Nature is incredibly diverse with many fascinating and unique animal and plant species. In the world of the ocean, large fish species have a special allure for humans. Although we may not see them firsthand, information about these large fish species contains interesting facts. Here are the top largest fish species in the world that we would like to share with you.
Sperm Whale
Sperm Whale Scientific name: Physeter Macrocephalus
Adult Weight: 35-57 tons
Length: 12 meters
This species belongs to the group of cetaceans, which are mammals, so their size can reach enormous proportions. They typically inhabit temperate and tropical oceans and can live at depths exceeding 1,000 meters. They also possess the largest teeth of any animal in the world.
Sperm whales have a diverse diet, feeding on squid, octopus, medium-sized fish, and even gigantic prey. They are capable of diving to extreme depths, reaching approximately 3 kilometers, and can remain at these depths for up to 90 minutes while searching for food before resurfacing.
Although they have large brains, sperm whales are considered less intelligent than other whale species and some dolphin species. They also have a relatively long lifespan, with individuals living up to 70 years.
These magnificent creatures exemplify the incredible size and adaptations found in the ocean’s largest fish species.
Whale Shark
Whale Shark Scientific name: Rhincodon typus
Adult Weight: 19-21 tons
Length: 9-18 meters
The whale shark is considered the largest species of shark in the world. These sharks typically inhabit tropical and subtropical waters. Despite their enormous size, whale sharks pose no threat to humans.
Their diet mainly consists of plankton and small organisms. Their feeding strategy is quite simple: they often swim with their massive mouths wide open, while using their large filter-feeding apparatus to strain food from the water. Their mouth can reach up to 1.5 meters wide and contains approximately 300 tiny teeth, which are not used for chewing but rather for filter-feeding.
Whale sharks tend to stay near the water surface to find their food source, but they can also dive to depths of up to 2,000 meters. At these depths, their eyes can still see clearly due to a unique adaptation in their retina. Despite extensive research, many biological characteristics of these colossal fish remain mysterious to humans.
While they can live up to 70 years and have been studied extensively, the whale shark is currently at risk of extinction due to various factors, including climate change. It is classified as an endangered species (EN).
Basking Shark
Basking Shark Scientific name: Cetorhinus maximus
Adult Weight: 19-22 tons
Length: 6-8 meters
The basking shark has a different appearance from the whale shark but shares some similarities. It is classified as one of the largest species of fish in the world. While they still exist today, they are considered vulnerable due to human exploitation for their liver oil, shark fins, and as food. Basking sharks have a substantial nutritional value and are beneficial to human health. However, their current status is highly alarming, necessitating conservation efforts to protect these ocean creatures.
The name “basking shark” comes from their interesting feeding behavior. They typically inhabit warm temperate oceans with plenty of sunlight. Their main food source consists of plankton and small fish. They have an enormous appetite, capable of consuming up to 2,000 tons of food. Basking sharks often stay close to the water surface to find food, giving the impression that they are basking in the sun. It is this behavior that gave them their peculiar name.
Manta Ray
Manta ray, also known as Manta birostris, is a giant manta ray species.
Adult Weight: 3 tons
Length: about 9 meters
They are usually found in tropical, subtropical, and temperate oceanic regions. Manta rays have been spotted in Vietnam, particularly around the Ly Son Island, with individuals weighing over 2 tons.
Belonging to the Mobulidae family, Manta rays are the largest members of the ray family and are among the largest fish species in the world. Their main diet consists of plankton and various small marine organisms. The reproductive behavior of Manta rays is still being studied by scientists.
Sunfish
Sunfish, also known as the moonfish, belongs to the species Mola mola.
Adult Weight: 1.4-1.7 tons
Length: 3.5-5.5 meters
Sunfish are found in temperate and tropical oceans, occasionally appearing in colder oceans as well. Their shape is incredibly unique, as their height can be equivalent to their length, giving them a rectangular appearance. They have a round head and a nearly circular body in a specific proportion. Their fins are relatively short, their mouths are small, and they are unable to consume large crustaceans.
The primary food source for sunfish is plankton and various species of seaweed found in deep waters. They are called sunfish because they often appear at the water’s surface.
The reproductive capability of this fish species is strong, as they can produce around 300 million eggs in a single spawning event.
These are the largest fish species in the world that we have just shared. The ocean world still holds countless mysteries and wonders. Although humans are small in the face of the vast nature, we continue to explore and learn more about the depths of the ocean. We hope that this article has provided you with valuable information about these deep-sea creatures.