorter. Its speed is even more astounding because its pectoral fins are so stiff that they cannot be flattened against the sides of the fish to reduce drag. The BBC released the 82 mph speed when a fisherman successfully hooked a black marlin on a line. They assert that the fish pulled the line off a reel at a rate of 120 feet per second, indicating a speed of 82 miles per hour. However, according to recent studies, the black marlin's current speed is a disappointing 22 miles per hour. If the black marlin's record speed was a hoax or not, only time will tell.

So there you have it – the fastest sea animals in the ocean. As you can see, sea animals can move pretty fast! Some maybe even faster than the fastest land animal- the cheetah. Pretty amazing.