list of largest fish

• Hagfish (Myxini)

:The hagfish, which are not taxonomically true fish, are among the most primitive extant vertebrates. There is only one order and family in this animal class. All of the 77 known species have elongated, eel-like bodies but can be distinguished by their downward-facing mouths. The largest form is the goliath hagfish (Eptatretus goliath). This species can range up to {{convert|1.28|m|ft|abbr=on}} in length and weigh to {{convert|6.2|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase|Eptatretus|goliath|id=63160|month=August|year=2024}}

• Lampreys (Petromyzontiformes)

File:Sea Lamprey fish.jpg feeding on a lake trout]]

:As with the hagfish, lampreys appear eel-like in shape. They have cartilaginous skeletons and have been evolving separately from any other group for over 400 million years. They are predatory and often attach themselves to a fish or other small animal and gradually drain blood and organs. The largest species is the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), which can grow to {{convert|1.2|m|ft|abbr=on}} and weigh {{convert|2.5|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase|Petromyzon|marinus|id=2530|month=August|year=2024}}

The largest fish of the now-extinct class Placodermi was the giant predatory Dunkleosteus. The largest and most well known species was D. terrelli, which grew almost {{convert|4.1|m|ft|1|abbr=on}} in length{{Cite journal|last1=Ferrón|first1=Humberto G.|last2=Martínez-Pérez|first2=Carlos|last3=Botella|first3=Héctor|date=December 6, 2017|title=Ecomorphological inferences in early vertebrates: reconstructing Dunkleosteus terrelli (Arthrodira, Placodermi) caudal fin from palaeoecological data|journal=PeerJ|language=en|volume=5|pages=e4081|doi=10.7717/peerj.4081|pmid=29230354|pmc=5723140|issn=2167-8359 |doi-access=free }} Engelman (2023), using an ellipsoid volumetric method, estimated weights of 950–1,200 kilograms (2,090–2,650 lb) for typical (3.41 metres (11.2 ft) long) adult Dunkleosteus, and weights of 1,494–1,764 kilograms (3,294–3,889 lb) for the largest (4.1 metres (13.5 ft)) individual.{{Cite journal |last=Engelman |first=Russell K. |date=2024 |title=Reconstructing Dunkleosteus terrelli (Placodermi: Arthrodira): A new look for an iconic Devonian predator |url=https://palaeo-electronica.org/content/2024/5307-dunkleosteus-reconstruction |journal=Palaeontologia Electronica |doi=10.26879/1343|doi-access=free }}{{Cite journal |last=Engelman |first=Russell |date=April 10, 2023 |title=Giant, swimming mouths: oral dimensions of extant sharks do not accurately predict body size in Dunkleosteus terrelli (Placodermi: Arthrodira) |journal=PeerJ |language=en |volume=11 |pages=e15131 |doi=10.7717/peerj.15131 |doi-access=free |pmid=37065696 |pmc=10100833 |issn=2167-8359}}{{Cite journal |last=Engelman |first=Russell K. |date=February 21, 2023 |title=A Devonian Fish Tale: A New Method of Body Length Estimation Suggests Much Smaller Sizes for Dunkleosteus terrelli (Placodermi: Arthrodira) |journal=Diversity |language=en |volume=15 |issue=3 |pages=318 |doi=10.3390/d15030318 |doi-access=free |bibcode=2023Diver..15..318E |issn=1424-2818}} Its filter feeding relative, Titanichthys, may have rivaled it in size.{{cite book

| isbn = 9780198577188

| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=B-ASAQAAIAAJ&q=Titanichthys+length

| title = Major Evolutionary Radiations

| publisher = Systematics Association

| date = 1990

| access-date = August 28, 2022

| page = 310

| author = Gilbert Powell Larwood, Paul D. Taylor

}} Titanichthys reached a length of {{cvt|7|m|ft}}{{cite book

| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=8SoeAQAAMAAJ

| title = Bulletin 70

| publisher = Ohio. Division of Geological Survey

| date = 1996

| access-date = August 28, 2022

| page = 290

| author =

| isbn = 9780931079054

}}{{cite book

| isbn = 9781107179448

| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=3nWIDwAAQBAJ

| title = Evolution and Development of Fishes

| publisher = Cambridge University Press

| date = 2019

| access-date = August 31, 2022

| page = 13

| editor-first1= Charlie |editor-last1=Underwood |editor-first2=Martha |editor-last2=Richter |editor-first3=Zerina |editor-last3=Johanson

}} though in older paper it was estimated at {{cvt|7.5|m|ft}}.{{cite book

| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=KlA9AAAAYAAJ&dq=Titanichthys+length&pg=PA130

| title = Fishes, Living and Fossil: An Outline of Their Forms and Probable Relationships

| publisher = Macmillan and Company

| date = 1895

| access-date = August 28, 2022

| page = 130

| author = Bashford Dean

| isbn = 978-1-02-238982-3

}} However, according to a 2023 paper, it would have been the same size as Dukleosteus.

File:Whaleshark scale.jpg and a human]]

The cartilaginous fish are not directly related to the "bony fish," but are sometimes lumped together for simplicity in description. The largest living cartilaginous fish, of the order Orectolobiformes, is the whale shark (Rhincodon typus), of the world's tropical oceans. It is also the largest living animal that is not a cetacean and, like the largest whales, it is a docile creature that filter-feeds on tiny plankton. An average adult of this species measures {{convert|9.7|m|ft|abbr=on}} long and weighs an average of 9 tonnes. The largest verified specimen was caught in 1949 off Karachi, Pakistan and was {{convert|12.7|m|ft|abbr=on}} long and weighed {{convert|21.5|t}}. Although many are dubious, there are several reports of larger whale sharks, with reliable sources citing unverified specimens of up to {{convert|37|t}} and {{cvt|17|m|ft}}{{cite web|url=http://homepage.mac.com/mollet/Rt/Rt_large.html |title=Summary of Large Whale Shark Rhincodon typus Smith, 1828|website=Homepage.mac.com}} {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} or possibly up to {{Convert|21.9|m|ft}}.{{Cite journal |last1=Ong |first1=Joyce J. L. |last2=Meekan |first2=Mark G. |last3=Hsu |first3=Hua Hsun |last4=Fanning |first4=L. Paul |last5=Campana |first5=Steven E. |date=April 6, 2020 |title=Annual Bands in Vertebrae Validated by Bomb Radiocarbon Assays Provide Estimates of Age and Growth of Whale Sharks |journal=Frontiers in Marine Science |volume=7 |page=188 |doi=10.3389/fmars.2020.00188 |doi-access=free |bibcode=2020FrMaS...7..188O |issn=2296-7745|hdl=20.500.11815/2381 |hdl-access=free }}

The extinct Megalodon is estimated to have been the largest cartilaginous fish as well as largest non-tetrapod fish. It was macropredatory feeding mainly on marine mammals.{{Cite web |title=Original PDF |url=https://doi.org/10.15438/rr.5.1.7 |access-date=March 10, 2025 |website=doi.org|doi=10.15438/rr.5.1.7 |doi-broken-date=March 10, 2025 }}{{Cite journal |last1=Collareta |first1=Alberto |last2=Lambert |first2=Olivier |last3=Landini |first3=Walter |last4=Di Celma |first4=Claudio |last5=Malinverno |first5=Elisa |last6=Varas-Malca |first6=Rafael |last7=Urbina |first7=Mario |last8=Bianucci |first8=Giovanni |date=2017 |title=Did the giant extinct shark Carcharocles megalodon target small prey? Bite marks on marine mammal remains from the late Miocene of Peru |url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0031018216305417 |journal=Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology |language=en |volume=469 |pages=84–91 |doi=10.1016/j.palaeo.2017.01.001|bibcode=2017PPP...469...84C |hdl=10281/151854 |hdl-access=free }}{{Cite book |last=Prothero |first=Donald R. |title=The story of life in 25 fossils: tales of intrepid fossil hunters and the wonders of evolution |date=2015 |publisher=Columbia university press |isbn=978-0-231-17190-8 |location=New York}} With maximum total length estimates ranging from {{Convert|14.3-24.3|m|ft}}.{{Cite book |last1=Klimley |first1=A. Peter |title=Great white sharks: the biology of Carcharodon carcharias |last2=Ainley |first2=David G. |date=1996 |publisher=Academic Press |isbn=978-0-12-415031-7 |location=San Diego}}{{Cite journal |last=Shimada |first=Kenshu |date=July 3, 2021 |title=The size of the megatooth shark, Otodus megalodon (Lamniformes: Otodontidae), revisited |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08912963.2019.1666840 |journal=Historical Biology |language=en |volume=33 |issue=7 |pages=904–911 |doi=10.1080/08912963.2019.1666840 |bibcode=2021HBio...33..904S |issn=0891-2963}}

• Ground sharks (Carcharhiniformes)

File:Tiger shark, Hawaii Aii.jpg ranks as the biggest of ground sharks]]

:The largest species of this order is the widely distributed tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier). Specimens have been verified to at least {{convert|5.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} but even larger ones have been reported. One specimen, a gravid female caught off Australia and measuring only {{convert|5.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} long, weighed an exceptional {{convert|1,524|kg|lb|abbr=on}}. A female caught in 1957 reportedly measured {{convert|7.4|m|ft|abbr=on}} and weighing {{convert|3,110|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, although this very outsized shark is not known to have been confirmed.[http://homepage.mac.com/mollet/Gc/Gc_large.html Large tiger sharks] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410200248/http://homepage.mac.com/mollet/Gc/Gc_large.html |date=April 10, 2012 }}. Homepage.mac.comThe largest of the "requiem sharks" (in the genus Carcharhinus) seems to be the dusky shark (C. obscurus), at up to {{convert|4.2|m|ft|abbr=on}} and a weight of {{convert|350|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase|Carcharhinus|obscurus|id=878|month=August|year=2012}} However, the bulkier bull shark (C. leucas) has been estimated to weigh about {{convert|575|kg|lb|abbr=on}} in recent specimens that measured over {{convert|4|m|ft|abbr=on}} long.[http://homepage.mac.com/mollet/Cle/Cle_large.html Summary of Large Bull Shark Carcharhinus leucas (Valenciennes, 1839)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120051738/http://homepage.mac.com/mollet/Cle/Cle_large.html |date=January 20, 2012 }}. Homepage.mac.com The silky shark (C. falciformis) is another contender for the largest requiem shark at a maximum weight of {{convert|350|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and a maximum length of around {{convert|3.5|m|ft|abbr=on}}. The largest hammerhead shark is the great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran), which can reach {{convert|6.1|m|ft|abbr=on}} and weigh at least {{convert|500|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.[http://www.arkive.org/great-hammerhead/sphyrna-mokarran/ Great hammerhead videos, photos and facts – Sphyrna mokarran] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131222230835/http://www.arkive.org/great-hammerhead/sphyrna-mokarran/ |date=December 22, 2013 }}. ARKive The most species-rich shark family, the catsharks, are fairly small-bodied. The largest, the nursehound (Scyliorhinus stellaris), can grow up to {{convert|1.7|m|ft|abbr=on}} and a weight of at least {{convert|10.8|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase|Scyliorhinus|stellaris|id=854|month=August|year=2024}}{{cite web|url=http://www.irish-trophy-fish.com/print/speciessea.htm|publisher=ISFC|title=Irish Specimen Fish Committee |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110318101622/http://www.irish-trophy-fish.com/print/speciessea.htm |archive-date=March 18, 2011|website=Irish-trophy-fish.com}}

:Within the Triakidae family, also known as houndsharks, the largest is the heavily overfished school shark (Galeorhinus galeus,) also known as the soupfin shark, which can reach up to {{convert|1.95|m|ft|abbr=on}} and {{convert|45.4|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |title=Meet the Soupfin Shark |url=https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/animals-a-to-z/soupfin-shark |access-date=2025-04-21 |website=www.montereybayaquarium.org}}{{Cite web |title=CA Marine Species Portal |url=https://marinespecies.wildlife.ca.gov/soupfin-shark/false/ |access-date=2025-04-21 |website=marinespecies.wildlife.ca.gov}} Other large fish in the order are the leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata,) with one specimen recorded at {{convert|2.13|m|ft|abbr=on}} in length,{{Cite web |last=McGuire |first=David |date=2021-02-10 |title=Lurking with Leopard Sharks |url=https://sharkstewards.org/lurking-with-leopard-sharks/#:~:text=The%20Department%20of%20Fish%20and,annually,%20until%20the%20population%20crashed. |access-date=2025-04-21 |website=Shark Stewards |language=en-US}} and the common smoothhound (Mustelus mustelus) at {{convert|2|m|ft|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |title=Mustelus mustelus summary page |url=https://www.fishbase.se/summary/4996 |access-date=2025-04-21 |website=FishBase |language=en}}

• Chimaeras (Chimaeriformes)

:These odd, often translucent cartilaginous fish are typically quite small. The largest species is the carpenter's chimaera (Chimaera lignaria) of the oceans near Australia and New Zealand. It can reach up to {{convert|1.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} in length and weigh {{convert|15.4|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.[https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/60185/68617238 Chimaera lignaria (Carpenter’s Chimaera, Giant Chimaera, Giant Purple Chimaera)]. Iucnredlist.org

• Frill sharks and cow sharks (Hexanchiformes)

:The largest of the frill sharks and cow shark is the bluntnose sixgill shark (Hexanchus griseus). This large species typically inhabits depths greater than {{convert|90|m|ft|abbr=on}}, and has been recorded as deep as {{convert|1,875|m|ft|abbr=on}}. The largest specimen known (caught off Cuba) reportedly weighed {{convert|763|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and measured {{convert|4.82|m|ft|abbr=on}} long.

• Bullhead sharks (Heterodontiformes)

:These tropical, small sharks are noted for their broad head shape. The largest species is the Port Jackson shark (Heterodontus portusjacksoni) of Australasian waters, at up to {{convert|1.65|m|ft|abbr=on}} long and weighing up to {{convert|20|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase|Heterodontus|portusjacksoni|id=743|month=August|year=2024}}

• Mackerel sharks (Lamniformes)

File:Cetorhinus maximus by greg skomal.JPG, the second largest living fish]]

:Most species in this order grow quite large. The largest living species is the basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) of the world's northern temperate oceans, also the second largest fish. The largest specimen, which was examined in 1851, measured {{convert|12.3|m|ft|abbr=on}} long and weighed {{Convert|16|tonnes|kg lb}}. Perhaps the most famous "big fish" is the great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias). Specimens have been measured up to {{convert|6.4|m|ft|abbr=on}} and weighing {{convert|3,312|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, with great whites of at least {{convert|7|m|ft|abbr=on}} long generally accepted.{{FishBase|Carcharodon|carcharias|ID=751|month=August|year=2024}} The common thresher (Alopias vulpinus), can grow to {{convert|7.6|m|ft|abbr=on}} and weigh over {{convert|510|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, but much of its length is comprised by its extreme tail.{{FishBase|Alopias|vulpinus|id=2535|month=August|year=2024}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/cornwall/7106976.stm|title=Monster 16ft shark sold for £255|website=BBC News|date=November 22, 2007}} Odd and recently discovered giants also live in this order: the slender, sword-snouted goblin shark (Mitsukurina owstoni), with unweighed specimens of up to approximately {{convert|6.17|m|ft|abbr=on}}, and the massive megamouth shark (Megachasma pelagios), up to {{convert|5.6|m|ft|abbr=on}} long and a weight of {{convert|1,215|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.[http://homepage.mac.com/mollet/Mo/Molist.html Goblin Sharks, Mitsukurina owstoni Jordan 1898] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305001912/http://homepage.mac.com/mollet/Mo/Molist.html |date=March 5, 2012 }}. Homepage.mac.com[http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/sharks/megamouth/tablemegaref.htm FLMNH Ichthyology Department: Megamouth]. Flmnh.ufl.edu (November 6, 2010)

:The largest shark in the fossil record is the megalodon (Otodus megalodon), a colossal Neogene lamniform. The range of estimates of the maximum length for megalodon are from {{convert|17|to|24.3|m|ft|abbr=on|0}}, with a mass ranging from {{convert|65|to|114|ST|tonne}}.{{Cite book|last1=Klimley|first1=Peter|last2=Ainley|first2=David|title=Great White Sharks: The Biology of Carcharodon carcharias|publisher=Academic Press|year=1996|isbn=978-0-12-415031-7}}{{Cite journal|last=Pimiento|first=Catalina|author2=Dana J. Ehret|author3=Bruce J. MacFadden|author4=Gordon Hubbell |editor1-last=Stepanova|editor1-first=Anna|title=Ancient Nursery Area for the Extinct Giant Shark Megalodon from the Miocene of Panama|journal=PLOS ONE|volume=5|issue=5|pages=e10552|pmid=20479893|date=May 10, 2010|pmc=2866656|doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0010552|bibcode=2010PLoSO...510552P|doi-access=free}}{{cite journal|last=Wroe|first=S.|author2=Huber, D. R. |author3=Lowry, M. |author4=McHenry, C. |author5=Moreno, K. |author6=Clausen, P. |author7=Ferrara, T. L. |author8=Cunningham, E. |author9=Dean, M. N. |author10= Summers, A. P. |title=Three-dimensional computer analysis of white shark jaw mechanics: how hard can a great white bite?|volume=276|issue=4|pages=336–342|year= 2008|doi=10.1111/j.1469-7998.2008.00494.x|journal=Journal of Zoology}} It is also regarded as the largest macro-predatory fish ever.

• Stingrays and allies (Myliobatiformes)

File:Manta birostris-Thailand.jpg, here seen at Hin Daeng, Thailand, is the largest ray.]]

:Both the largest species of this order and the largest of all rays is the giant oceanic manta ray (Manta birostris). This peaceful leviathan can reach a size of {{cvt|3000|kg|lb}}, a "disk" width of {{cvt|9.1|m|ft}} and a total length of {{cvt|5|m|ft}}.{{FishBase|Mobula|birostris|id=2061|month=August|year=2024}} A related species reaches barely smaller sizes, the devil fish (Mobula mobular). It can grow up to a {{cvt|5.2|m|ft}} disk width, a total length of {{cvt|6.5|m|ft}} and a weight of at least {{cvt|1000|kg|lb}}.{{cite web|url=http://www.arkive.org/giant-devilray/mobula-mobular/ |title=Giant devilray videos, photos and facts – Mobula mobular|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110142241/http://www.arkive.org/giant-devilray/mobula-mobular/ |archive-date=November 10, 2013|website=ARKive}}{{cite web|url=http://www.docstoc.com/docs/75297374/First-documented-catch-of-the-giant-devil-ray-Mobula-mobular- |title=First documented catch of the giant devil ray Mobula mobular|website=Docstoc.com}} The largest stingray is generally accepted to be the short-tail stingray (Dasyatis brevicaudata), found off the southern tip of Africa and Australasia, at up to {{convert|4.3|m|ft|abbr=on}} across the disk and weighing more than {{convert|350|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{cite web|url=http://australianmuseum.net.au/Smooth-Stingray-Dasyatis-brevicaudata-Hutton-1875|title=Smooth Stingray, Dasyatis brevicaudata (Hutton, 1875)|website=Australian Museum|date=October 20, 2011}} Although there are several large stingrays that at least approach this species' size. One, the giant freshwater stingray (Himantura polylepis), of the large rivers of South Asia, can weigh up to {{convert|600|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, measure up to {{convert|5|m|ft|abbr=on}} in total length and have a disc span of {{convert|2.4|m|ft|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase|Urogymnus|polylepis|id=11693|month=August|year=2024}}{{cite web |title=Giant freshwater stingray videos, photos and facts - Himantura chaophraya |url=http://www.arkive.org/giant-freshwater-stingray/himantura-chaophraya/#text=Facts |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224094922/http://www.arkive.org/giant-freshwater-stingray/himantura-chaophraya/#text=Facts |archive-date=December 24, 2013}} The largest verifiably recorded was {{convert|300|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and {{convert|4|m|ft|abbr=on}}. Still, they are the largest of all freshwater exclusive (non-anadromous) fish.{{Cite news |date=2022-06-20 |title=World's largest freshwater fish found in Mekong, scientists say |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-61862169 |access-date=2025-05-12 |language=en-GB}}

• Carpet sharks (Orectolobiformes)

:The whale shark is the largest species in this order, reaching up to 20 meters long when fully mature.{{Cite web|title=Whale Shark {{!}} Species {{!}} WWF|url=https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/whale-shark|access-date=November 2, 2021|website=World Wildlife Fund|language=en}} No other species in the order even approaches this size. The next largest species is the nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum), which can grow up to {{convert|4.3|m|ft|abbr=on}} across the disk and weighing more than {{convert|350|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.[https://web.archive.org/web/20100122041130/http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/nurse-shark/ Nurse Sharks – Nurse Shark Pictures – Nurse Shark Facts]. Animals.nationalgeographic.com

• Sawfish (Pristiformes)

:Distinguished by a long snout decorated with sharp teeth on the sides, these little-known cartilaginous fish are often reported to attain huge sizes. The definitive largest species is not known, although the smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata) and the green sawfish (P. zijsron), at up to reportedly {{convert|7.6|and|7.3|m|ft|abbr=on}}, respectively, may be the largest.{{FishBase|Pristis|pectinata|ID=2057|month=August|year=2024}}{{FishBase|Pristis|zijsron|ID=7956|month=August|year=2024}} Weights of up to {{convert|1,955|kg|lb|abbr=on}} have been reported, possibly for the smalltooth species, but are not verified.{{cite web|url=http://www.elasmo-research.org/education/topics/r_big_fish_stories.htm|title=Big Fish Stories|website=Elasmo-research.org}} The large-tooth sawfish (P. pristis) and freshwater sawfish (P. microdon) can both exceed {{convert|6.5|m|ft|abbr=on}}.{{cite web|url=http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Gallery/Descript/LTSawfish/LTSawfish.html|publisher=FLMNH Ichthyology Department|title=Largetooth Sawfish|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109235341/http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Gallery/Descript/LTSawfish/LTSawfish.html |archive-date=January 9, 2014|website=Flmnh.ufl.edu|access-date=April 1, 2003}}{{FishBase|Pristis|microdon|ID=2546|month=August|year=2024}}

• Sawsharks (Pristiophoriformes)

:Despite sharing a similar appearing snout adapted in both to shred fish prey, the sawsharks are typically much smaller than sawfish. The largest sawshark is the Sixgill sawshark (Pliotrema warreni) of the South Indian ocean, which can grow up to {{convert|1.7|m|ft|abbr=on}} and weigh {{convert|15|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase|Pliotrema|warreni|id=720|month=August|year=2024}}

• Skates and allies (Rajiformes)

File:Rhynchobatus djiddensis durban.jpg is largest species in the skate order]]

:The largest and most diverse order of rays' largest species is the giant guitarfish (Rhynchobatus djiddensis) of the Red Sea and the Eastern Indian Ocean. The top size of the species is {{convert|227|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and {{convert|3.1|m|ft|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase|Rhynchobatus|djiddensis|id=5503|month=August|year=2024}} The largest of the skates is the flapper skate (Dipturus intermedius) along with the blue skate (D. batis) (previously thought to be the same species, the common skate). D. batis can reach {{convert|2.85|m|ft|abbr=on}} and {{convert|97.1|kg|lb|abbr=on}},{{FishBase|Dipturus|batis|id=2058|month=August|year=2024}} while D. intermedius can grow up to {{convert|2.85|m|ft|abbr=on}} and weight {{convert|113|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |title=Dipturus intermedius summary page |url=https://www.fishbase.org/summary/Dipturus-intermedius.html |access-date=March 26, 2025 |website=FishBase |language=en}} In North American waters, the largest is the big skate (Beringraja binoculata) of the Pacific Ocean, growing to {{convert|2.4|m|ft|abbr=on}}, and {{convert|91|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |title=Beringraja binoculata summary page |url=https://www.fishbase.se/summary/2556 |access-date=March 26, 2025 |website=FishBase |language=en}}

• Dogfish and allies (Squaliformes)

:The largest known member of this order is the Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus), a giant predator of sub-Arctic waters. This species has been confirmed to reach as much as {{convert|6.4|m|ft|abbr=on}} in length and a weight of {{convert|1,397|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, although specimens of up to {{convert|7.3|m|ft|abbr=on}} have been reportedly caught.{{FishBase|Somniosus|microcephalus|id=138|month=August|year=2024}} The Pacific sleeper shark (Somniosus pacificus) has been measured only to {{convert|4.4|m|ft|abbr=on}} and {{convert|888|kg|lb|abbr=on}} in a gravid female, although specimens up to an estimated {{convert|7|m|ft|abbr=on}} have been scientifically observed.Castro, José I., The Sharks of North America. Oxford University Press (2011), {{ISBN|978-0-19-539294-4}} A single unconfirmed account exists of an enormous Pacific sleeper shark that potentially measured up to {{convert|9.2|m|ft|abbr=on}} long.The New World of the Oceans: Men and Oceanography The spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias), a very common species, reaches the largest sizes of the "true dogfish" family. Specimens have been measured at up to {{convert|1.6|m|ft|abbr=on}} and {{convert|10|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase|Squalus|acanthias|id=139|month=August|year=2024}}{{Cite web |title=CA Marine Species Portal |url=https://marinespecies.wildlife.ca.gov/pacific-spiny-dogfish/false/#:~:text=Size%20(length%20and%20weight),9.98%20kilograms%20(22%20pounds). |access-date=2025-04-21 |website=marinespecies.wildlife.ca.gov}}

• Angelsharks (Squatiniformes)

:The largest of the bottom-dwelling angelsharks (named for their shape rather than disposition) is the common angelshark (Squatina squatina) of the Northeast Atlantic Ocean. This species can grow up to {{convert|2.4|m|ft|abbr=on}} long and weigh up to {{convert|80|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase|Squatina|squatina|id=736|month=August|year=2024}}

• Electric rays (Torpediniformes)

:The largest of the electric rays is Atlantic torpedo (Torpedo nobiliana). This fish can measure {{convert|1.8|m|ft|abbr=on}} long and weigh {{convert|90|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{cite book|title=International Wildlife Encyclopedia|author=Burton, R. |edition=third |publisher=Marshall Cavendish |year=2002 |isbn=978-0-7614-7266-7 |page=768}} However, a length of {{convert|0.6|–|1.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} and weight of {{convert|30|lb|kg}} is more typical.{{cite book|title=Fishes of the Western North Atlantic, Part 2|author1=Bigelow, H.B. |author2=W.C. Schroeder |name-list-style=amp|publisher=Sears Foundation for Marine Research, Yale University |year=1953 |pages=80–104}}{{cite web|author=Bester, C.|url=http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Gallery/Descript/AtlanticTorpedo/AtlanticTorpedo.html|title=Biological Profiles: Atlantic Torpedo|publisher=Florida Museum of Natural History Ichthyology Department|access-date=November 30, 2009}} Females attain a larger size than males.{{cite journal|title=Biological observations on the black torpedo, Torpedo nobiliana Bonaparte 1835 Chondrichthyes: Torpedinidae, from two Mediterranean areas |author=Capapé, C., O. Guélorget, Y. Vergne, J.P. Quignard, M.M. Ben Amor and M.N. Bradai |year=2006 |journal=Annales Series Historia Naturalis Koper |volume=16 |issue=1 |pages=19–28 |url=http://www.zrs.upr.si/sl/zaloznistvo/annales/Annales_Naturalis_16-1/capape-et%20al.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110141721/http://www.zrs.upr.si/sl/zaloznistvo/annales/Annales_Naturalis_16-1/capape-et%20al.pdf |archive-date=November 10, 2013 }}

The largest of the now-extinct Acanthodii was Xylacanthus grandis, an ischnacanthiform based on a ~{{cvt|35|cm}} long jaw bone. Based on the proportions of its relative Ischnacanthus, X. grandis had an estimated total length of {{cvt|2.5|m}}.{{Cite journal |last=Ørvig |first=Tor |date=1967 |title=Some new acanthodian material from the Lower Devonian of Europe |url=https://academic.oup.com/zoolinnean/article-lookup/doi/10.1111/j.1096-3642.1967.tb01400.x |journal=Journal of the Linnean Society of London, Zoology |language=en |volume=47 |issue=311 |pages=131–153 |doi=10.1111/j.1096-3642.1967.tb01400.x}}

File:Mola alexandrini (Bump-head Mola).jpg (Mola alexandrini), also known as the giant sunfish, is the heaviest of the bony fish.]]

File:Mola mola ocean sunfish Monterey Bay Aquarium 2.jpg was mistakenly described as the same as Mola alexandrini, the heaviest bony fish.]]

File:Giant Oarfish.jpg, the longest of all bony fish]]

The largest living bony fish (superclass Osteichthyes, which includes both ray-finned and lobe-finned fish) are the lesser known southern sunfish (Mola alexandrini) also known as the giant sunfish, followed by widely distributed and better known ocean sunfish (Mola mola) and, both being members of the order Tetraodontiformes. The largest verified specimen belongs to the southern sunfish discovered dead near the Azores in the Atlantic has set the record for being the largest extant bony fish with the weight of {{cvt|2744|kg}}. The record size ocean sunfish crashed into a boat off Bird Island, Australia in 1910 and measured {{convert|4.3|m|ft|abbr=on}} from fin-to-fin, {{convert|3.1|m|ft|abbr=on}} in length and weighed about {{convert|2,300|kg|lb|abbr=on}},{{cite book|author=Wood, Gerald L. |title=The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats|year=1983|isbn=978-0-85112-235-9}} while the other record for the biggest bony fish is yet held by a Mola alexandrini which was also coincidentally {{cvt|2300|kg}} in mass and {{cvt|3|m}} in length, caught off in 1996 and misidentified as a Mola mola.

As for length, the longest extant bony fish on earth is the giant oarfish (Regalecus glesne). Slender and compressed, it averages over {{convert|6|m|ft|abbr=on}} long at maturity. A specimen caught in 1885 of {{convert|7.6|m|ft|abbr=on}} in length weighed {{convert|275|kg|lb|abbr=on}}. The longest known example, which was hit by a steamship, was measured as {{convert|13.7|m|ft|abbr=on}} long.

Much larger bony fish existed prehistorically, the largest ever known having been Leedsichthys of the Jurassic period. This species is certainly the largest bony fish ever and one of the largest non-cetacean marine animals to have ever existed. Estimates of the size of this fish range from {{convert|21|to|27|m|ft|abbr=on}} and mass from 20 to 50 tons. A maximum size of {{convert|22|m|ft|abbr=on}} and 25–30 tons had been deemed to be most realistic.[https://web.archive.org/web/20031009041509/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/10/1001_031001_biggestfish.html "Biggest Fish Ever Found" Unearthed in U.K]. News.nationalgeographic.com (October 28, 2010) However, a 2013 study which estimated the maximum size of the animal based on the largest specimens it is estimated that Leedsichthys would have a maximum length of {{Convert|16.5|m|ft}} and a maximum weight of {{Convert|49|t|lb}}.{{Cite book |last1=Arratia Fuentes |first1=Gloria |title=Mesozoic fishes: proceedings of the international meeting, Saltillo, 2010 |last2=Schultze |first2=Hans-Peter |last3=Wilson |first3=Mark V. H. |date=2013 |publisher=F. Pfeil |isbn=978-3-89937-159-8 |location=München}}

• Sturgeons and paddlefishes (Acipenseriformes)

File:Beluga.JPG, one of the largest bony fish]]

:The largest species is the beluga sturgeon (Huso huso) of the Caspian and Black seas, the only extant bony fish to rival the massiveness of the ocean sunfish. The largest specimen considered reliable (based on remains) was caught in the Volga estuary in 1827 and measured {{convert|7.3|m|ft|abbr=on}} and weighed {{convert|1,474|kg|lb|abbr=on}}. The slightly smaller kaluga (Huso dauricus) or great Siberian sturgeon has been weighed reliably up to {{convert|1,140|kg|lb|abbr=on}} (Berg, 1932) and a length of {{convert|5.6|m|ft|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase|Huso|dauricus|month=August|year=2024}} The North American white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus), is unverified to {{convert|907|kg|lb|abbr=on}} (more likely to {{convert|700|kg|lb|abbr=on}}) and {{convert|6.1|m|ft|abbr=on}}, with multiple fish verified at {{convert|500|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and {{convert|4|m|ft|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |last=America |first=Global Seafoods North |title=The Record-Breaking Catch: What is the Largest White Sturgeon Ever Caught? |url=https://globalseafoods.com/blogs/news/the-record-breaking-catch-what-is-the-largest-white-sturgeon-ever-caught#:~:text=The%20largest%20White%20Sturgeon%20ever%20caught%20was%20landed%20in%20the,weighed%20an%20astonishing%201,100%20pounds. |access-date=March 26, 2025 |website=Global Seafoods North America |language=en}} Chinese (A. sinensis) reach {{convert|500|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and {{convert|5|m|ft|abbr=on}}, European oceanic (A. sturio) {{convert|400|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, and the Russian sturgeon (A. gueldenstaedtii) reach {{convert|115|kg|lb|abbr=on}} respectively. Atlantics (A. oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) with a weight of {{convert|360|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and Baikal sturgeons (A. baerii) at {{convert|210|kg|lb|abbr=on}}{{Cite web |last=ED_BluePlanet |date=September 4, 2020 |title=Siberian Sturgeon – The Russian Gold Mine |url=https://www.blueplanetaquarium.com/fish-stories/siberian-sturgeon-the-russian-gold-mine/#:~:text=The%20Siberian%20sturgeon%20(Acipenser%20baerii,was%20an%20astonishing%20210%20kilograms! |access-date=March 26, 2025 |website=Blue Planet Aquarium |language=en-GB}} are also considerably large. These fish are sometimes called the largest freshwater fish, but sturgeons spend a great deal of time in brackish water and switch back and forth between saltwater and freshwater environments in their life cycle. Also included in this order are the paddlefish and the Chinese paddlefish (Psephurus gladius), which is now officially recognised as extinct by the IUCN (as of July 2022), is also a very large fish. Reportedly, fisherman as recently as the 1950s have caught paddlefish measuring up to {{convert|6.7|m|ft|abbr=on}} in total length, although no specimen greater than {{convert|3.1|m|ft|abbr=on}} has been scientifically measured. The weight of the Chinese paddlefish is reportedly {{convert|300|to|500|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase|genus=Psephurus|species=gladius|month=August|year=2024}}{{cite book|editor=John R. Paxton|editor2=William N. Eschmeyer|title=Encyclopedia of Fishes|edition=Second|publisher=Academic Press|year=1998|isbn=978-0-12-547665-2}}

• Bonefish (Albuliformes)

:The largest Albuliformes is the shortjaw bonefish (Albula glossodonta), which weighs up to {{convert|19|lb|kg|abbr=on}} and measures up to {{convert|90|cm|abbr=on}} long.{{Cite web |date=2022-08-23 |title=Ten Record-Setting Bonefish Catches {{!}} Salt Water Sportsman |url=https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/news/top-ten-bonefish-records/#:~:text=The%2030-Pound%20Line%20Class,a%20carryover%20from%20that%20era. |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2014-12-24 |title=How to Catch Bonefish - Fishing Tips {{!}} Salt Water Sportsman |url=https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/species/fish-species/all-about-bonefish/ |access-date=2025-05-08 |language=en-US}} It is silvery in color with dusky fins. The bases of the pectoral fins are yellow.

• Bowfins (Amiiformes)

:The bowfin (Amia calva) is one of two extant species of its order, along with the emerald bowfin (Amia ocellicauda.) The most distinctive characteristic of the bowfin is its very long dorsal fin consisting of 145 to 250 rays, and running from mid-back to the base of the tail. The caudal fin is a single lobe, though heterocercal.Nelson, Joseph S. (2006). Fishes of the World. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. {{ISBN|0-471-25031-7}} They can grow up to {{convert|109|cm|in|abbr=on}} in length, and weigh {{convert|9.75|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase family|family=Amiidae|year=2009|month=January}}

• Eels (Anguilliformes)

File:European conger.jpg, the world's most massive eel]]

:The largest species of "true eel," if measured in weight and overall bulk, is the European conger (Conger conger). The maximum size of this species has been reported to {{convert|3|m|ft|abbr=on}} and a mass of {{convert|110|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, but possibly up to {{convert|160|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase|Conger|conger|id=301|month=August|year=2024}}{{Cite web |title=The Conger Eel |url=https://britishcongerclub.org.uk/the-conger-eel/ |access-date=March 5, 2025 |website=The British Conger Club |language=en-GB}} Several moray eels can equal or exceed the previous eel in length but do not weigh as much. The longest fish in the order, at up to {{convert|4|m|ft|abbr=on}}, is the slender giant moray (Strophidon sathete) of the Indo-Pacific oceans.{{FishBase|ID=8595|genus=Strophidon|species=sathete|month=November|year=2012}}

• Silversides (Atheriniformes)

:An order best known for its tiny representatives, the Argentinian Silverside (Odontesthes bonariensis) is found primary in the freshwater bodies and brackish estuaries of Argentina and Chile, but also along the Argentinian coast. It is known locally as "pejerrey," a combination of the Spanish words for "fish" pez and "king" rey. The confirmed record stands at {{Convert|76|cm|in|abbr=on}} and {{convert|3.6|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, yet there are unconfirmed reports of the fish reaching up to {{Convert|82|cm|in|abbr=on}} and {{convert|6.3|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |title=Fishing Worldrecords {{!}} silversides {{!}} Odontesthes bonariensis |url=http://www.fishing-worldrecords.com/scientificname/Odontesthes%20bonariensis/show |access-date=February 13, 2025 |website=www.fishing-worldrecords.com}} The largest North American species of Silverside is the jacksmelt (Atherinopsis californiensis) of the Eastern Pacific Ocean. It often reaches a maximum size of {{convert|49|cm|in|abbr=on}}, but possibly up to {{convert|55|cm|in|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |title=CA Marine Species Portal |url=https://marinespecies.wildlife.ca.gov/jacksmelt/true/ |access-date=February 13, 2025 |website=marinespecies.wildlife.ca.gov}} The largest recorded jacksmelt was {{convert|680|g|lb|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |date=March 14, 2017 |title=Jacksmelt |url=https://www.pierfishing.com/jacksmelt/ |access-date=February 13, 2025 |website=Pier Fishing in California |language=en-US}}

• Barreleyes, slickheads and argentines (Argentiniformes)

:The largest species is the greater argentine (Argentina silus), that has {{convert|76|cm|in}} TL.

:The largest barreleyes are javelin spookfish (Bathylychnops exilis) found in the Northern Pacific and in the eastern Atlantic Ocean near the Azores where it is found at depths of around {{convert|640|m|ft}}. This species grows to a length of {{convert|50|cm|in}} SL.{{FishBase|genus= Bathylychnops|species= exilis| month = February| year = 2012}}

• Jellynose fishes (Ateleopodiformes)

File:Ijimaia Plicatellus2.jpg (Ateleopodidae)]]

:Jellynose fish are benthic marine fish typically found at depths around {{cvt|200|to|600|m}}. This is a small order, containing only 14 species, The largest species is usually cited as the jellynose (Guentherus altivela) which grows to {{convert|2|meters|in|abbr=out}}.{{FishBase|Guentherus|altivela|month=August|year=2024}} A more recently described species, Ateleopus edentatus may grow to {{convert|4.4|meters|in|abbr=out}}.{{Cite web |title=Ateleopus edentatus summary page |url=https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Ateleopus-edentatus.html |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=FishBase |language=en}}

• Grinners and lizard fish (Aulopiformes)

:The largest member of this order is the longnose lancetfish (Alepisaurus ferox), found in all the world's oceans. Slender, with a huge spine, these fish can reach {{convert|2.1|m|ft|abbr=on}} long and can weigh up to {{convert|11|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{cite journal|url=http://www.mendeley.com/research/some-biological-features-longnose-lancetfish-alepisaurus-ferox-alepisauridae-western-indian-ocean/ |title=Some biological features of longnose lancetfish Alepisaurus ferox (Alepisauridae) from the Western Indian Ocean|website=Mendeley.com|date=1998 |last1=Romanov |first1=E. V. |last2=Zamorov |first2=V. V. }}

• Toadfish (Batrachoidiformes)

File:Batrachoides surinamensis.jpg]]

:The largest toadfish is the Pacuma toadfish (Batrachoides surinamensis), reaching a size of up to {{convert|2.4|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and {{convert|58|cm|in|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase|Batrachoides|surinamensis|id=969 |month=August|year=2024}}

• Flying-fish and allies (Beloniformes)

:The largest member of this order, best known for its members' ability to breach the water and glide through the sky, is the pelagic Houndfish (Tylosurus crocodilus), a slender fish at up to {{convert|1.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} and a weight of {{convert|6.35|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase|Tylosurus|crocodilus|crocodilus|id=977|month=August|year=2024}} The largest true "flying fish" is the Japanese flying fish (Cheilopogon pinnatibarbatus japonicus), which can range up to {{convert|0.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} in length and weigh over {{convert|1|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.

• Squirrelfish (Beryciformes)

:Best known for their highly poisonous barbs, the squirrelfish's largest representative is the giant squirrelfish (Sargocentron spiniferum) of the Indo-Pacific, at up to {{convert|51|cm|in|abbr=on}} and {{convert|2.6|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase| genus = Sargocentron| species = spiniferum | month = March| year = 2015}} The slimmer Holocentrus adscensionis from warm parts of the Atlantic can reach even greater lengths of up to {{convert|61|cm|in|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase| genus = Holocentrus| species = adscensionis | month = March| year = 2015}}

• Whalefish (Cetomimiformes)

:Known for flesh that feels flabby to the touch, this order reaches largest sizes in the flabby whalefish (Gyrinomimus grahami) of all southern oceans. This species, which can range up to {{convert|0.45|m|ft|abbr=on}} in length and weigh {{convert|1.5|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, is sometimes commercially fished.{{Cite journal | last1 = Sutton | first1 = T. T. | last2 = Porteiro | first2 = F. M. | last3 = Heino | first3 = M. | last4 = Byrkjedal | first4 = I. | last5 = Langhelle | first5 = G. | last6 = Anderson | first6 = C. I. H. | last7 = Horne | first7 = J. | last8 = Søiland | first8 = H. | last9 = Falkenhaug | first9 = T. | last10 = Godø | first10 = O. R. | last11 = Bergstad | first11 = O. A. | title = Vertical structure, biomass and topographic association of deep-pelagic fishes in relation to a mid-ocean ridge system | doi = 10.1016/j.dsr2.2007.09.013 |url=http://www.acoustics.washington.edu/pubs/2008%20sutton%20et%20al%20-%20deep%20pelagic.pdf| journal = Deep-Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography | volume = 55 | issue = 1–2 | pages = 161–184 | year = 2008 | bibcode = 2008DSRII..55..161S }}

• Characins (Characiformes)

:The largest species is the African freshwater fish, the giant tigerfish (Hydrocynus goliath). The top size of this fish is {{convert|1.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} and {{convert|50|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{cite web |url=https://igfa.org/member-services/world-record/common-name/Tigerfish,%20giant |title=Tigerfish, giant (Hydrocynus goliath) |website=IGFA}}{{FishBase|Hydrocynus|goliath|id=8682|month=August|year=2024}} Among the largest of the characin family is the popular sport-fish, the golden dorado (Salminus brasiliensis), which can reach up to {{convert|1|m|ft|abbr=on}} in length and weigh {{convert|31.4|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, with one reported at {{convert|34|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase|ID=56329|genus=Salminus|species=brasiliensis|month=August|year=2024}} Among the characins are the infamous neotropical piranhas. Carnivorous species can grow up to {{convert|0.43|m|ft|abbr=on}}, although the tambaqui or pacu (Colossoma macropomum), at up to {{convert|1|m|ft|abbr=on}} and {{convert|32.4|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, but likely {{convert|40|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, is often considered a giant, herbivorous form of piranha.

• Herring (Clupeiformes)

:The largest herring is probably the dorab wolf herring (Chirocentrus dorab) of the Indo-Pacific oceans. The maximum size of this species has been reported as much as {{convert|1.8|m|ft|abbr=on}}, but these slender fish have never been recorded as exceeding {{convert|3.4|kg|lb|abbr=on}} in weight. The so-called "king of herrings" is not a herring, but an oarfish.

• Minnows and allies (Cypriniformes)

:The minnow family (which includes carp), Cyprinidae, is the largest family of vertebrates, with over 2400 species known today.[http://www.brooklynaquariumsociety.org/articles/2002 November pg6.htm How to Identify Fish Families]{{Dead link|date=February 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}. Brooklynaquariumsociety.org (December 2002) The largest species is the giant barb (Catlocarpio siamensis), which is endemic to three river basins in Southeast Asia and reaches a size of as much as {{convert|3|m|ft|abbr=on}} and a weight of as much as {{convert|300|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase|Catlocarpio|siamensis|id=12060|month=August|year=2024}} In centuries past, mahseer, specifically the golden mahseer (Tor putitora) of Southern Asia was reported to reach similar lengths, but the species has been overfished and specimens nearly as large as the giant barb have not been reported in recent centuries.{{FishBase |genus= Tor |species= putitora| month = September | year = 2017}}

• Pikes and allies (Esociformes)

:The largest species in this small but interesting order (formerly allied with the salmonids) is the muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) of the rivers and lakes of North America, also commonly known as the musky or muskie. These predatory fish can grow up to {{convert|1.8|m|ft|abbr=on}} and {{convert|31.8|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{cite book|author=R. O. Anderson |author2=R. M. Neumann|title=Length, Weight, and Associated Structural Indices, in Fisheries Techniques |edition=second|editor=B.E. Murphy|editor2=D.W. Willis|publisher=American Fisheries Society|year=1996}}{{FishBase|genus=Esox|species=masquinongy|month=August|year=2024}}

• Killifish and allies (Cyprinodontiformes)

:The largest species in this relatively small-bodied order is the Pacific four-eyed fish (Anableps dowei), reaching a size of {{convert|34|cm|in|abbr=on}} and {{convert|588|g|lb|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase|Anableps|dowei|ID=12295|month=August|year=2024}}

• Ladyfish and allies (Elopiformes)

:This small order is usually considered closely related to the true eels although its members are very different in appearance and behavior from eels. The largest species is much-coveted-sport fish, the Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus). The maximum recorded size for this species is {{convert|161|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and a length up to {{convert|2.5|m|ft|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase|Megalops|atlanticus|id=1079|month=August|year=2024}} The largest caught on rod and reel was {{convert|130|kg|lb|abbr=on|round=0.5}}.{{Cite web |date=March 13, 2014 |title=Tarpon Pictures, Largest Tarpon Ever Caught {{!}} Sport Fishing Mag |url=https://www.sportfishingmag.com/gallery/igfa-world-records/2014/03/top-tarpon-catches-ever/ |access-date=April 9, 2025 |language=en-US}}

• Cod (Gadiformes)

File:Atlantic-cod-1.jpg]]

:The Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) grows to a verified size of {{convert|1.8|m|ft|abbr=on}} and {{convert|51|kg|lb|abbr=on}},{{Cite web |date=April 12, 2022 |title=Monster 6ft cod lands in seaside town after being caught in North Atlantic |url=https://metro.co.uk/2022/04/12/monster-6ft-cod-thought-to-be-largest-ever-caught-in-north-atlantic-16446712/ |access-date=March 18, 2025 |website=Metro |language=en}} with multiple caught over {{convert|48|kg|lb|abbr=on}}. One specimen caught in 1895 was reported at {{convert|2|m|ft|abbr=on}} long and {{convert|96|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase|Gadus|morhua|id=69|month=August|year=2024}}

• Sticklebacks and allies (Gasterosteiformes)

:The largest form of stickleback, a small, cylindric type of fish, is the sea stickleback or fifteenspine stickleback (Spinachia spinachia). This species can range up to {{convert|22|cm|in|abbr=on}} in length and weigh up to {{convert|8.5|g|oz|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase|genus=Spinachia|species=spinachia|month=November|year=2013}}

• Clingfish (Gobiesociformes)

:These bottom-dwelling fish reach their maximum size in Sicyases sanguineus. This species can reach {{convert|30|cm|in|abbr=on}} in length and weigh up to {{convert|1|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.

• Shellears and allies (Gonorynchiformes)

:The well-known milkfish (Chanos chanos) is the largest member of this order. The maximum size is {{convert|22.7|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and {{convert|1.84|m|ft|abbr=on}} long.

• Knifefish (Gymnotiformes)

:The largest knifefish is recently classified Volta's electric eel (Electrophorus voltai), a species of electric eel in the genus Electrophorus, which previously only had the electric eel (Electrophorus electricus), but now contains three species. The electric eels have an elongated, cylindrical body, with their anus near the front of the body.

:E. voltai can reach up to {{convert|2.5|m|abbr=on}} and {{convert|22|kg|abbr=on}}, making them the largest species of the Gymnotiformes. They can impressively emit up to 860 volts out of their body.{{Cite web |title=Electroreception {{!}} Sensory Perception & Adaptation {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/science/electroreception |access-date=March 13, 2025 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}

:E. electrius typically grows to about {{convert|2|m|abbr=on}} in length, and {{convert|20|kg|abbr=on}} in weight.{{cite journal|last=Albert|first=J.S.|year= 2001|title=Species diversity and phylogenetic systematics of American knifefishes (Gymnotiformes, Teleostei)|journal=Misc. Publ.|issue=190|pages=1–127|hdl=2027.42/56433}}

• Mooneyes (Hiodontiformes)

:Only two extant species are known to exist in this relatively new order. The larger of the two is the goldeye (Hiodon alosoides) from the northern rivers of North America, which can reach up to {{convert|0.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} in length and can weigh {{convert|1.8|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase family|family=Hiodontidae|month=August|year=2024}}{{cite book|author=Ross, Stephen T. |title=Inland Fishes of Mississippi|publisher=University Press of Mississippi|year=2002|isbn=978-1-57806-246-1}}

• Ribbonfish and allies (Lampriformes)

:The largest member of this small but fascinating order is the aforementioned king of herrings or giant oarfish (Regalecus glesne), the longest extant bony fish on earth, ranging from {{convert|7-8|m|ft|abbr=out}} total length, likely up to {{convert|11|m|ft|abbr=out}}, and can be as heavy as {{convert|272|kg|lb|abbr=on}}. Another interesting big fish in this order is the opah (Lampris guttatus), which as opposed to the king of herrings, is massive and has a chunky, rounded shape. It is also the only known endothermic or warm-blooded fish. Opahs can range up to {{convert|2|m|ft|abbr=on}} in length and weigh up to {{convert|86|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase|Lampris|guttatus|id=1072|month=August|year=2024}}{{Cite web |last=McNally |first=Bob |date=August 10, 2023 |title=Rookie Angler Catches Likely World-Record Moonfish. "It's Kinda Like a Unicorn" |url=https://www.outdoorlife.com/fishing/world-record-moonfish/ |access-date=March 18, 2025 |website=Outdoor Life |language=en-US}}

• Gars (Lepisosteiformes)

File:Alligator gar.jpg, the largest freshwater fish in North America]]

:The largest of the gar, and the largest entirely freshwater fish in North America, is the alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula). The previous largest gar ever known, caught in Louisiana in 1925, was {{convert|3|m|ft|abbr=on}} in length and weighed {{convert|137|kg|lb|abbr=on}}. A more recently caught alligator gar from 2011 was verified to weigh {{convert|148.5|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and was {{convert|2.6|m|ft|abbr=on}} long, and may have been as old as 95.{{Cite web |last=Hill |first=Steven |date=June 9, 2022 |title=Gar-Gantuans: 10 of the Biggest Alligator Gar Ever Caught |url=https://www.fieldandstream.com/fishing/biggest-alligator-gar}}

• Anglerfish (Lophiiformes)

:The largest of this diverse order is the common goosefish (Lophius piscatorius), also known as the common monkfish, found in the Northeastern Atlantic off Europe and North Africa. This big-mouthed fish can attain a size of {{convert|58|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and a length of {{convert|2|m|ft|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase|Lophius|piscatorius|id=716|month=August|year=2024}} One fish caught in Norway in 2012 reportedly weighed {{convert|114|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |date=August 24, 2012 |title=Monkfish {{!}} British Sea Fishing |url=https://britishseafishing.co.uk/monkfish/#:~:text=The%20vast%20majority%20of%20monkfish,January%202012%20and%20weighed%20250lbs. |access-date=April 9, 2025 |language=en-US}}

• Lanternfish (Myctophiformes)

:The largest of the numerous but small lanternfish is Bolin's lanternfish (Gymnoscopelus bolini) of the Indo-Pacific oceans, at up to {{convert|249|g|oz|abbr=on}} and {{convert|35|cm|in|abbr=on}}.

• Mullets (Mugiliformes)

:The largest is the flathead mullet (Mugil cephalus,) also known as the striped mullet, which have dark centers which give the appearance of a series (6–7) of dark horizontal stripes. The fish grow to lengths up to {{convert|120|cm|in|abbr=on}} with weights as high as {{convert|8|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |title=Learn About the Flathead Grey Mullet – Fishing |url=https://guidesly.com/fishing/fish-species/flathead-grey-mullet#:~:text=Diet%20and%20Size,such%20as%20crustaceans%20and%20worms. |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=guidesly.com |language=en}} Another large fish is the thicklip mullet (Chelon labrosus) which reaches a max size of {{convert|75|cm|in|abbr=on}} and a weight of {{convert|4.5|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |title=Chelon labrosus summary page |url=https://www.fishbase.org.au/summary/SpeciesSummary.php?genusname=Chelon&speciesname=labrosus |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=FishBase |language=en}}

• Pearlfish and allies (Ophidiiformes)

:The largest member of this order is the widely distributed giant cusk-eels is the scaleline cusk (Lamprogrammus shcherbachevi), which can reach {{convert|193|cm|ft|abbr=on}} long.{{Cite web |title=Lamprogrammus shcherbachevi summary page |url=https://fishbase.se/summary/Lamprogrammus-shcherbachevi |access-date=April 9, 2025 |website=FishBase |language=en}} However, even large fish probably aren't over {{convert|10|kg|lb|abbr=on}} since they are quite slender.

• Smelts and allies (Osmeriformes)

:The largest smelt is the rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax). The body of the rainbow smelt is slender and cylindrical. When full grown, the rainbow smelt is between {{convert|18 and 23|cm|in|0|}} long and weighs about {{convert|85|g|oz}}. Individuals over {{convert|12|in|cm}} long are known.{{FishBase|genus=Osmerus|species=mordax|year=2006|month=June}}

• Bony-tongued fish (Osteoglossiformes)

:The largest species is the South American fish usually known as the arapaima (Arapaima gigas). The maximum size this species can attain is a matter of some controversy and some rank it among the world's largest freshwater fishes. In 2015, the largest verified specimen was caught on fly tackle, weighing {{convert|188|kg|lb|abbr=on}} at a length of {{convert|4.05|m|ft|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |last=TODAY |first=Bill Sargent For FLORIDA |title=Fly fisherman scores a giant record |url=https://www.floridatoday.com/story/sports/outdoors/bill-sargent/2015/08/08/fly-fisherman-scores-giant-record/31346857/ |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=Florida Today |language=en-US}} The skeleton of a fish reported to have been measured by native hunters as {{convert|4.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} and weighing {{convert|200|kg|lb|abbr=on}} when caught, was later examined as a skeleton scientifically and was found to have been roughly within that outsized dimension. One fish caught in Thailand, where the species has been introduced, apparently weighed {{convert|230|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |last=Dunn |first=Matthew |date=2 March 2015 |title=Monster 230kg arapaima caught in Thailand |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/technology/science/monster-230kg-arapaima-caught-in-thailand/news-story/0a70b83986a2c3469fc4ed673736de1c |access-date=8 May 2025 |website=dailytelegraph.com.au}}{{Better source needed|reason=The current source is insufficiently reliable (WP:NOTRS).

Several articles (shown below) also have the info, but all are relatively short and not very descriptive

https://www.news.com.au/technology/science/animals/monster-230kg-arapaima-caught-in-thailand/news-story/0a70b83986a2c3469fc4ed673736de1c

https://www.ntnews.com.au/lifestyle/fishing/angler-battles-for-hours-to-bank-230kg-beast/news-story/77d7326ca4770114c5b62324a7381bf3|date=May 2025}}

• Perches and allies (Perciformes/Percomorpha){{Dubious|Perciformes_not_being_used_accurately?|date=May 2023|reason=Several of these are classified in separate orders on other article pages.}}

File:Atlantic blue marlin.jpg is one of the largest species of the perch-like fish.]]

:The title of the largest member of this order, the most numerous order of all vertebrates, is a matter of some debate. A large marlin is the biggest of these fishes: the black marlin (Makaira indica) of the Indo-Pacific, the Atlantic blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) and the Indo-Pacific blue marlin (Makaira mazara). All of these similarly sized species can exceptionally reach up to {{convert|5|m|ft|abbr=on}} in length and weight may be as much as {{convert|907|kg|lb|abbr=on}} or even {{convert|1,106|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase|Makaira|mazara|id=218|month=August|year=2024}}[http://www.marlinmag.com/species/fish-species/biggest-fish-i-ever-saw The Biggest Fish I Ever Saw] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110153316/http://www.marlinmag.com/species/fish-species/biggest-fish-i-ever-saw |date=November 10, 2013 }}. Marlin Magazine (March 27, 2007) Another notable giant of the perch order is the Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) of the Northern Atlantic Ocean, which has been verified at up to {{convert|4.4|m|ft|abbr=on}} and {{convert|679|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, although can reportedly reach {{convert|910|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.Burnie D and Wilson DE (Eds.), Animal: The Definitive Visual Guide to the World's Wildlife. DK Adult (2005), {{ISBN|0789477645}}James R. Chambers. [http://www.bigmarinefish.com/photos_bluefin_tuna_pg4.html Largest Bluefin Tuna – All-Tackle IGFA World Record]. Bigmarinefish.com (May 24, 2010) The swordfish (Xiphias gladius) can reach a maximum weight of {{convert|650|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and length of {{convert|4.5|m|ft|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase|Xiphias|gladius|id=226|month=August|year=2024}} Due to heavy fishing of both species, swordfish and tuna of great sizes are increasingly rare.

:One of the largest freshwater fishes is the Nile perch (Lates niloticus), which grows up to {{convert|200|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and {{convert|2|m|ft|abbr=on}}, and is the largest of the suborder Centropomoidei.{{FishBase|Lates|niloticus|id=347|month=August|year=2024}} The Lates genus includes other large freshwater fish, such as the barramundi (Lates calcarifer) verified to {{convert|45|kg|lb|abbr=on}} (possibly to {{convert|60|kg|lb|abbr=on}}){{Cite web |title=Fishing Worldrecords {{!}} Perciformes over 10 kg {{!}} Lates calcarifer |url=http://www.fishing-worldrecords.com/scientificname/Lates%20calcarifer/show |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=www.fishing-worldrecords.com}} and the Tanganyika lates (Lates angustifrons) at {{convert|100|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |title=Species in the genus "Lates" |url=https://www.fishbase.se/identification/SpeciesList.php?genus=Lates |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=www.fishbase.se}}

:Also in the suborder Centropomoidei, the largest barracuda is the great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) reaching {{convert|46|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, and the largest snook is the black snook (Centropomus nigrescens) reaching up to {{convert|27|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.

:The biggest of snappers is the cubera snapper (Lutjanus cyanopterus) of the Caribbean Sea and east coast of South America, at a maximum size of {{convert|57|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and {{convert|1.6|m|ft|abbr=on}} in length.[https://web.archive.org/web/19991010151546/http://www.fishsanibel.com/fish/lutjanidae.htm Lee County Fishing Guides in One Place! Find Them All Here!] Fishsanibel.com{{FishBase|genus=Lutjanus|species=cyanopterus|month=August|year=2024}}

:The largest species of grunt is the white margate (Haemulon album) of the Caribbean Sea and east coast of South America, at up to {{convert|7.14|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and {{convert|0.8|m|ft|abbr=on}} in length.{{FishBase|Haemulon|album|id=1126|month=August|year=2024}}[http://www.theoutdoorlodge.com/fishing/species/grunts.html Grunts, Fish Species – Your Fish Identification and Fishing Field Guide]. Theoutdoorlodge.com

:The blennies can range up to {{convert|0.55|m|ft|abbr=on}} in the hairtail blenny (Xiphasia setifer) of the Indo-Pacific.

:The Spanish mackerels reach their maximum size in the Chinese mackerel (Scomberomorus sinensis), which can attain a size of {{convert|131|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and {{convert|2.47|m|ft|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase|Scomberomorus|sinensis|month=August|year=2024}}{{Cite web |title=Big Macks: Eleven monster mackerel from the IGFA World Record vault – International Game Fish Association |url=https://igfa.org/2020/10/30/big-macks-eleven-monster-mackerel-igfa-world-records-from-around-the-globe/ |access-date=February 27, 2025 |language=en-US}} Related to the true Spanish mackerels in Scomberomorus, the wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri) can reach {{convert|83.5|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and {{convert|2.5|m|ft|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |title=Acanthocybium solandri summary page |url=https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Acanthocybium_solandri.html |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=FishBase |language=en}} They are closely related to tunas of the tribe Thunnini.

:The largest of diverse family of trevallies, jacks, or jack mackerels (Carangidae) is the greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) reaching a maximum weight of {{Convert|102|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, with one fish reported as large as {{Convert|110|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and {{convert|2.18|m|ft|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |title=Big Fishes of the World: AMBERJACK GREATER (Seriola dumerili) |url=http://bigfishesoftheworld.blogspot.com/2012/02/amberjack-greater-seriola-dumerili.html |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=Big Fishes of the World}} The giant trevally (Caranx ignobilis) is often also cited as the largest in Carangidae, and can reach a weight of {{Convert|80.5|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |title=Caranx ignobilis summary page |url=https://fishbase.se/summary/caranx-ignobilis |access-date=February 27, 2025 |website=FishBase |language=en}}

:Largest of the temperate basses, or the Moronidae family, is the striped bass (Morone saxatilis) which reaches a maximum size of {{Convert|57|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, with the largest verified on rod and reel being {{Convert|37.16|kg|lboz}} and {{convert|1.45|m|ft|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |last=Tiedemann |first=John |title=A History Of Cows: The Biggest Striped Bass On Record |url=https://www.thefisherman.com/article/a-history-of-cows-the-biggest-striped-bass-on-record/#:~:text=In%20terms%20of%20the%20biggest,seines%20near%20Edenton%20in%201891. |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=The Fisherman |language=en-US}}

:The largest butterflyfish are either the lined butterflyfish (Chaetodon lineolatus) or the saddle butterflyfish (C. ephippium), both of the Indo-Pacific and both of which can measure up to {{convert|30|cm|in|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase|Chaetodon|ephippium|id=5562|month=August|year=2024}}

:Within the Percidae family, namesake of the Perciformes order, the largest fish is the zander (Sander lucioperca) which can weigh up to {{Convert|18.7|kg|lboz}}.{{Cite web |last=Collins |first=Chris |date=March 29, 2023 |title=Species Spotlight: Zander |url=https://www.sportquestholidays.com/blog/species-spotlight-zander/ |access-date=February 27, 2025 |website=Sportquest Holidays |language=en-GB}} The popular North American walleye (Sander vitreus) can reach a maximum weight of {{Convert|11.5|kg|lb}}.{{Cite web |last=Vitek |first=Jack |date=January 15, 2015 |title=10 Biggest Walleye World Records Ever Landed - Game & Fish |url=https://www.gameandfishmag.com/editorial/10-biggest-walleye-world-records/193344 |access-date=February 27, 2025 |website=Game & Fish |language=en}}

:The freckled darter (Percina lenticula) of the United States, the biggest of the darters (under the percidae family), reaching {{convert|20|cm|in|abbr=on}} and {{convert|70|g|oz|abbr=on}}.{{cite web|author=Freeman, B. J. |author2=Wenger, S. J. |url=http://www.etowahhcp.org/background/documents/species_descriptions.pdf |title=Description and Distribution of Species Covered by the Etowah HCP|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110142434/http://www.etowahhcp.org/background/documents/species_descriptions.pdf |archive-date=November 10, 2013|publisher=UGA River Basin Center|date=November 2006}}{{cite book|author=Craig, John|title=Percid Fishes: Systematics, Ecology and Exploitation (Fish and Aquatic Resources)|publisher=Wiley-Blackwell |year=2000|isbn=978-0-632-05616-3}}

:The largest drum/croaker (Sciaenidae) is the totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi) of the Gulf of California, at up to {{convert|100|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and {{convert|2|m|ft|abbr=on}} long.{{FishBase|Totoaba|macdonaldi|id=6317|month=August|year=2024}} Some other notable large fish from this family are the mulloway/dusky kob (Argyrosomus japonicus) reaching a max size of {{Convert|82|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, the black drum (Pogonias cromis), reaching a size of {{Convert|51|kg|lb|abbr=on}} but possibly up to {{Convert|66|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, and the red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) with a size of {{Convert|43|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.

:Among the sea bass or groupers, many of which can grow quite large, the greatest size are reached in the Atlantic goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara) and the giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus,) also known as the Queensland grouper. Both can reach a maximum known length of {{convert|2.6|m|ft|abbr=on}} and weight of {{convert|455|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and {{convert|400|kg|lb|abbr=on}} respectively.{{FishBase|Epinephelus|itajara|id=16|month=August|year=2024}}{{Cite web |title=Giant Grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus) |url=https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/100111-Epinephelus-lanceolatus |access-date=February 27, 2025 |website=iNaturalist |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=March 12, 2018 |title=Q is for Queensland Grouper |url=https://aqua.org/stories/2018-03-12-q-is-for-queensland-grouper#:~:text=A%20full-grown%20Queensland%20grouper,weigh%20an%20astounding%20880%20pounds.&text=The%20giant%20grouper,%20or%20Queensland,weigh%20an%20astounding%20880%20pounds. |access-date=February 27, 2025 |website=National Aquarium |language=en}}File:Epinephelus itajara 240094246.jpg|215x215px]]

:The giant seabass (Stereolepis gigas) of the Pacific ocean, the largest of the Acropomatiformes order, can attain a maximum published size of {{convert|255|kg|lb|abbr=on}} but may reach up to {{convert|270|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, with a maximum length of {{convert|2.3|m|ft|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |url=https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/animals-a-to-z/giant-sea-bass |title=Giant sea bass |access-date=February 27, 2025 |website=www.montereybayaquarium.org}}

:In the large Centrarchiformes order, has its largest species in the Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii,) which has been known to reach a size of {{convert|1.83|m|ft|abbr=on}} and {{convert|113|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, although larger fish have been rumored.{{Cite web |title=Native Fish Australia |url=https://www.nativefish.asn.au/home/page/Murray-Cod |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=www.nativefish.asn.au}} Also in this order, the sought after gamefish in the Centrarchidae family is the popular largemouth bass (Micropterus nigricans,) with a maximum weight of {{convert|10.1|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.

:The species-rich cichlids reach their maximum size in the speckled peacock bass (Cichla temensis) reaching {{convert|0.94|m|ft|abbr=on}} and {{convert|11.5|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |last=Mission |first=The |date=2024-02-23 |title=WORLD RECORD PEACOCK BASS |url=https://themissionflymag.com/world-record-peacock-bass/#:~:text=South%20African%20Brent%20van%20Niekerk%20recently%20broke,van%20Niekerk,%20Untamed%20Angling%20and%20Rio%20Marie. |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=The Mission Fly Fishing Magazine |language=en-GB}} Another species of cichlid, the largest in the extremely large subfamily of African cichlids (Pseudocrenilabrinae) is the East African giant cichlid (Boulengerochromis microlepis), at up to {{convert|0.9|m|ft|abbr=on}} long and {{convert|5|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{cite web |title=The 10 biggest cichlids |url=http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/content.php?sid=3733 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110140903/http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/content.php?sid=3733 |archive-date=November 10, 2013 |website=Practical Fishkeeping}}

:The humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) of the Indo-Pacific's coral reefs is by far the largest in the Labridae (Wrasse) family. It can reach a maximum size of {{convert|191|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and {{convert|2.3|m|ft|abbr=on}}.{{cite web|url=http://www.arkive.org/humphead-wrasse/cheilinus-undulatus/|title=Facts Humphead wrasse videos, photos and facts – Cheilinus undulatus|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110142108/http://www.arkive.org/humphead-wrasse/cheilinus-undulatus/#text=Facts |archive-date=November 10, 2013 }} Another notable fish in the family and the largest of the parrotfish is the green humphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum) which can attain sizes of {{convert|75|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and {{convert|1.5|m|ft|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |last=Prostak |first=Sergio |date=June 7, 2012 |title=Extraordinary Behavior in Green Humphead Parrotfish {{!}} Biology {{!}} Sci-News.com |url=https://www.sci.news/biology/article00376.html |access-date=April 8, 2025 |website=Sci.News: Breaking Science News |language=en-US}}

:Among a fairly small-bodied family, the damselfishes, the Garibaldi (Hypsypops rubicundus) of the Pacific coast of North America is the biggest, reaching up to {{convert|35.5|cm|in|abbr=on}} and {{convert|1.2|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{cite web|url=http://bss.sfsu.edu/holzman/courses/fall02%20projects/garbaldi.htm|title=The Biogeography of the Garibaldi (Hypsypops rubicundus)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331224429/http://bss.sfsu.edu/holzman/courses/fall02%20projects/garbaldi.htm |archive-date=March 31, 2012|website=Bss.sfsu.edu}}

:The marbled sleeper (Oxyeleotris marmorata) of East Asia is the largest member of the Gobiiformes, and can reach {{convert|0.66|m|ft|abbr=on}} long and weigh {{convert|9.9|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{cite web|url=http://www.fishing-worldrecords.com/perches/Oxyeleotris%20marmorata.html|title=Oxyeleotris marmorata|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122024627/http://www.fishing-worldrecords.com/perches/Oxyeleotris%20marmorata.html |archive-date=November 22, 2011|website=Fishing-worldrecords.com}}

:The largest species of surfperch is the rubberlip surfperch (Rhacochilus toxotes) which reaches sizes of {{convert|47|cm|in|abbr=on|round=0.5}} and can weigh {{convert|2.25|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |date=2017-03-14 |title=Rubberlip Seaperch |url=https://www.pierfishing.com/rubberlip-seaperch/ |access-date=2025-04-16 |website=Pier Fishing in California |language=en-US}} Another notable species is the barred surfperch (Amphistichus argenteus) which can reach a length of {{convert|49.5|cm|in|abbr=on}} with a weight of {{convert|2.15|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |title=CA Marine Species Portal |url=https://marinespecies.wildlife.ca.gov/barred-surfperch-and-redtail-surfperch/the-species/ |access-date=February 27, 2025 |website=marinespecies.wildlife.ca.gov}}

• Trout-perch and allies (Percopsiformes)

:The largest species in this small order (both by number of species and body size) is the sand roller (Percopsis transmontana) of North America. This species can range up to {{convert|20|cm|in|abbr=on}} in length and can weigh over {{convert|11|g|oz|abbr=on}}.

• Flatfish (Pleuronectiformes)

File:Pacific halibut.JPG, largest of the flatfish, displays its effective camouflage.]]

:The largest of the well-known and heavily fished flatfish is the Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis). This giant can reach {{convert|363|kg|lb|abbr=on}} (recently verified to {{convert|234|kg|lb|abbr=on}}) and {{convert|3|m|ft|abbr=on}}, although fish even approaching this size would be extraordinary these days.{{FishBase|Hippoglossus|stenolepis|id=514|month=August|year=2024}} A photo exists of a {{convert|430|kg|lb|abbr=on}} {{convert|3.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} Pacific halibut, caught near Pelican, Alaska in 1956.{{Cite web |title=950 pound halibut by Ron Gile |url=https://www.pbase.com/image/90132976 |access-date=April 8, 2025 |website=PBase |language=en-US}} The Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) is also sometimes titled the largest flatfish, although it has a slightly smaller maximum size, at {{convert|320|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and {{convert|2.8|m|ft|abbr=on}}. On average, the Atlantic halibut is larger.{{FishBase|Hippoglossus|hippoglossus|id=1371|month=August|year=2024}}{{Cite web |title=World Record Halibut: The Largest Halibut Ever Caught |url=https://aksalmonco.com/blogs/news/world-record-halibut#:~:text=Is%20There%20a%201,000%20Pound,verified%20to%20weigh%201,000%20pounds. |access-date=April 8, 2025 |website=Alaskan Salmon Company |language=en}}

• Beardfish (Polymixiiformes)

:The little-known beardfish are sometimes classified with the Beryciformes. The largest beardfish is Polymixia busakhini of the Indo-Pacific, which can range up to {{convert|0.6|m|ft|abbr=on}} in length.

• Polypterids and allies (Polypteriformes)

:The largest polypterid is the Congo bichir (Polypterus congicus), which reaches up to {{convert|97|cm|abbr=on}} in length.{{FishBase genus |genus= Polypterus | month = September | year = 2017}}

• Gulper eels (Saccopharyngiformes)

:The largest gulper eel is the pelican eel (Eurypharynx pelecanoides). The pelican eel grows to about {{convert|1|m|ft|abbr=on}} in length.

• Salmon and allies (Salmoniformes)

File:OncorhynchusTschawytscha2.jpg is one of the largest species of salmon.]]

:The largest species of salmonid is the Siberian taimen (Hucho taimen). The biggest recorded taimen was caught in the Kotui River in Russia, and measured {{convert|2.1|m|ft|abbr=on}} and weighed {{convert|105|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{cite book|author=Holcik, J.|author2= Hensel, K.|author3= Nieslanik, J. |author4=L. Skacel|year=1988|title=The Eurasion Huchen, Hucho hucho: largest salmon of the world |editor=Dr. W. Junk|publisher= Kluwer|location=Dordrecht, Netherlands|isbn=9061936438}} Some sources claim the largest is the Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) of America's Pacific Northwest, although this species falls behind the taimen in maximum size. The maximum size of this fish is {{convert|61.4|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and {{convert|1.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} long.{{FishBase|Oncorhynchus|tshawytscha|id=244|month=August|year=2024}}

• Sculpins, Lionfish, Rockfish, and allies (Scorpaeniformes)

:File:Largest Shortraker Rockfish (Sebastes borealis) ever seen.jpg, weighing {{Convert|28|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, and may have been as old as 150 years.]]The order scorpaeniformes, known for their venomous spines and benthic lifestyle, has a large variety of subfamilies and over 1320 species. This order has also been classified as a suborder under perciformes.{{Dubious|Perciformes_not_being_used_accurately?|date=May 2023|reason=Several of these are classified in separate orders on other article pages.}}

:Although less venomous than many smaller fish in the same order, the skilfish (Erilepis zonifer) of the North Pacific, is largest of the scorpaeniformes. The maximum size is {{convert|1.9|m|ft|abbr=on}} and the weight can be up to {{convert|91|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase|Erilepis|zonifer|id=4031|month=August|year=2024}} The Lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus) of the west coast of North America is sometimes listed as the largest in the order, but it is not known to exceed {{convert|1.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} in length or {{convert|60|kg|lb|abbr=on}} in weight,{{FishBase|genus=Orthonopias|species=triacis|month=August|year=2024}} which still makes it the largest of the Hexagrammidae. The Cottoidea superfamily, also known as the true sculpins (with most species in the cottidae family,) has its largest species in the cabezon (Scorpaenicthys marmoratus) of coastal North America, which can range up to {{convert|99|cm|in|abbr=on}} and {{convert|14|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |title=CA Marine Species Portal |url=https://marinespecies.wildlife.ca.gov/cabezon/false/ |access-date=March 6, 2025 |website=marinespecies.wildlife.ca.gov}} For the Scorpaenidae family, which includes rockfish, lionfish, and stonefish, is the extremely long-lived shortraker rockfish (Sebastes borealis) reaching {{convert|120|cm|in|abbr=on}} and at least {{convert|20|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, with one specimen reported at {{convert|28|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |last=Fisheries |first=NOAA |date=June 22, 2023 |title=Shortraker Rockfish Research in Alaska {{!}} NOAA Fisheries |url=https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/alaska/population-assessments/shortraker-rockfish-research-alaska |access-date=March 6, 2025 |website=NOAA |language=en}} The largest in the Platycephalidae family, also known as flatheads, is the dusky flathead (Platycephalus fuscus) growing to {{convert|120|cm|in|abbr=on}} and {{convert|15|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |title=Platycephalus fuscus summary page |url=https://www.fishbase.org/summary/Platycephalus-fuscus.html |access-date=March 6, 2025 |website=FishBase |language=en}}

• Catfish (Siluriformes)

File:Жайын (Silurus glanis), Сырдария, Байқоңыр.jpg, such as this specimen of over {{convert|90|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, is a rival for the title of the largest catfish.]]

:Most authorities now give the crown of the largest catfish to the Mekong giant catfish, Pangasianodon gigas, which is also considered the heaviest completely freshwater fish. This fish has been recorded at sizes up to {{convert|350|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and {{convert|3|m|ft|abbr=on}}, although the largest verified was {{convert|293|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{cite news|url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/06/0629_050629_giantcatfish.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050630233848/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/06/0629_050629_giantcatfish.html|title=Grizzly Bear-Size Catfish Caught in Thailand|website=National Geographic News|archive-date=June 30, 2005}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna8404622|title=Fish whopper: 646 pounds a freshwater record|website=NBC News|date=July 1, 2005}}{{cite news|author=Seth Mydans|url=http://www.iht.com/bin/print_ipub.php?file=/articles/2005/08/24/news/fish.php|title=Hunt for the big fish becomes a race|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501184151/http://www.iht.com/bin/print_ipub.php?file=%2Farticles%2F2005%2F08%2F24%2Fnews%2Ffish.php |archive-date=May 1, 2009|periodical=International Herald Tribune |date=August 24, 2005}}{{FishBase|Pangasianodon|gigas|id=6192|month=August|year=2024}} The closely-related Asian giant pangasius (Pangasius sanitwongsei) can grow to {{convert|3|m|ft|abbr=on}} and {{convert|300|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase|genus=Pangasius|species=sanitwongsei|month=August|year=2024}} Another large species is the wels catfish (Silurus glanis) of Europe and Central Asia, which strongly rivals the proceeding species in weight and could possibly surpass them in length. While wels have been confirmed to {{convert|3.1|m|ft|abbr=on}}, other whiskered giants have been reliably reported to grow to {{convert|3.7|m|ft|abbr=on}} and {{convert|265|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and less reliably to {{convert|4.3|m|ft|abbr=on}}. In South America there also exists the piraíba (Brachyplatystoma filamentosum), which can reportedly reach up to {{convert|3.6|m|ft|abbr=on}} and {{convert|200|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase|genus=Brachyplatystoma|species=filamentosum|month=August|year=2024}}

• Ridgeheads and allies (Stephanoberyciformes)

:The largest ridgeheads Poromitra curilensis, a Pacific ridgehead related to the crested bigscale,{{cite journal | title=Revision of the genus Poromitra (Melamphaidae): Part 2. New species of the group P. crassiceps | author=Kotlyar, A.N. | journal=Journal of Ichthyology |date=September 2008 | volume=48 | issue=8 | pages=553–564 | doi=10.1134/S0032945208080018| bibcode=2008JIch...48..553K | s2cid=23057815 }} at up to 18 centimetres standard length (SL; a measurement excluding the caudal fin).{{cite journal | jstor=1444136 | title=A new Western Pacific Poromitra (Pisces: Melamphaidae) | journal=Copeia | volume=1980 |date=February 1980 | issue=1 | pages=87–93 | last1=Parin | first1=Nikolay V. | last2=Ebeling | first2=Alfred W. | doi = 10.2307/1444136 }} Most ridgeheads are well under {{convert|10|cm|in|abbr=on}} SL.

• Bristlemouths (Stomiiformes)

File:Opostomias micripnus.jpg

:The largest of the deep-sea bristlemouths is the short-tailed barbeled dragonfish (Oppostomias micripnus). The top size of a female of this species is probably over {{convert|452|g|lb|abbr=on}} and {{convert|50|cm|in|abbr=on}} long. In species like the barbeled dragonfish (Idiacanthus atlanticus), the snake-like females can measure up to {{convert|0.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} long, about 50 times as long as the male.{{FishBase|genus=Idiacanthus|species=atlanticus|month=August|year=2024}} Although Idiacanthus is much more slender and is lighter than Oppostomias.

• Swamp-eels (Synbranchiformes)

:The tropic-dwelling swamp-eels, which are not closely related to true eels, reaches their largest size in the marbled swamp eel (Synbrachus marmoratus) of Central and South America. This fish can range up to {{convert|1.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} and weigh {{convert|7|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.

• Seahorses and allies (Syngnathiformes)

:The largest of this diverse order is the red cornetfish (Fistularia petimba), a long, thin species found in all tropical oceans. This fish can reach a length of {{convert|2|m|ft|abbr=on}} and a weight of {{convert|4.65|kg|lb|abbr=on}}. The largest of the famous, petite seahorses is the big-belly seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis) found off Australia and New Zealand, which can grow to {{convert|35|cm|in|abbr=on}} high and weigh over {{convert|60|g|oz|abbr=on}}.Will Wooten. [http://www.seahorse.org/library/articles/quickid.shtml Seahorse Quick ID Guide]. seahorse.org (January 26, 2004)

• Pufferfishes and allies (Tetraodontiformes)

:File:Balistoides viridescens 1.jpg]]The starry pufferfish (Arothron stellatus) is the largest pufferfish in the world, growing to a length of {{convert|48|in|cm|abbr=on}}. The largest freshwater pufferfish is the mbu pufferfish (Tetraodon mbu) from the Congo River basin. It attains lengths of {{convert|67|cm|in|abbr=on}}. As such, these fish are difficult to adequately house in captivity since they require a very large aquarium and appropriately scaled water filtration. At lengths up to {{convert|1|m|in|abbr=on}}, the stone triggerfish (Pseudobalistes naufragium) from the Eastern Pacific is the largest triggerfish (Balistidae family), edging out the titan triggerfish (Balistoides viridescens) at {{convert|75|cm|in|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase|genus=Balistoides|species=viridescens|year=2010|month=January}}

• Dories (Zeiformes)

:The largest species of dory is the Cape dory (Zeus capensis) reaching a size of {{convert|90|cm|in|abbr=on}} and a weight of {{convert|20|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase|Zeus|capensis|id=7952|month=August|year=2024}}

File:Latimeria Chalumnae - Coelacanth - NHMW.jpg is the largest extant lobe-finned fish.]]

The largest living (non-tetrapod) lobe-finned fish is the coelacanth. The average weight of the living West Indian Ocean coelacanth, (Latimeria chalumnae), is {{convert|80|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, and they can reach up to {{convert|2|m|ft|abbr=on}} in length. Specimens can weigh up to {{convert|110|kg|lb|abbr=on}}. The largest lobe-finned fish of all time was Rhizodus at up to {{convert|7|m|ft|abbr=on}}.[https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/transcripts/2905_link.html NOVA. Transcripts. The Missing Link]. PBS (February 26, 2002)

• Lungfish (Dipnoi)

:The largest lungfish, the African lungfish (Protopterus aethiopicus), is smooth, elongated, and cylindrical with deeply embedded scales. The tail is very long and tapers at the end. They can reach a length of up to {{convert|2|m|ft|abbr=on}} and may weigh as much as {{convert|50|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{FishBase family|family=Lepidosirenidae|year=2009|month=January}}[http://fishing-worldrecords.com/lung%20fishes/Protopterus%20aethiopicus.html Protopterus aethiopicus] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110803041504/http://www.fishing-worldrecords.com/lung%20fishes/Protopterus%20aethiopicus.html |date=August 3, 2011 }}. Fishing-worldrecords.com The pectoral and pelvic fins are also very long and thin, almost spaghetti-like.

{{clear}}

• Megafauna
• List of longest fish
• Largest organisms
• Largest prehistoric animals

{{reflist}}

{{diversity of fish}}

Fish

Largest

Category:Heaviest or most massive organisms