Which animal has the most powerful jaw? Shark bite force: consequences
They are able to gnaw through steel, bite a huge crocodile or bite through the thick skin of a hippo… Let's look into the mouths of those who are capable of this thanks to their powerful jaws.
Photos and text by Alexey Osokin
1. Let's start, of course, with the lions. These incredibly beautiful and graceful cats are real killing machines. No one can feel at ease being near them. Lions attack even adult hippos. Nothing is impossible for them. At the same time, the bite force of a lion by African standards is very small - only about 40-50 atmospheres.
2. Cheetahs cannot boast of the strongest bite, but incredibly sharp fangs and incisors leave no chance for the victim ...
3. Note: The cheetah's head is designed by nature so that the respiratory system takes up most of the space, allowing it to run at great speed. There was no room left for large teeth.
4. Another cat that can kill an animal much larger than itself, and then drag the carcass up a tree - a leopard.
5. According to the bite force, the leopard is the strongest cat in Africa - according to various sources, from 100 to 125 atmospheres.
6. The hippopotamus has the most powerful jaws. And although it feeds mainly on grass, the hippopotamus needs a powerful jaw for battles with other hippos and for protection from predators. They are said to be able to bite into two parts of a huge crocodile. The bite force of these fat men reaches 125 atmospheres.
7. There are legends about the power of the jaws of a crocodile. And not in vain. These cutest creatures have a bite force of 340 atmospheres and this is the highest among all African animals.
9. Hyenas easily gnaw through strong bones and are even able to gnaw through steel bars of cages.
10. The strength of a hyena bite, according to various sources, ranges from 70 to 90 atmospheres, but incredibly strong and sharp teeth give power to the bite.
Recall that 1 atmosphere = 101 325 Pa.
Leo - 40 atmospheres. Oddly enough, the bite of the “king of beasts” is considered not the strongest when compared with other representatives of big cats. However, it is quite enough to hold the prey, and then tear it to pieces.
Tiger - 71 atmospheres. The largest representative of big cats and one of the most impressive predators of the planet. The mass of some Amur tigers reaches 380 kg, and their bite is almost twice as strong as that of a lion. 
Spotted hyena - 74 atmospheres. The jaws of hyenas are among the most powerful among mammals, they are specially designed for crushing bones. Hyenas easily eat the cleanly gnawed remains of the prey of other predators, if necessary, gnawing even the bones of a giraffe. 
Grizzly bear - 81 atmospheres. The largest subspecies of American brown bears live in Alaska. Their mass can exceed 450 kg, and the strength of the jaws exceeds that of many big cats. Brown bears usually do not prey on people, but often show aggression, protecting their territory. 
Gorilla - 88 atmospheres. Luckily for most of the gorillas' natural neighbors, they are vegetarians. But to protect their group, the largest of the monkeys use not only their paws, but also the most powerful jaws that can bite almost anything. 
Hippo - 124 atmospheres. Surprisingly, many still consider hippos to be good-natured bumpkins from children's books. In fact, these are one of the most dangerous animals in Africa, incredibly aggressive and territorial. With one bite, they can kill a lion or a crocodile, what can we say about a person caught in the tooth? 
Jaguar - 136 atmospheres. The winner in bite strength is not only among all big cats, but among all mammals on the planet. Jaguars are the only predators that kill prey by crushing its skull with its jaws. And they often hunt cows. 
Mississippi alligator - 144 atmospheres. For crocodiles and alligators, nothing is more important than the right bite, so they take three prizes. Mississippi alligators are large enough to attack humans, but rarely do so, preferring to feed on fish and turtles. 
Salted crocodile - 251 atmospheres. Heavy artillery was launched. The largest reptiles of the planet grow up to 7 meters in length with a mass of up to two tons. Sometimes they attack pleasure boats, biting through them. 
Nile crocodile - 340 atmospheres. Those same “big evil crocodiles”, because of which children, and not only them, should not go for a walk in Africa. Nile crocodiles are slightly inferior in size to combed ones, but more than compensate for this with a truly monstrous jaw strength. Seasoned crocodiles can kill and eat even adult male lions, not to mention other predators of the savannah. 
Which animal do you think has the strongest bite? A lion? Hyena? Turtle? Or maybe someone smaller, like a piranha? The answer may surprise you. There is a famous saying that says: “Big fish eat small fish” and if you look at how nature works, there is a lot of truth in this statement. It is especially true in the animal world, where most animals survive using a wide range of tactics and evolutionary characteristics. As you may have guessed, bite strength is one of the many characteristics that help animals not only in their search for food, but also in self-defense. It is for this quality that today we will compile a list of the most “successful” representatives of the animal kingdom. From the beautiful Siberian tiger to the fearsome polar bear, we bring you the 25 most powerful bites in the animal kingdom.
25. Killer whale, PSI: 19000 ~ unknown
Until now, it has not been possible to accurately measure the strength of a killer whale's bite. However, based on incidents involving killer whales in captivity, it appears that their bite force may exceed 19,000 PSI. Since this is just a guess, at the moment the killer whale only gets 25th place.24. Piranha, PSI: unknown
If we talk in the context of boxing, then the piranha would come out as the absolute champion in its weight. The force of her bite exceeds her body weight by 30 times, which is simply unheard of in the animal world. However, the exact strength of her bite has never been measured. 23. Leopard, PSI: 300-310
The leopard is one of the five "big cats" of the panther genus and is found in many parts of the world, such as parts of sub-Saharan Africa, Western Asia, the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, and even Siberia. Known for its athleticism and speed, the bite of the leopard is definitely something to avoid. 22. Tiger shark, PSI: 325
This marine animal is arguably one of the most deadly predators in the ocean and definitely looks very intimidating. However, her bite force is only 325. 21. Hyena dog, PSI: 340
The wild dog is endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and is considered the largest member of its genus in Africa. Don't let her appearance fool you, she can compete with cougars in terms of bite power. 20. Puma, PSI: 350
The cougar is considered the largest wild land mammal in the Western Hemisphere and one of the fastest animals. They do not have the strongest bite, however, they have muscular jaws and long fangs that are adapted to bite into meat, tendons and muscles. 19. Wolf, PSI: 406
The wolf is one of the most famous and well-studied animals. They also have some of the most paradoxical relationships with humans. The wolf is an excellent hunter, they usually hunt in packs to take down animals that are much larger than them. The wolf boasts an impressive bite force of 406 PSI. 18. Mastiff, PSI: 556
The Mastiff has the strongest bite among domesticated dogs. Even a Rottweiler, Pit Bull or German Shepherd cannot be compared with him. 17. Great White Shark, PSI: 669
While sharks should generally have the strongest bite of any fish, this shark's bite is surprisingly weak. However, this may be due to the fact that sharks do not need a strong bite, as they do most of the damage with their teeth. 16. Lion, PSI: 691
It was sad to see the "king of beasts" in such a low place, but it is obvious that his bite is not his main advantage. However, lions have a fairly strong bite that has earned them a place on this list of the 25 most powerful bites. 15. Jaguar, PSI: 700
The jaguar is terrible not because of its powerful bite, but because of the way its teeth are designed: they can pierce the skull and are able to pierce the shell of a turtle. By comparison, jaguars have the strongest bite relative to body weight of any cat family. 14. Brown bear, PSI: 850
The modest brown bear lives in the forests and mountains of northern North America, Europe and Asia. It is the most widely distributed bear in the world, boasting an impressive bite force of up to 850 psi. 13. Kodiak, PSI: 930
Kodiak lives on the islands of the Kodiak archipelago in southwestern Alaska, from which he borrowed his name. It is the largest subspecies of the brown bear and one of the two largest representatives of the bear genus. The second is the polar bear. 12. Amur tiger, PSI: 950
Amur tigers have not only incredibly powerful jaws, but also very sharp teeth, with which they dig into the throats of their victims. 11. Cayman Tortoise, PSI: 1000
According to a bite force test by Dr. Brady Barr of National Geographic, the caiman tortoise has a bite force of approximately 1,000 PSI. 10. Bengal tiger, PSI: 1050
Bengal tigers are the largest representatives of the cat family and are famous for their strength and power. Despite their formidable reputation, most tigers shy away from humans, but the few that don't are responsible for many deaths in India, where they live. 9. Hyena, PSI: 1100
This not-so-cute and scary animal, which we learned about as a child watching The Lion King, has teeth that are specially adapted for eating rough food, as well as crushing and digesting large bones. Their milk is rich in calcium due to the huge amount of bones included in their diet. 8. Polar bear, PSI: 1235
Polar bears are among the strongest and most enduring mammals on the planet, and as such, they also have a very powerful bite. Their diet consists mainly of seals, which are by no means soft-skinned, but their teeth are also adapted to a vegetable diet. 7. Grizzly bear, PSI: 1250
The grizzly bear is a majestic and dominant symbol of wild and primordial strength. They are omnivorous and have very strong teeth. Their incisors are relatively large, as are their fangs. Unlike most other carnivores, their teeth are also adapted to a vegetable diet. 6. Blunt shark, PSI: 1250
Bullhead sharks have the strongest bite of any fish, but their strength is only half of their power, as they also have very sharp teeth. 5. Gorilla, PSI: 1300
The teeth of typical male gorillas are white and large, but not very sharp. However, they have a very strong neck and jaw muscles that make their bite very strong. 4. Hippo, PSI: 1821
Hippos may not look like they have a strong bite, but the truth is that these huge animals have very strong jaw muscles. Even though they are herbivores, their bite is considered to be the strongest among all mammals. 3. Mississippi alligator, PSI: 2125
The Mississippi alligator is a rare success story in breeding an endangered animal. This species has been saved from extinction. The Mississippi alligator is one of the most vicious and deadly predators in the world, and its bite is third on our list. 2. Nile crocodile, PSI: 5000
The Nile crocodile has a well-deserved reputation as one of the most vicious cannibals in all of Africa. It is difficult to give an exact number, but it is estimated that about 200 people die in the pasture of the Nile crocodile every year. It comes second on our list. 1. Salted crocodile, PSI: 7700
To put it bluntly, the combed crocodile is the largest reptile that lives on our planet at the moment. It is also the largest land and coastal predator in the world. The length of males of this species can reach 6.7 meters, and weight 2000 kilograms. In addition, they have the strongest bite of any animal in the world. The strength of the bite is an important characteristic for any animal, because it is thanks to it that the animal not only finds food, but also defends itself from enemies. We offer you to get acquainted with the list of the most powerful bites in the animal kingdom.
25th place - Orca, PSI: unknown
Scientists have not yet been able to determine the exact force of a killer whale bite. There are only suggestions that the force of a killer whale bite can exceed 19,000 PSI.
24th - Piranha, PSI: unknown
The bite force of this small fish is 30 times its body weight. Although the exact strength of her bite is also still unknown.
23rd place - Leopard, PSI: 300-310
One of the five "big cats" of the panther genus, it is known for its athleticism and speed. Meetings with a leopard should be avoided, since it is almost impossible to escape from it.
22nd place - Tiger shark, PSI: 325
This marine life is considered one of the most dangerous predators of the ocean. In fact, the bite force of a tiger shark is only 325.
21st place - Hyena dog, PSI: 340
Although the appearance of this animal is a little unsightly, in terms of bite, it is not much inferior to cougars.
20th place - Puma, PSI: 350
The cougar is not only one of the fastest animals, but also the owner of a strong bite. Thanks to their muscular jaws and long fangs, cougars easily bite into meat, tendons and muscles.
19th place - Wolf, PSI: 406
Wolves are excellent hunters and their bite force is 406 PSI.
18th - Mastiff, PSI: 556
Mastiffs, not Pit Bulls or Rottweilers, have the strongest bite among domesticated dogs.
17th place - White shark, PSI: 669
The bite of sharks is not very strong, but they don’t really need it, because they cause the main damage with their teeth.
16th place - Leo, PSI: 691
the lion is not the strongest and therefore it is only in 16th place in our list.
15th place - Jaguar, PSI: 700
Jaguars have the strongest bite in relation to body weight of any cat family.
14th place - Brown bear, PSI: 850
The brown bear has a bite force of up to 850 PSI.
13th place - Kodiak, PSI: 930
Kodiak is the largest subspecies of the brown bear and one of the largest representatives of the bear genus.
12th place - Amur tiger, PSI: 950
Amur tigers boast powerful jaws and very sharp teeth.
11th place - Cayman turtle, PSI: 1000
The bite force of the caiman turtle reaches 1000 PSI.
10th place - Bengal tiger, PSI: 1050
The largest representatives of the cat family are famous for their strength and power.
9th place - Hyena, PSI: 1100
This unsympathetic animal has teeth specially adapted for eating rough food and crushing large bones.
8th place - Polar bear, PSI: 1235
These are some of the strongest and most enduring mammals on the planet with a very powerful bite.
7th place - Grizzly bear, PSI: 1250
These majestic animals have very strong teeth.
6th place - Blunt shark, PSI: 1250
This type of fish has the strongest bite of all fish.
5th place - Gorilla, PSI: 1300
A strong bite of a gorilla is not due to teeth, but to a strong neck and jaw muscles.
4th place - Hippo, PSI: 1821
These huge animals have very strong jaw muscles, and their bite is considered the strongest among all mammals.
3rd place - Mississippi alligator, PSI: 2125
This predator is considered one of the most vicious and deadly in the world, and its bite is in third place on our list.
2nd place - Nile crocodile, PSI: 5000
In second place on the list is one of the most vicious cannibals in all of Africa.
1st place - Saltwater crocodile, PSI: 7700
Salted crocodile is considered the largest reptile that lives on the planet at the moment. In addition, he is the owner of the most powerful bite among all animals in the world.
Which animal do you think has the strongest bite? A lion? Hyena? Turtle? Or maybe someone smaller, like a piranha? The answer may surprise you. There is a famous saying that says: “Big fish eat small fish” and if you look at how nature works, there is a lot of truth in this statement. It is especially true in the animal world, where most animals survive using a wide range of tactics and evolutionary characteristics. As you may have guessed, bite strength is one of the many characteristics that help animals not only in their search for food, but also in self-defense. It is for this quality that today we will compile a list of the most “successful” representatives of the animal kingdom. From the beautiful Siberian tiger to the fearsome polar bear, we bring you the 25 most powerful bites in the animal kingdom.
25. Killer whale, PSI: 19000 ~ unknown
Until now, it has not been possible to accurately measure the strength of a killer whale's bite. However, based on incidents involving killer whales in captivity, it appears that their bite force may exceed 19,000 PSI. Since this is just a guess, at the moment the killer whale only gets 25th place.
24. Piranha, PSI: unknown 
If we talk in the context of boxing, then the piranha would come out as the absolute champion in its weight. The force of her bite exceeds her body weight by 30 times, which is simply unheard of in the animal world. However, her exact strength has never been measured.
23. Leopard, PSI: 300-310
The leopard is one of the five "big cats" of the panther genus and is found in many parts of the world, such as parts of sub-Saharan Africa, Western Asia, the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, and even Siberia. Known for its athleticism and speed, the bite of the leopard is definitely something to avoid.
22. Tiger shark, PSI: 325 
This marine animal is arguably one of the most deadly predators in the ocean and definitely looks very intimidating. However, her bite force is only 325.
21. Hyena dog, PSI: 340
The wild dog is endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and is considered the largest member of its genus in Africa. Don't let her appearance fool you, she can compete with cougars in terms of bite power.
20. Puma, PSI: 350
The cougar is considered the largest wild land mammal in the Western Hemisphere and one of the fastest animals. They do not have the strongest bite, however, they have muscular jaws and long fangs that are adapted to bite into meat, tendons and muscles.
19. Wolf, PSI: 406
The wolf is one of the most famous and well-studied animals. They also have some of the most paradoxical relationships with humans. The wolf is an excellent hunter, they usually hunt in packs to take down animals that are much larger than them. The wolf boasts an impressive bite force of 406 PSI.
18. Mastiff, PSI: 556
The Mastiff has the strongest bite among domesticated dogs. Even a Rottweiler, Pit Bull or German Shepherd cannot be compared with him.
17. Great White Shark, PSI: 669
While sharks should generally have the strongest bite of any fish, this shark's bite is surprisingly weak. However, this may be due to the fact that sharks do not need a strong bite, as they do most of the damage with their teeth.
16. Lion, PSI: 691
It was sad to see the "king of beasts" in such a low place, but it is obvious that his bite is not his main advantage. However, lions have a fairly strong bite that has earned them a place on this list of the 25 most powerful bites.
15. Jaguar, PSI: 700
The jaguar is terrible not because of its powerful bite, but because of the way its teeth are designed: they can pierce the skull and are able to pierce the shell of a turtle. By comparison, jaguars have the strongest bite relative to body weight of any cat family.
14. Brown bear, PSI: 850
The modest brown bear lives in the forests and mountains of northern North America, Europe and Asia. It is the most widely distributed bear in the world, boasting an impressive bite force of up to 850 psi.
13. Kodiak, PSI: 930
Kodiak lives on the islands of the Kodiak archipelago in southwestern Alaska, from which he borrowed his name. It is the largest subspecies of the brown bear and one of the two largest representatives of the bear genus. The second is the polar bear.
12. Amur tiger, PSI: 950
Amur tigers have not only incredibly powerful jaws, but also very sharp teeth, with which they dig into the throats of their victims.
11. Cayman Tortoise, PSI: 1000 
According to a bite force test by Dr. Brady Barr of National Geographic, the caiman tortoise has a bite force of approximately 1,000 PSI.
10. Bengal tiger, PSI: 1050
Bengal tigers are the largest representatives of the cat family and are famous for their strength and power. Despite their formidable reputation, most tigers shy away from humans, but the few that don't are responsible for many deaths in India, where they live.
9. Hyena, PSI: 1100
This not-so-cute and scary animal, which we learned about as a child watching The Lion King, has teeth that are specially adapted for eating rough food, as well as crushing and digesting large bones. Their milk is rich in calcium due to the huge amount of bones included in their diet.
8. Polar bear, PSI: 1235
Polar bears are among the strongest and most enduring mammals on the planet, and as such, they also have a very powerful bite. Their diet consists mainly of seals, which are by no means soft-skinned, but their teeth are also adapted to a vegetable diet.
7. Grizzly bear, PSI: 1250
The grizzly bear is a majestic and dominant symbol of wild and primordial strength. They are omnivorous and have very strong teeth. Their incisors are relatively large, as are their fangs. Unlike most other animals, their teeth are also adapted for a vegetable diet.
6. Blunt shark, PSI: 1250 
Bullhead sharks have the strongest bite of any fish, but their strength is only half of their power, as they also have very sharp teeth.
5. Gorilla, PSI: 1300
The teeth of typical male gorillas are white and large, but not very sharp. However, they have a very strong neck and jaw muscles that make their bite very strong.
4. Hippo, PSI: 1821
Hippos may not look like they have a strong bite, but the truth is that these huge animals have very strong jaw muscles. Even though they are herbivores, their bite is considered to be the strongest among all mammals.
3. Mississippi alligator, PSI: 2125
The Mississippi alligator is a rare success story in breeding an endangered animal. This species has been saved from extinction. The Mississippi alligator is one of the most vicious and deadly predators in the world, and its bite is third on our list.
2. Nile crocodile, PSI: 5000
The Nile crocodile has a well-deserved reputation as one of the most vicious cannibals in all of Africa. It is difficult to give an exact number, but it is estimated that about 200 people die in the pasture of the Nile crocodile every year. It comes second on our list.
1. Salted crocodile, PSI: 7700
To put it bluntly, the combed crocodile is the largest reptile that lives on our planet at the moment. It is also the largest land and coastal predator in the world. The length of males of this species can reach 6.7 meters, and weight 2000 kilograms. In addition, they have the strongest bite of any animal in the world.
