The fastest animals – Top 10 and Top 100

Speed is a survival tool that has evolved in many different species. From the swift cheetahs of the African savanna to the agile dolphins of the ocean, the animal kingdom is full of creatures capable of reaching incredible speeds. In this article, we will explore the top 10 fastest animals in the world, taking a closer look at the anatomy, habitat, and behavior of these speed demons. From the world-famous cheetah to lesser-known animals such as the peregrine falcon and the sailfish, we will examine the incredible adaptations that allow these creatures to reach such incredible speeds. So get ready to experience the thrill of the world’s fastest animals, and discover the secrets behind their speed.

Top speed of Animals

We present a list of over 100 fastest animals in the world. The list of fastest animals includes birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, and insects. The top animal speed table shows the highest speed measured for a given species.

The fastest animals TOP 20

A table containing the speed of over 140 animals can be found below in this article.

In the article, we successively supplement the data concerning the speed of animals. Previously prepared charts may therefore differ slightly from the data presented in tables.

The fastest animals – Top 10
chart speed [km/h]

 The fastest animals – Top 10
chart speed [mph]

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) – the fastest animal in the world – No 1

The fastest animal in the world is a bird – Peregrine Falcon. During the dive flight, the peregrine falcon can reach a speed of up to 350 km/hour (217 mph)! The top speed of the falcon, that was able to be measured was 389 km/h (242 mph).

Some sources claim that while diving the falcon can reach a top speed exceeding 400 km/h (248 mph) …

Golden Eagle, Gyrfalcon and Common Swift – birds at the top of the list – No 2, 3, 4

The second, third and fourth place also accounts for the birds. We will not mention all the birds that reach dizzying speed – we have prepared for this purpose a separate statement – The fastest birds in the world. On this list, we wanted only to underline the dominant position of the birds in terms of achieving the maximum speed in the animal world.

Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) – the fastest land animal

Number twelve (previously seven) on the list is the cheetah – the fastest mammal, reaching on a short distance in pursuit of prey speed of 113 km/h / 70 mph, (according to some sources even 120 km/h / 75 mph).

Different sources indicate different speeds for cheetah: 96–120 km/h (60–75 mph), 98 km/h (61 mph), 100 km/h (62 mph), 104 km/h (65 mph), 104.4 km/h (65 mph). There is a tendency to overestimate the speed of fast animals, especially cheetah, and claims that cheetah can run 114 km/h (71 mph) or faster has been discredited

Black marlin, Sailfish and Swordfish – the fastest fish in the world

The black marlin (Istiompax indica) and Indo-Pacific sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) are the fastest fishes in the world. Black marlin reaches probably a top speed of 130 km/h (81 mph) and is most likely faster than… cheetah.

Top speed of animals – Top 100

The fastest mammals – Top 10
chart speed [km/h]

 The fastest mammals – Top 10
chart speed [mph]

The fastest reptiles – Top 10

The fastest reptiles – Top 10
chart speed [km/h]

The fastest reptiles – Top 10
chart speed [mph]

Recommended

• Fastest animals – on land, in water and in the air
• Fastest birds, mammals, fish, reptiles and insects
• Fastest mammals
• Fastest birds
• Cheetah
• Most venomous snakes – Top 10
• Largest eagles – Top 10
• Largest birds of prey
• Animals records
• Largest crocodiles
• Longest whales
• Heaviest whales
• Longest snakes
• Most venomous snakes
• Largest sharks
• Top-flying birds
• Smartest dog breeds
• Heaviest dinosaurs
• Longest dinosaurs