What is the fastest animal? Top 20 fastest animals on land and in water
The natural world is filled with an incredible array of fast-moving creatures, each adapted to excel in its unique environment. From the skies to the seas, the fastest animals on the planet have evolved remarkable physical capabilities that allow them to reach astonishing speeds. Here is a list of the fastest creatures on land and in water.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Fastest animals on land and in water
- 1. The peregrine falcon
- 2. Golden eagle
- 3. The white-throated needletail
- 4. The Eurasian hobby
- 5. Mexican free-tailed bat
- 6. Black marlin
- 7. Cheetah
- 8. Sailfish
- 9. Swordfish
- 10. Wahoo
- 11. Pronghorn antelope
- 12. Springbok
- 13. Wildebeest
- 14. Lion
- 15. Blackbuck
- 16. Dorado (Mahi Mahi)
- 17. The American Quarter Horse
- 18. Yellowfin tuna
- 19. Mako shark
- 20. Elk
- What are the 2 fastest animals on land?
- What is faster than a cheetah?
- What is the fastest animal in the world?
- What are the top 5 fastest animals?
While compiling this list, we considered factors such as the animal's adaptations and physical appearances based on data from various animal review websites, such as Wildlife, Ultimate Kilimanjaro, and Treehugger. However, this list is inconclusive as it may not contain all the animals regarded as fastest.
Fastest animals on land and in water
What are some of the fastest animals in the world? Here is a list of the top twenty land and water animals, including some birds.
| Animals | Top speed |
| The peregrine falcon | 242 mph (389km/h) |
| Golden eagle | 200 mph (322 km/h) |
| The white-throated needletail | 105 mph (170 km/h) |
| The Eurasian hobby | 99 mph (159 km/h) |
| Mexican free-tailed bat | 99 mph (159 km/h) |
| Black marlin | 82 mph (132 km/h) |
| Cheetah | 75 mph (121 km/h) |
| Sailfish | 68 mph (109 km/h) |
| Swordfish | 62 mph (100 km/h) |
| Wahoo | 60 mph (97km/h) |
| Pronghorn antelope | 55 mph (I89 km/h) |
| Springbok | 55 mph (89 km/h) |
| Wildebeest | 50 mph (80 km/h) |
| Lion | 50 mph (80 km/h) |
| Blackbuck | 50 mph (80 km/h) |
| Dorado (Mahi Mahi) | 50 mph (80 km/h) |
| The American Quarter Horse | 47.5 mph (76.5 km/h) |
| Yellowfin tuna | 45mph (74km/h) |
| Mako shark | 45mph (74km/h) |
| Elk | 45mph (74km/h) |
1. The peregrine falcon
Source: Getty Images
- Top speed: 389 km/h or 239 mph
- Class: Aves
- Lifespan: 10 years
The peregrine falcon is considered the fastest animal in the world. When hunting, the Peregrine falcon's speed is about 389 km/h (239 mph). The peregrine falcon is known for its blue-grey back, white underparts, and black head. The bird lives primarily near coastal areas and can travel thousands of miles daily using wind currents.
2. Golden eagle
Source: Getty Images
- Top speed: 200 mph or 322 km/h
- Class: Aves
- Lifespan: Between 25 and 30 years in the wild and 45 years in captivity
Another fastest bird is the golden eagle, the most widely distributed species of eagle. It uses its agility and speed to soar to a great height and then dives steeply at speeds of 322 km/h or 200 mph in search of food. Golden eagles are long-lived birds that live between 25 and 30 years in the wild and up to 45 years in captivity.
3. The white-throated needletail
Source: Getty Images
- Top speed: 105 mph or 170 km/h
- Class: Aves
- Lifespan: 8.5 years
The white-throated needletail is the fastest-flying bird in flapping flight, capable of 170 km/h (105mph). It is greyish-brown except for a white throat and a white patch extending from the base of the tail to the flanks.
4. The Eurasian hobby
Source: Getty Images
- Top speed: 99 mph or 159 km/h
- Class: Aves
- Lifespan: 14 years
The Eurasian hobby is a small falcon that catches its prey in the air with extreme aerial hunting skills. It feeds on birds such as martins, larks, sparrows, and swifts. Its top speeds reach up to 159 km/h or 99 mph.
5. Mexican free-tailed bat
Source: Facebook
- Top speed: 99 mph or 159 km/h
- Class: Aves
- Lifespan: 18 years
Mexican free-tailed bats are among the fastest-flying species of bats, capable of reaching speeds of over 99 mph or 159 km/h. They can instantly change direction while in flight and mainly roost in caves. Nevertheless, they also roost in buildings as long as they can access openings and dark recesses in ceilings or walls.
6. Black marlin
Source: Getty Images
- Top speed: 82 mph or 132 km/h
- Class: Actinopterygii
- Lifespan: Females: up to 12 years; Males: up to 5 years
The black marlin is the fastest sea animal, with a top speed of 132 km/h (82 mph). Its streamlined physique and rigid pectoral fin allow it to cut through the water efficiently. This evolutionary adaptation makes this cute animal the apex predator of the sea.
7. Cheetah
Source: Getty Images
- Top speed: 75 mph or 121 km/h
- Class: Mammalia
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Who is the fastest animal on land? The cheetah is the fastest animal on land, with speeds of up to 75 mph (121 km/h). It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3 seconds, making it an exceptional sprinter.
8. Sailfish
Source: Getty Images
- Top speed: 68 mph or 109 km/h
- Class: Actinopterygii
- Lifespan: 13-15 years
The fastest swimming animal is the sailfish. Its maximum speed is about 68 mph (109km/h). Sailfish's large sail-like dorsal fin helps it cut through the water more efficiently and generates significant speed and manoeuvrability in the water.
9. Swordfish
Source: Facebook
- Top speed: 62 mph or 100 km/h
- Class: Actinopterygii
- Lifespan: 9 years
Another fastest animal in water is the swordfish, with a speed of up to 100 mph (62 km/h). Its long, pointed bill and muscular body are perfectly adapted for high-speed chases of prey like tuna and mackerel. Swordfish use their speed and agility to outmanoeuvre and strike their targets, often leaping partially out of the water.
10. Wahoo
Source: Getty Images
- Top speed: 60 mph or 97km/h
- Class: Actinopterygii
- Lifespan: 5-6 years
Wahoos can reach a top speed of 60 mph, aided by their elongated, streamlined bodies that minimise drag. Their powerful tails provide strong propulsion, and their sharp teeth effectively catch prey. Wahoos often hunt in groups, using their speed to corral and capture smaller fish. Their speed also helps them evade predators.
11. Pronghorn antelope
Source: Getty Images
- Top speed: 55 mph or 89 km/h
- Class: Mammalia
- Lifespan: 10 years
The pronghorn antelope is the second fastest land animal after the cheetah. However, it can sustain high speeds longer than the cheetah and has adaptations like a large windpipe and heart to aid its endurance. Pronghorns are not true antelopes but are the closest living relatives to giraffes and okapis.
12. Springbok
Source: Getty Images
- Top speed: 55 mph or 89 km/h
- Class: Mammalia
- Lifespan: 10 years
The springbok is a medium-sized gazelle that lives in herds across Southern Africa. It can reach an impressive speed of up to 55 mph but can only maintain it for short distances, making it one of the fastest land animals. Their high bounce-like jumps and sharp running turns enable them to shake off chasing predators.
13. Wildebeest
Source: Getty Images
- Top speed: 50 mph or 80 km/h
- Class: Mammalia
- Lifespan: 20 years
Popular for their yearly migration in the Serengeti and Masai Mara, wildebeests can run up to 50 mph. Their strong shoulders and large heads aid in their quick sprints. They are quite agile and can quickly change direction. Their migrations are one of nature's most spectacular events.
14. Lion
Source: Getty Images
- Top speed: 50 mph or 80 km/h
- Class: Mammalia
- Lifespan: 15 years in the wild and up to 30 years in zoos
How fast is a lion? When hunting, the lion can reach up to 80 km/h (50 mph), making it one of the fastest land predators. However, they can only maintain these high speeds for short bursts. Their speed is used more for ambushes and short sprints than long-distance running.
15. Blackbuck
Source: Getty Images
- Top speed: 50 mph or 80 km/h
- Class: Mammalia
- Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Blackbucks, natives of the Indian subcontinent, can achieve a top speed of up to 50 mph. Their sleek build and long legs enable them to make quick, steady movements, which they use to evade predators. Moreover, blackbucks are also excellent jumpers.
16. Dorado (Mahi Mahi)
Source: Getty Images
- Top speed: 50 mph or 80 km/h
- Class: Actinopterygii
- Lifespan: 3-4 years
The Dorado is one of the world's fastest animals. It utilises its streamlined body and powerful tails for rapid propulsion in large water bodies. Dorado has large pectoral fins that aid in quick directional changes. Their vibrant colouration may play a role in communication and camouflage. These fish are known for their acrobatic leap.
17. The American Quarter Horse
Source: Getty Images
- Top speed: 47.5 mph or 76.5 km/h
- Class: Mammal
- Lifespan: 25 years
The American Quarter Horse is a famous American breed built for speed over short distances, particularly in quarter-mile races. This popular animal has heavy muscular development and a broad chest that helps in rapid movement. Additionally, they have a docile temperament, making them ride horses.
18. Yellowfin tuna
Source: Getty Images
- Top speed: 45 mph or 74km/h
- Class: Actinopterygii
- Lifespan: 6-7 years
Yellowfin tuna are built for speed. They have a streamlined, torpedo-like body and retractable fins that minimise drag. Their strong, lunate tail fins provide powerful propulsion. Furthermore, their muscles contain a high concentration of myoglobin, enabling sustained, high-speed swimming.
19. Mako shark
Source: Getty Images
- Top speed: 45 mph or 74km/h
- Class: Chondrichthyes
- Lifespan: 30 years
With a top speed of 45 mph, the mako shark is considered one of the fastest animals in the world. Mako sharks' streamlined bodies, tooth-like scales, powerful tails, and pointed snouts reduce drag and increase speed. Additionally, their unique system of red muscle provides sustained power for long-distance swimming.
20. Elk
Source: Getty Images
- Top speed: 45mph or 74km/h
- Class: Mammalia
- Lifespan: 10-13 years
Elks can run up to 45 mph, and their strong, muscular bodies are adapted for speed and endurance. They have long legs and large hooves that provide traction on various terrains. During mating season, males use their speed to chase off rivals and impress females. Their endurance allows them to travel long distances for food and water.
What are the 2 fastest animals on land?
The two fastest animals on land are the cheetah and the pronghorn, with top speeds of 75 mph and 55 mph, respectively. Although the cheetah is the fastest sprinter, the pronghorn is the fastest long-distance runner in the animal kingdom.
What is faster than a cheetah?
No animal on land can run faster than a cheetah. However, a peregrine falcon, among other flying animals, can fly faster than a cheetah can run. Additionally, the black marlin can swim faster than a cheetah can run.
What is the fastest animal in the world?
The peregrine falcon is the fastest animal on Earth, at about 389 km/h or 239 mph. It hunts by flying high and then diving at its prey.
What are the top 5 fastest animals?
The top five fastest animals on Earth are all flying animals. Below is a list of these animals ranked according to their top speeds:
- Peregrine falcon
- Golden eagle
- White-throated needletail
- Eurasian hobby
- Mexican free-tailed bat
These are some of the fastest animals on land and in water. They have evolved to push the limits of speed and agility. The animals demonstrate the incredible diversity and power of the animal kingdom.
Yen.com.gh recently published an article on a list of animals that eat snakes. Snakes are known to be dangerous, with the snakes' venom ability to destroy the outer membrane of capillary vessels, causing internal bleeding.
The Ophiophagus species, a more advanced predator group that eats snakes, play a crucial role in managing snake populations. They developed resistance to snake venom, allowing them to prey on venomous snakes without the risk of death. Discover more about animals that eat snakes.
Source: YEN.com.gh
