Fish are not only the most common denizens of the sea, but also the fastest. They have had a role in culture through the ages, serving as deities and religious symbols, as well as the subject of art works, books and movies. With 31,500 species so far identified, fish display more species diversity than any other class of vertebrates. The sailfish is the fastest fish in the world – able to swim at a speed of 68mph, followed by the marlin at 50mph. Here is the countdown of the top 10 starting at the bottom and rising.

 

   Tarpon

 

 

Average speed: 35 mph

 

Tarpon populate a wide variety of habitats subject only to the suitability of the water temperature. Rapid decreases in temperature have been known to lead to large decimation of the fish in an area. During such temperature drops, tarpon usually take refuge in warmer deeper waters. They are strictly carnivorous and swallow their food whole.

 

Tarpon are considered one of the great saltwater game fishes. They are prized not only because of their great size but also because of the fight that they put up and their spectacular leaping ability.

 

Tarpon are bony fish and their meat is not tasty, so most of them are released after being caught.

 

Though tarpon usually spook easily and show extreme wariness when around humans, they do occasionally cause injuries, although this is considered accidental not deliberate. To avoid such a situation, one should not attempt to bring a freshly-caught tarpon into a boat when it still retains its vigor.