Water is far denser than air, which makes fast swimming a genuine physical challenge. The animals that manage it best have streamlined bodies, powerful muscle, and swimming techniques refined over millions of years.
This guide ranks 20 of the fastest animals underwater by their estimated top speed, from record-setting billfish to some of the ocean’s fastest marine mammals and even a surprisingly quick swimming bird.
💡 Quick Fact
Underwater speed records are notoriously difficult to measure precisely, so treat the figures below as widely cited estimates rather than exact, universally agreed numbers.
The Full Ranking
Speeds below are widely cited estimates for short bursts, not sustained cruising speed.
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1Black Marlin
~130 km/h
Widely cited as the fastest animal in the ocean, though the exact measurement methodology behind this figure has been debated.
2Sailfish
~110 km/h
Uses its large, sail-like dorsal fin and streamlined body for rapid bursts of speed while hunting.
3Swordfish
~97 km/h
Its long, flattened bill likely reduces drag, aiding its powerful high-speed swimming ability.
4Striped Marlin
~80 km/h
A close relative of the black marlin, also capable of very high burst speeds while hunting.
5Wahoo
~78 km/h
Known among anglers for extremely fast, powerful runs once hooked.
6Yellowfin Tuna
~75 km/h
A highly efficient, muscular swimmer built for long-distance migration and rapid bursts alike.
7Shortfin Mako Shark
~74 km/h
Generally considered the fastest shark species, aided by a highly streamlined body shape.
8Bluefin Tuna
~70 km/h
A powerful, warm-bodied fish capable of sustained high-speed swimming over long distances.
9Blue Shark
~69 km/h
A slender, streamlined shark capable of notably fast bursts despite its relatively lean build.
10Common Dolphin
~60 km/h
One of the faster dolphin species, often seen riding boat wakes at high speed.
11Orca (Killer Whale)
~56 km/h
A powerful, muscular swimmer capable of rapid bursts while hunting prey.
12Bottlenose Dolphin
~55 km/h
A highly agile swimmer capable of quick bursts of speed and sharp directional changes.
13Tarpon
~56 km/h
A large, powerful fish capable of fast runs, well known among sport fishing communities.
14Flying Fish
~56 km/h
Builds up high underwater speed before launching into the air to briefly glide above the surface.
15Barracuda
~43 km/h
A fast, ambush-style predator capable of sudden bursts of speed when striking prey.
16Sea Lion
~40 km/h
Among the fastest swimming pinnipeds, using powerful front flippers for propulsion.
17Pilot Whale
~40 km/h
Capable of surprisingly fast bursts of speed despite its typically slower, social swimming style.
18Gentoo Penguin
~36 km/h
Considered the fastest swimming bird species, using flipper-like wings for rapid underwater propulsion.
19Leatherback Sea Turtle
~35 km/h
The fastest reptile in water, using powerful front flippers to reach notable burst speeds.
20Humboldt Squid
~24 km/h
Uses rapid jet propulsion, expelling water forcefully to achieve quick bursts of speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest animal underwater?
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The black marlin is widely cited as the fastest animal underwater, with estimated burst speeds reaching around 130 kilometers per hour, though exact top-speed figures for fast-swimming fish are difficult to measure precisely and vary somewhat between sources.
Why are underwater speed records harder to measure precisely than land speed records?
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Measuring an animal’s speed in open water is logistically difficult, since there’s no fixed track or consistent measuring method. Many commonly cited marine speed records come from older studies, indirect estimates, or occasionally disputed methodology, which is why figures can vary between sources.
What is the fastest shark species?
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The shortfin mako shark is generally considered the fastest shark species, with estimated burst speeds of around 74 kilometers per hour, aided by a streamlined body shape built for powerful, efficient swimming.
How fast can an orca swim compared to a dolphin?
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Orcas and dolphins have broadly similar top speed ranges, generally estimated between roughly 50 and 60 kilometers per hour depending on the specific species and source, making direct comparisons somewhat imprecise.
Can any bird swim faster than most fish?
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Not faster than the very fastest fish species, but penguins, particularly gentoo penguins, are considered among the fastest swimming birds, reaching estimated speeds of around 36 kilometers per hour underwater.
Do these fast swimming speeds apply to sustained swimming or just short bursts?
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Nearly all of the top speeds listed here refer to short, high-effort bursts rather than sustained cruising speed. Most fast-swimming animals cannot maintain their maximum speed for long periods, similar to how a sprinting land animal can’t sustain top speed over long distances.
Conclusion: Speed Built for a Denser World
From the black marlin’s record-setting burst to a gentoo penguin’s surprisingly fast underwater flight, these 20 animals show just how much power and precision it takes to move quickly through water.
Every species on this list evolved a slightly different solution, whether that’s a streamlined billfish body, a muscular tail fluke, or jet-like propulsion, to overcome water’s far greater resistance compared to air.
Want to learn more?
Look into research on marine animal biomechanics and swimming speed studies, and share which of these 20 species surprised you the most!
