Heaviest Fish in the World

20 fish · 591–21,500 kg

Weight is the ultimate measure of a fish's bulk. While length tells you how long a fish is, weight reveals the true mass — a function of body depth, girth, and density. Some of the heaviest fish are surprisingly compact, while others stretch to great lengths but remain relatively slender.

Maximum weight records come from multiple sources: scientific trawl surveys, IGFA world records, and commercial fishing data. For large pelagic species, weights are often estimated from length-weight regression equations when direct weighing is impractical. The heaviest individual ever recorded for each species represents an exceptional specimen, not the average adult size.

Sharks and rays again feature prominently, but bony fish like the ocean sunfish (Mola mola) and Atlantic bluefin tuna also reach remarkable weights that surprise many observers.
How we ranked these

Ranked by maximum recorded weight in kilograms. Data from FishBase, IGFA records, and peer-reviewed ichthyological surveys.

🥇 #1
Whale Shark
Whale Shark

Rhincodontidae (Whale sharks) · Saltwater

The whale shark is the largest living fish species, reaching lengths of up to 18 meters. Despite its enormous size, it is a gentle filter feeder that consumes plankton, fish eggs, and small fish by sw

1,800.0 cm 21,500.0 kg Saltwater
See details
🥈 #2
Basking shark
Basking shark

Cetorhinidae (Basking Sharks) · Saltwater

1,520.0 cm 4,000.0 kg Saltwater
See details →
🥉 #3
Beluga
Beluga

Acipenseridae (Sturgeons) · Freshwater & Saltwater

800.0 cm 3,200.0 kg Freshwater & Saltwater
See details →
  1. Atlantic manta
    Atlantic manta

    Mobulidae (Manta & Devil Rays) · Saltwater

    910.0 cm 3,000.0 kg Saltwater
    See details →
  2. Giant sunfish
    Giant sunfish

    Molidae (Ocean Sunfishes) · Saltwater

    333.0 cm 2,300.0 kg Saltwater
    See details →
  3. Bumphead sunfish
    Bumphead sunfish

    Molidae (Ocean Sunfishes) · Saltwater

    300.0 cm 2,300.0 kg Saltwater
    See details →
  4. Sharpfin sunfish
    Sharpfin sunfish

    Molidae (Ocean Sunfishes) · Saltwater

    337.0 cm 2,000.0 kg Saltwater
    See details →
  5. Great White Shark
    Great White Shark

    Lamnidae (Mackerel sharks) · Saltwater

    The great white shark is the world's largest predatory fish. Found in coastal surface waters of all major oceans, it can detect a single drop of blood in 100 liters of water. Despite its fearsome repu

    600.0 cm 1,905.0 kg Saltwater
    See details →
  6. Devil fish
    Devil fish

    Mobulidae (Manta & Devil Rays) · Saltwater

    520.0 cm 1,500.0 kg Saltwater
    See details →
  7. Great Siberian sturgeon
    Great Siberian sturgeon

    Acipenseridae (Sturgeons) · Freshwater & Saltwater

    560.0 cm 1,000.0 kg Freshwater & Saltwater
    See details →
  8. Columbia sturgeon
    Columbia sturgeon

    Acipenseridae (Sturgeons) · Freshwater & Saltwater

    610.0 cm 816.0 kg Freshwater & Saltwater
    See details →
  9. Common tiger shark
    Common tiger shark

    Galeocerdonidae · Saltwater

    750.0 cm 807.4 kg Saltwater
    See details →
  10. Black marlin
    Black marlin

    Istiophoridae (Marlins and sailfish) · Saltwater

    465.0 cm 750.0 kg Saltwater
    See details →
  11. Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
    Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

    Scombridae (Mackerels and tunas) · Saltwater

    The Atlantic bluefin tuna is one of the largest bony fish, capable of crossing the Atlantic in under 60 days. A single specimen has sold for over $3 million at Tokyo's fish market. It can maintain a b

    458.0 cm 680.0 kg Saltwater Fight 10/10
    See details →
  12. Swordfish
    Swordfish

    Xiphiidae (Swordfish) · Saltwater

    The swordfish is a highly migratory pelagic predator recognized by its long, flat, pointed bill. It can dive to depths exceeding 2,800 meters and possesses a specialized organ that heats its eyes and

    455.0 cm 650.0 kg Saltwater Fight 9/10
    See details →
  13. Blue Marlin
    Blue Marlin

    Istiophoridae (Marlins and sailfish) · Saltwater

    The blue marlin is the pinnacle of big-game fishing. Found in tropical and temperate Atlantic and Indo-Pacific waters, it can exceed 500 kg and is known for spectacular aerial displays when hooked.

    500.0 cm 636.0 kg Saltwater Fight 10/10
    See details →
  14. Freshwater whipray
    Freshwater whipray

    Dasyatidae (Whiptail Stingrays) · Brackish

    240.0 cm 600.0 kg Brackish
    See details →
  15. Chinese sturgeon
    Chinese sturgeon

    Acipenseridae (Sturgeons) · Freshwater & Saltwater

    346.0 cm 600.0 kg Freshwater & Saltwater
    See details →
  16. Freshwater sawfish
    Freshwater sawfish

    Pristidae · Freshwater & Saltwater

    700.0 cm 600.0 kg Freshwater & Saltwater
    See details →
  17. Largetooth Sawfish
    Largetooth Sawfish

    Pristidae · Freshwater & Saltwater

    650.0 cm 591.0 kg Freshwater & Saltwater
    See details →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the heaviest fish ever recorded?
The whale shark holds the record for the heaviest fish, with verified specimens exceeding 20 tonnes. Among bony fish, the ocean sunfish (Mola mola) is the heaviest, with individuals reaching over 2,000 kg.
How are maximum fish weights determined?
Maximum weight records come from scientific trawl surveys, IGFA world records, and commercial fishing data. For large pelagic species, weights are often estimated using length-weight regression equations when direct weighing is impractical.
Is the heaviest fish always the longest?
Not necessarily. Weight reflects a fish's total mass — a function of body depth, girth, and density. Some heavy fish like the ocean sunfish are relatively compact, while long, slender species like the oarfish weigh much less than their length would suggest.

More Rankings

Largest Fish in the World — Ranked by Length

20 entries

Best Game Fish — Top Fighters Ranked

20 entries