A fish swimming 160 km per hour. The fastest fish in the world

Alexander Safonov is the author of unique underwater photographs.

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The sailfish (lat. Istiophorus) belongs to the order of perciformes, which includes two species of fish living in the central and western parts Pacific Ocean and waters Indian Ocean. A distinctive feature of this fish is a high and long fin, running from the back of the head almost along the entire back, like a sail, which is why it got its name. This fin has a bright blue color, complemented by dark dots.

The dimensions of the Sailboat can exceed three meters, and the weight can be about one hundred kilograms.Home distinctive feature the fastest fish in the world - a large dorsal fin similar to a sail.

When swimming fast, the sail is retracted into a special recess on the back of the fish. During sharp turns, it straightens out helping the fish move in the right direction. This amazing fish also has a long upper jaw, reminiscent of a pike. This growth helps the fish in hunting and in creating turbulence around itself.

Sailboats are helped by their streamlined and very aerodynamic (or more appropriately, aquadynamic) body, covered with grooves of small tooth-like outgrowths. Water is retained in these grooves, and it turns out that it is not the body of the sailboat itself, but the “water film” that clings to it, that is in contact with the water, which significantly reduces the coefficient of friction. Also, the fish’s far-protruding, pointed jaws make it possible to achieve the effect of turbulence, and the tail fin, which has the shape of a narrow crescent, although it oscillates with a small amplitude, does so at a very high speed.

Well, in the end, sailboats have negative buoyancy (due to the lack of a swim bladder), compensating for this with an asymmetrical body structure, with a lifting force like that of an airplane wing. This morphological structure of the fish ensures its primacy in high-speed swimming among all aquatic creatures.

Sailboat - big fish By the age of one year, young animals reach up to 2 meters in length, and adults are found more than 3 meters. Most often there are individuals weighing up to 25 kg. This is a predator fish that swims at enormous speeds, up to 100 km/h.

It has been noted that a fish can observe a straightened sail at those moments when it is scared or excited. Then the external size of the fish triples.

Also, one of the theories that sounds convincing claims that the fish’s sail plays the role of a radiator, cooling the fish’s blood. In fact, the fin contains many small blood vessels. Considering that the acceleration of a fish greatly heats its blood, a straightened fin really helps the fish not to “boil.”

The sailfish does not have a swim bladder - for the fastest fish it would only be a hindrance. The structure of the fish and its movements contribute to the formation of turbulent vortices, which help reduce water resistance.

This allows the Sailboat to develop a record speed for fish and be the fastest fish in the world. This fish spawns in warm waters from August to September. During one spawning season, the female Sailfish lays up to five million eggs.

This amazing fish feeds on small fish such as anchovies, sardines, mackerel, as well as mollusks and crustaceans. The lifespan of the fastest fish reaches 13 years.

Catch this one amazing fish on a spinning rod - the dream of any angler. One can only envy such a trophy.

In Costa Rica, for example, this fish is under protection of the law, and its fishing is strictly controlled. Sports tournaments for catching Sailfish are held here. After the fish is caught, it is measured and photographed, then released.

Another attraction of the sailfish is its elongated upper jaw, which gives it a resemblance to a marlin. In sport fishing, sailfish are even classified as billfish. Among fishermen, this trophy is no worse than black marlin.

In the sailfish, one also notices the water games characteristic of marlins, when the fish jumps high and “walks” through the water on its tail. Caught on a fishing tackle, she tries to get rid of the hook with high pirouettes and candles. In terms of strength and tenacity, fishing for a sailfish is reminiscent of hunting large marlin.

In general, sailfish fishing has become widespread thanks to the writer Ernest Hemingway who were fond of catching this fish in Cuba.

These fish are very bad parents; they do not care about their offspring at all. Maybe that's why they are very prolific. A female can lay up to 100 million eggs in one spawning. But most of them die. Larger ones like to feast on caviar and fry. predatory fish.

Sailfish- object of intensive fishing. They are often mined together with tuna and swordfish using longline fishing. Amateur fishermen often catch sailfish using spinning rods. Off the coasts of Florida, Cuba, California, Hawaii, Tahiti, Peru, New Zealand and Australia, those interested can go sea fishing to try their hand at catching this magnificent fish.

It seems that sailboats are protected by the law of this country and their catching is strictly controlled. As they say, after measurements and a “photo shoot,” the caught fish is released back into the water. Then, using the data obtained, you can create exact copy caught fish. However, from some photos it seems to me personally that they are not releasing all of them :-(

The wave-like movements of the body, with the help of which fish move, are concentrated closer to the tail of the sailfish. In this regard, the caudal fin has the appearance of narrow planes, almost perpendicular to the body. Negative buoyancy is compensated by muscular efforts and asymmetry of the body relative to the horizontal plane; the anatomical features of the sailfish and other sword- and spear-snout fish allow them to be the fastest.

Sailfish food includes sardines, mackerel, anchovies, mackerel, crustaceans and cephalopods. Any schooling fish of medium size from upper layers ocean - the prey of a sailboat, which is able to gain a higher speed. For hunting, sailboats can act together. The sailfish looks spectacular when it flies out of the water with an extended fin, which can reach a height of up to 1.5 meters and noisily falls back into the ocean.

The sailfish spawns in warm near-equatorial ocean waters from August to September. At this time, fish may approach coastal areas. Sailfish are very prolific; during spawning, the female lays up to 100 million eggs, most of the offspring die on early stages development. The caviar of the sailfish is small in size, non-sticky, and develops in the pelagic zone (thicker waters).

sources
http://pats0n.livejournal.com/
http://dooi.com.ua/archives/43788
http://www.inokean.ru/animal/fish/72-parus
http://www.softmixer.com/2011/01/blog-post_5752.html
http://jevayaplaneta.ru/ryba-parusnik

At first glance, it may seem to us that the creatures inhabiting the sea cannot compete in speed with the fleet-footed land inhabitants. After all, the water element is not the best place for racing games.

But this is only at first glance. And if our marine inhabitants are not up to par with the birds, then the terrestrial representatives may well be given a head start. Speed ​​is not the least important thing for them. important properties, allowing the victim to stay alive and the predator to get food.

So who are these sea creatures and what is their maximum speed that they can reach?

We present to your attention an overview of the fastest-swimming aquatic creatures.

Having a body length of up to 5m, this is dangerous sea ​​monster- one of the largest living sharks. His diet includes marine mammals, turtles, sea snakes, she does not refuse carrion.

In ninth place is a fish whose appearance resembles a giant herring - Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus), which reaches a speed of up to 56 km/h. Its weight does not exceed 150 kg, and the length of this waterfowl is up to 2 m.

Tarpon are capable of swimming considerable distances in search of food. The main diet for it is mollusks, crustaceans, as well as the young of other species of waterfowl.

Tarpon are often caught off the coast on gear for food, although they are not a game fish.

In eighth place in our ranking is Albula vulpes, a predator capable of accelerating up to 64 km/h. Habitat: tropical and subtropical seas. Compared to other fellow “sprinters”, the size of the Albula reaches only 1 m in length, and its weight does not exceed 9 kg.

Its main diet is shrimp, small fish, worms and shellfish. Albula is a commercial fish.

Seventh on our list is the swordfish (Xiphias gladius), with its ability to reach speeds underwater of up to 65 km/h. to his unusual name it is due to the shape of the upper jaw, which resembles a sword, the length of which reaches a third of the length of the mistress herself.

One of the strongest and fastest fish underwater world can weigh about 650 kg, and its dimensions exceed 4.5 m. Swiftly attacking schools of fish, sea ​​monster pierces the victim with his sword, leaving him no one chance for salvation.

This predator is not at all against eating squid, tuna, and even sharks.
Due to the good taste of the meat, swordfish is a commercial object.

The sixth position is in the blue, or as it is also called, blue shark (Prionace glauca). One of the most common and fastest species of sharks. Its speed can reach up to 69 km/h.

The shark is 4 m long and can weigh more than 200 kg. The predator's favorite delicacies include cephalopods, crustaceans, small fish species, and seabirds. Blue sharks have the most extensive habitat. They inhabit the shores of almost all continents.

The fifth place in the ranking goes to the Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis). This giant swims at a speed of 74 km/h. Its name comes from its color – bluish-gray. The peculiarity of tuna is its warm-bloodedness, which is rarely inherent in fish.

The length of adult representatives of this species can be 3 m, and the weight is 450 kg. Tuna feeds mainly on sardines, mackerel, herring, and cephalopods.

Another species of the mackerel family - yellowfin or yellow tuna (Thunnus albacares) settled in fourth position in the ranking. Speed sea ​​devil— 75 km/h. Its size is up to 2.5 m, and its weight is 200 kg.

Along the grayish body of the fish there are longitudinal stripes of white and yellow color. Hence the name. Loves to pamper himself with small fish, squid, crustaceans and mollusks.

Found in tropical and subtropical regions of all oceans.

The top three fastest swimmers on the planet are a fish called striped marlin (Tetrapturus audax). Can accelerate to 77 km/h. Marlin can be compared in size to sharks, as its dimensions can reach 4 m and weight more than 400 kg. But in terms of speed of movement he is the leader.

The name of the giant is due to the presence of transverse stripes on the body.
Marlin's diet consists mainly of squid, small fish and crustaceans.

This sea ​​dweller constantly migrating.
Because of excellent quality, marlin meat is a delicacy, therefore, these minke whales attract the attention of fishermen.

Second place of honor belongs to horse mackerel (Trachurus). This little one, compared to the rest of our dozen, is small in size - up to 50 cm, and they weigh only up to 400 g.

But this does not prevent it from reaching speeds of up to 80 km/h, and surpassing such monsters as shark or marlin in the list of the fastest fish. Speed ​​matters to her great importance when hunting for prey. And she hunts zooplankton, small fish, sometimes crustaceans and cephalopods.

This commercial fish is widespread.

Finally, we have reached the winner of our rating.

The palm rightfully goes to the sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus). Our winner can swim at a record speed of up to 109 km/h. Thanks to this ability, the sailboat is included in the Guinness Book of Records.

He can develop such an unimaginable speed due to the specific structure of his torso. A sailboat, swimming at high speed, is able to hide its fin in the form of a sail in a recess on its back. When performing a maneuver, the fin rises.

The special shape of the tail, as well as protruding long jaws, help the fish develop unprecedented speed, creating a kind of turbulence effect. This reduces water resistance. All these features made the sailboat a record holder in swimming.

The length of our hero is 3.5 meters, and the weight is about 100 kg.

The sailfish's gastronomic preferences include sardines, anchovies, mackerel, mackerel, crustaceans and cephalopods.
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Fish are not only our source of food. They are also fascinating and amazing creatures of nature that sometimes you just want to behold. But the most fascinating "attribute" of fish is their ability fast swim at incredible speed.

They use their incredible speed to chase food or escape predators. In general, the ability of fish to swim quickly is their way of surviving in wildlife, or rather in the waters.

We present to your attention the list fastest fish in the world, as well as their maximum speed swimming Some of the things listed here may surprise you, but the truth is that fish truly are some of nature's greatest wonders.

fastest fish in the world

10. Tarpon

Tarpon live in the Atlantic Ocean in some tropical or subtropical regions globe. They have a well-streamlined body, allowing the tarpon to swim very quickly. Also, tarpon are “equipped” with thick silvery scales, which make them very shiny and attractive to fishermen.

Top Tarpon Speed– 50 kilometers per hour.

9. Tiger shark

The incredible speed of the tiger shark makes it one of the most... dangerous predators in the world. According to statistics, the tiger shark is the second largest of its kind, second only to the great white shark. The length of these terrible predators reaches 5 meters.
The maximum speed of tiger sharks is 53 kilometers per hour.

8. Albula

Albulas are also among the fastest fish in the world. For the most part, this fish is used as a catch for sport fishing. They are found in shallow waters of tropical and subtropical regions.

Maximum speed of albul– 60 kilometers per hour.

7. Swordfish

One of the most popular fish when the conversation turns to sport fishing. Swordfish can reach incredible sizes - about 4.5 meters in length and weight - 650 kg.

Maximum speed of swordfish– 65 kilometers per hour.

6. Blue Shark

It is colored dark blue but has a white belly. Blue sharks are found in deep tropical and temperate regions.

Maximum speed of a gray shark– 69 kilometers per hour.

5. Southern Bluefin Tuna

Also one of the favorites in sport fishing. Based on the name, you probably guessed that this type of tuna lives in southern hemisphere. They grow 2.5 m in length and weigh about 400 kg (bluefin tuna have very large bones, which makes them so heavy).

Maximum speed bluefin tuna – 74 kilometers per hour.

4. Yellow tuna

Externally, they differ from their relatives due to their two yellow and long fins. Due to its small size, yellowfin tuna are able to move and maneuver quickly in the water.

Maximum speed of yellow tuna– 75 kilometers per hour.

3. Striped marlin

Striped marlin is one of the three fastest fish in the world. The home of these fish is the Pacific Ocean. Also, interestingly, they like to swim close to the surface of the water.

Striped marlin reach a length of 4.2 m and weigh 190 kg. The favorite diet of these giants is sardines. Due to the difficulty of catching them, these fish are included in the sport fishing list.

Maximum speed of striped marlin– 77 kilometers per hour.

2. Horse mackerel

Because they are difficult to catch, sardines are expensive. They are also very tasty, which is why horse mackerel dishes are served in many of the best restaurants in the world.

Maximum speed of horse mackerel– 80 kilometers per hour.

1. Sailboat

The sailfish is the fastest fish in the world, which in its speed leaves many of its competitors behind. From the tip of the sharp “nose” to the tail, their length is 3.5 meters and their weight is 90 kg.

The maximum speed of the sailboat is 112 kilometers per hour. This figure is similar to that of the cheetah, which is considered the fastest land animal.

TOP 10 FASTEST FISH IN THE WORLD - VIDEO:

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It is known that the speed of many land animals and birds is several times faster than that of humans. How are things in the water? Underwater life does not tolerate delays. The rules are the same: predators catch up, victims run away. Let's look at both sides of the food chain and determine the record holders for the fastest swim.

TOP - 10 fastest fish in the world

In the reservoir of predators there are powerful teeth and a strong speed - about 43 kilometers per hour. There are individuals up to 2 meters long and weighing 2 - 10 kg. They live in the warm waters of the World Ocean. Eating small fish, can feed on wounded ocean inhabitants, including their own kind.

There were isolated cases of attacks on people. Often, barracudas are calm towards divers. Surprisingly, their diet includes poisonous pufferfish. This delicacy does not harm the fish, but the meat absorbs the poison. Cases of human poisoning have been recorded.

Inhabitant of coastal waters of western Africa. Body length can be up to 2.5 m. Fishermen organize fishing competitions. It’s interesting what they catch with a spinning rod or fly fishing. Combination required physical strength man and powerful gear to catch some of the fastest fish in the ocean.

The species is of interest solely as a trophy and is not commercially available. Mostly individuals come across meter long weighing up to 70 kg. The record weight of the caught fish is 161 kg. Tarpon speed does not exceed 50 km/h. He is in a hurry to grab insects, small fish, and shrimp. But in our top it only manages to take ninth place.

A predator only needs to swim 53 kilometers in an hour to successfully hunt and escape from enemies. It is a valuable commercial fish. Lives in the central part of the Pacific, as well as tropical and subtropical zone World ocean.

Blue shark or Mokoi

Outspits its previous brother, accelerating up to 65 km. Inhabits tropical and Pacific waters.

Sharks have powerful jaws. They lack gourmet qualities and consume everything in sight. The diet includes fish, snakes, squid, mammals, crabs... people. Sharks are believed to be eating human remains. But there are also real victims. In 2011, blue sharks committed more than 30 attempts on humans.

What predator is capable of attacking one of the fastest fish in the world? Killer whales.

Two types made it to the top:

• Yellowfin – with a weight of 200 kg and a length of up to 2.5 m, it reaches speeds of up to 70 km/h;
• Pacific bluefin tuna - accelerates to 75 kilometers. Body weight reaches half a ton, body length – 4 meters.

The tuna family inhabits the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Tuna fishing is widespread, and the number of individuals is declining. Among the enemies are some species of sharks and swordfish.

Atlantic mackerel

The fish reaches only 80 cm in length, which reduces its chances of resistance. You have to flee from the aggressive inhabitants of the ocean. Acceleration is 80 km/h.

But no matter what speed the fastest prey fish in the world develops, they cannot keep up the pace at all. The saddest thing for them is that they have to live among the participants in this rating.

Swordfish

It inhabits all oceans and is the closest relative of the leader of the top ten, the sailfish. Adults grow up to 4.5 meters. The fish got its name due to its elongated lower jaw, which is one third of the body length. This organ often causes death among members of the species.

The swordfish reaches a speed of 97 - 130 km/h and can crash into the bottom of the boat. She cannot get out of this situation on her own. If the racer is not noticed by a person in time, she dies.

A representative of the sailfish family. Externally, it is not much different from a swordfish or sailfish. The body length exceeds 5 meters, and the weight reaches 800 kg. When moving in throws, it can reach speeds of up to 130 km/h. Picky about its habitat, it chooses the tropics.

Sailfish

There are several versions about which fish swims the fastest. The sailfish is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Two previous record holders are trying to challenge the championship.

A unique creation plows warm waters The World Ocean at a speed of 109 - 150 kilometers per hour. The mass of the individual reaches 100 kg, and the length is 3.5 m. The main enemy is man. Ernest Hemingway started competitions to catch the species for a trophy. The writer caught several copies.

Every year, in memory of him, fishermen gather on the shores of Florida, Australia, New Zealand, Peru, Tahiti and Cuba. Also appreciated taste qualities fish.

Swimmer's Gift

Calculations of the speed of movement of fish are theoretical. Experimental methods They only work close to the shore. The sailboat set its record of 109 km/h in Florida: it pulled 91 meters of fishing line in 3 seconds. It is believed that movement is more active in the depths of the ocean.

Academician A.N. Krylov once saw an oak ship frame pierced by the nose of a swordfish. This made him think about the question of which fish in the ocean swims the fastest. The shipbuilder was the first to suggest the speed of the swordfish. His calculations showed that the individual accelerated to 100 km/h. A piece of the ship is now kept in a museum in England.

The body structure of the three winners is distinguished by a fin stretched along the entire ridge. In shape it resembles a sail, which determines the name of the family. When accelerating, all fins fold, which allows the fish to better feel the water and ensures a minimum coefficient of friction. This sea ​​creatures tends to jump out and cover part of the path through the air.

It is quite difficult to determine the fastest fish in the world and its maximum speed. One thing is clear: underwater inhabitants are in no way inferior to mammals and birds. From our selection it is clear that the victims move slower than their enemies. There are cases where people and animals exceeded their capabilities in extreme situations. Do you think fish are capable of surpassing own speed? We are waiting for your comments!

When I was studying at Agrarian Institute, we had a whole course of lectures dedicated to fish living in the ocean. I really enjoyed attending these lectures, as I was always interested in how our ocean friends live.

Fastest fish in the ocean

Ichthyologists conducted numerous experiments, thanks to which they were able to measure the speed of movement of fish. So, the fastest and fast turned out to be:

• swordfish(speeds up to 130 km/h);

• sailfish(109 km/h);

• yellowfin tuna(up to 70 km/h).

I'll focus on the first two fish. The championship was awarded to both of them at the same time, because these are the only fish that move at such speed. But they have some features.

Swordfish develops maximum speed (and this is 130 km/h) gradually and only at the moment of danger, and Sailfish reaches 109 km/h, but in 10 seconds. It's incredibly fast. That is, the swordfish moves faster than all other ocean inhabitants, but only at certain moments, and the sailfish is always at that speed. Besides, sailfish not only swims, but also flies. Sometimes, to speed up, it jumps out of the water and flies over the water for some distance. It's very interesting to watch.

Unusual swordfish

There are so many fish that live in the ocean! They are all different sizes, colors, and look different. But the swordfish deserves special attention because of his appearance. After all, she really is so upper jaw lengthened that it seems that the fish is swimming with a sword in its teeth. It is not difficult to guess that with this sword fish defends itself and catches prey.

There have been cases when swordsmen have pierced the bottom of small ships. This most likely happened by accident. At the moment of his high-speed swim, swordfish I just didn’t have time to react to the ship passing by and get around it.

Natural the enemies of swordsmen are:

• killer whales;
• sharks;
• People.

There are cases when a swordfish fought to the last blood with a shark. In this battle, the shark lost an eye and received a puncture wound with a sword in the stomach.

Swordtails do not intentionally attack people. But people are constantly hunt for valuable fish. Swordfish meat is tender, without any particular fishy smell, and is therefore considered a delicacy.

Fortunately, swordfish are very prolific(a female can lay up to 20 million eggs at a time), so they are not yet in danger of extinction. In many supermarkets you can buy a frozen carcass of this fish, and try it in a restaurant ready meals from swordfish.