10 largest fish species still swimming our seas, and where they roam

The oceans are home to some of Earth’s most awe-inspiring creatures. And when it comes to fish tales, size really does matter, and these ocean giants don’t need any exaggeration. From plankton-slurping gentle giants to stealthy apex predators, the seas are home to some jaw-dropping record-breakers. Imagine a creature the size of a bus gliding past, or a flat, dinner-plate-shaped giant sunning itself at the surface. These are the heavyweight champions of the deep, still swimming our planet’s waters today. So for the curious souls, here are the ten largest fish species alive today and the places they roam.

Growing up to 41.5 ft and weighing 21.5 tons, the whale shark is the largest living fish and the biggest non-mammalian vertebrate. Found in warm tropical oceans’ open waters, they can live for 70 years and feed mainly on plankton. Despite their size, they are harmless to humans. The species is endangered due to bycatch, vessel strikes, and slow reproduction.

The second-largest fish, basking sharks, reach 20–26 ft and nearly 19 tons. They inhabit temperate oceans worldwide, feeding on plankton near the surface, which gives them their “basking” name. Listed as vulnerable, they have suffered from historic overfishing for meat, oil, and fins.

Famed apex predators, great whites live in coastal waters where temperatures range from 12–24°C. They can grow to 20 ft and weigh 3.3 tons, though most are around 13 feet. Known for unprovoked attacks on humans, they actually prefer marine mammals and fish. Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, they face the same threats as other large sharks.

Nicknamed the “Sea Tiger,” this shark reaches over 16 ft and 3 tons. Distributed in tropical and temperate oceans, they are known for a wide diet, fish, seabirds, and even debris. They rank second in shark attacks on humans after great whites, and are near threatened.

The world’s largest ray, the giant oceanic manta can span 23 feet and weigh 3 tons. Found in tropical and subtropical waters, they filter-feed on plankton and may swim alone or in groups. Overfishing has sharply reduced their numbers.

The largest bony fish, ocean sunfish can be 10.8 feet long, equally tall, and weigh 2.3 tons. Inhabiting tropical and temperate oceans, they consume huge amounts of jellyfish. Vulnerable due to fishing and bycatch, they are one of the ocean’s most unusual shapes.

This elusive mola species grows to 11 feet and 2 tons, living in tropical and temperate waters. It feeds on a variety of marine life, from sponges to fish. Its conservation status is not yet evaluated due to its rarity.

Only recently discovered, this giant sunfish is found in Southern Hemisphere waters, feeding on salps. Much about its behavior remains unknown, but its size secures it a spot among the largest fish species.

A freshwater giant from the Black, Caspian, and Adriatic Seas, the beluga sturgeon can reach 23.6 feet and weigh 1,571 kg. Critically endangered due to overfishing for caviar and poaching, it migrates upriver to spawn and preys on fish and occasionally waterfowl.

The second-largest ray, the reef manta grows to 5.5 meters and 1.4 tons. Found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide except the East Pacific and West Atlantic, it filter-feeds on zooplankton. Vulnerable to overfishing, it remains a graceful sight in coral-rich waters.