Think the biggest fish are only found in the deepest parts of the ocean? Think again. The U.S. is home to some absolute aquatic giants, from prehistoric-looking river monsters to deep-sea beasts that could swallow a small boat. Whether they’re lurking in lakes, rivers, or the open ocean, these 11 massive fish are the biggest you’ll find in American waters.
1. White Sturgeon
If you thought river fish were small, meet the white sturgeon. These prehistoric giants can reach over 20 feet long and weigh up to 1,500 pounds. Found in the Pacific Northwest, they’re basically living dinosaurs. Some have been swimming around for over 100 years.
2. Ocean Sunfish
The ocean sunfish (Mola mola) looks like someone chopped a fish in half and forgot to finish the rest. These massive, flat-bodied creatures can weigh over 5,000 pounds, making them the heaviest bony fish on Earth. They’re often spotted floating on their sides, soaking up the sun.
3. Alligator Gar
This toothy nightmare looks like an alligator crossed with a torpedo. Found in the southern U.S., the alligator gar can reach 10 feet long and weigh up to 350 pounds. It’s a living fossil with armor-like scales and a bite that can snap through bone.
4. Bluefin Tuna
Bluefin tuna are basically the ocean’s torpedoes—fast, powerful, and valuable. Weighing up to 1,500 pounds and stretching over 12 feet, they’re one of the most prized fish in the seafood industry. A single bluefin tuna can sell for millions of dollars in Japan.
5. Goliath Grouper
This fish is so big, it can swallow a whole shark. The Goliath grouper can grow up to 8 feet long and weigh over 800 pounds. Found in Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, they lurk around shipwrecks, waiting to ambush prey with a giant vacuum-like mouth.
6. Greenland Shark
This deep-sea giant is as mysterious as it is massive. The Greenland shark can reach over 24 feet long and weigh more than 2,000 pounds. Even wilder? Scientists estimate that these sharks can live for 400+ years. Some were alive before the United States even existed.
7. Paddlefish
With its ridiculous-looking snout, the paddlefish looks like it swam straight out of a sci-fi movie. These 7-foot-long, 200-pound filter feeders can be found in the Mississippi River system. They’re one of the few remaining species from the dinosaur age.
8. Great White Shark
The great white shark is the king of the ocean. These 20-foot-long, 5,000-pound beasts are found off the coasts of California and New England. They have over 300 serrated teeth and a bite force strong enough to snap a sea lion in half.
9. Lake Sturgeon
The lake sturgeon is like a smaller cousin of the white sturgeon, but it’s still one of the biggest fish in North America. Found in the Great Lakes and Mississippi River, they can reach 9 feet long and weigh 300 pounds. Some are over 150 years old.
10. Atlantic Halibut
The Atlantic halibut is the largest flatfish in the world, growing up to 15 feet long and weighing over 700 pounds. These massive, pancake-like fish are found in deep, cold waters off the northeastern U.S., where they blend in perfectly with the seafloor.
11. Mako Shark
Think of the mako shark as the cheetah of the ocean. These 1,200-pound, 14-foot-long predators are the fastest sharks on Earth, reaching speeds of 45 mph. Found along the U.S. coasts, they’re strong enough to launch themselves completely out of the water.
America’s Waters Are Full of Giants
From prehistoric river monsters to deep-sea predators, the biggest fish in American waters are straight out of a sci-fi movie. Some have been around for hundreds of years, while others are apex predators that rule the food chain. Whether they’re lurking in rivers, lakes, or the open ocean, one thing’s for sure—you don’t want to meet them on the wrong day.
