There are so many different types of fishes in the world – some are shy and some friendly, some timid and some aggressive. Also, they are so colorful. In fact, you think of a color, and you are most likely to find a fish in that shade.
Furthermore, you can find fishes in different sizes. Some fishes are very tiny, some are small, and some medium-sized. Of course, there are also those that are big and then a few are huge. We are now about to share with you a list of 10 such fishes that are really huge, so huge that they are considered to be the biggest fishes in the world.
1. Whale Shark
A Whale Shark is the hugest fish species living today. They grow nearly up to 40 feet in length and weigh around 20k pounds. These fishes have big mouths too which are around 5 feet wide.
You can find them mostly in the tropical oceans of the world. Owing to their white-spotted coloration they are easily identified by divers and snorkelers. Luckily for humans and the sea inhabitants as well, Whale Sharks mostly love eating plankton. Despite their huge size, humans do not really have any reasons to be afraid of them.
2. Basking Shark
The second biggest living fish in the world is the Basking Shark. An adult Basking Shark can grow nearly 26 feet in length. They generally have speckled skin with a brownish color.
You can find these fishes in the temperate oceans of the world. They are slow to move and do not ever go into hibernation. Usually, Basking Sharks whirl around alone in the ocean and the main food that they love eating is zooplankton. Just like the Whale Sharks, the Basking Sharks too pose no danger to humans.
3. Tiger Shark
Tiger Shark is yet another huge fish species living today. It can grow up to 16 feet in length and weigh nearly 3 tons. This species is commonly found in temperate and tropical oceans. Younger sharks have black tiger-like stripes on their body and this disappears with age. It is because of these stripes that this species gets its name.
These sharks enjoy eating aquatic creatures, garbage, and also seabirds. Tiger Sharks are known to attack humans as well.
4. Manta Ray
Manta Ray is also one of the biggest fishes in the world and grows up to 23 feet long. It is the large saw in the head of these fishes that contribute to its huge size.
You can find this species in subtropical and tropical waters, and also in warm and temperate waters. This fish is quite popular with scuba divers and the food that they enjoy eating is mostly planktons.
5. Great White Shark
The Great White Shark is not only one of the biggest fishes but also the most popular shark in the world. The females can reach nearly 20 feet in length and can swim at a rate of up to about 56 km/hour.
These fishes are the largest predators of the world and are found in the coastal surface waters of every major ocean. Though humans are not usually their prey, there has been unproved news of their attacks on humans.
6. Ocean Sunfish
Also known as “mole”, Ocean Sunfish is yet another giant fish. They can grow up to 11 feet long and weighs almost 2.5 tons. This fish has a very unique appearance. They do not have a true tail and in fact, looks like it has been cut into half.
Ocean Sunfish mostly loves eating parasites. You may get to see them often near the ocean surface basking themselves under the sun, and this is in fact why they get the name Ocean Sunfish.
7. Marlin
Native to the temperate and tropical waters of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans, Marlins are one of the most popular as well as the biggest fishes of the world. They have a cobalt blue color on the top and silvery-white below.
The females are quite larger than the males and can reach nearly 14 feet in length and weighs around 1,985 pounds.
8. Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
Mostly, you will find this fish in the western and eastern parts of the Atlantic Ocean. Also, you may find them in the Mediterranean Sea.
Atlantic Bluefin Tunas reach a height of up to 15 feet and can weigh more than 500 kg. Their streamlined, torpedo-shaped bodies are built for endurance and speed. They have a metallic blue color on top and silver-white at the bottom and looks very attractive.
9. Halibut
Halibut is yet another giant fish. It is very popular during the ‘catholic days’. This is in fact why they are even called the ‘holy fish’. Halibut can grow nearly up to 15 feet in length and weighs about 700 pounds.
These fishes also have a good lifespan and can live for nearly up to 50 years. You can commonly find the Halibut in temperate places including the northern Atlantic, Iceland, Greenland, and so on.
10. Mekong Giant Catfish
Mekong Giant Catfish is a huge, critically endangered catfish species. They have a gray to white color and can grow up to about 10 feet in length. You can find them in the Mekong River, though they also migrate great distances to spawn.
Baby Mekong Giant Catfish usually eat zooplankton. However, as they grow they become herbivores and feed on algae and plants.
To Conclude –
The underwater world is beautiful and there is so much to see that can leave you awe-struck. If you ever get a chance to go snorkeling, you must try to catch a glimpse of at least those huge fishes that pose no threats to humans. Seeing them close will give you the real feel of how huge they really are and how wonderful God’s creation indeed is.