Sharks, crocodiles, lions, bears, and all the apex predators have strong jaws, sharp teeth, and the strongest bite force. But, what animal has the strongest bite force, and how it is measured?
The bite force of an animal is measured by a device called a “bite force transducer” which measures the force applied by the bite. The units of bite force are pounds per square inch (psi) and Newtons. Now the strongest bite force of an animal depends on various factors like the strength of jaw muscles, the number and sharpness of teeth, jaw bone, bite-size, animal weight, etc. Considering all these factors let’s talk about the animals with the strongest bite force.
Orca
Orca is also known as the killer whale but in reality, it is not a whale but the largest species of the dolphin family. Orcas are found in all oceans but most commonly in the Southern Hemisphere, the North Pacific, and the Atlantic Ocean.
- Orca has large, strong jaws with sharp teeth that help them tear and dismember their prey.
- Orca has the strongest bite force of 19000 psi.
- This apex predator weighs about 5500 kg and preys on fish, seals, and big whales.
- They are social animals and hunt in groups and communicate with each other by making clicks sounds and whistles.
Nile Crocodile
This is the second largest and most dangerous crocodile species in the world. Nile crocodile is native to Africa and found in freshwater habitats. Their reproduction takes place through eggs and they are also considered attentive parents.
- This Crocodile has a length of approximately 16 feet to 20 feet and weight of 225 to 900 kg.
- Nile crocodile, another apex predator preys on fishes, other crocodiles, mammals, and birds.
- Although it is the second largest but has the strongest bite force of 5000 psi.
- The sex of the Nile crocodile is determined by the temperature of incubation of the egg. If it is cooler then it is female, otherwise, it is male.
Great White Shark
The great white shark is the largest predator fish, found throughout the ocean, especially in cold waters. The approximate lengths of female and male sharks are 14 to 16 feet and 11 to 13 feet respectively.
- This shark is bulky in shape and has the strongest tail which helps it attain a maximum speed of up to 56 km/h.
- It has up to 300 sets of sharp and triangular teeth that help it to tear and swallow its prey. It has the strongest bite force of 4000 psi.
- Its smelling ability is very good through which it can smell its prey from far away.
- This apex predator preys on small fishes, sea lions, seals, small sharks, and dolphins. Sometimes they even attack humans as well.
Saltwater Crocodile
Another predator is the saltwater crocodile, native to Southeast Asia, Micronesia, and northern Australia. As its name suggests, it lives in saltwater habitats.
- This Crocodile is the largest reptile species with a length of approximately 17 feet to 23 feet and a weight of 1000 kg.
- The saltwater crocodile has a strong jaw and 66 sets of sharp teeth which help it to tear its prey apart.
- It has the strongest bite force of 3700 psi.
- The saltwater crocodile prey on fishes, buffaloes, and even humans, and its maximum speed is 10kmph.
American Alligator
The American Alligator is native to the southeastern US, found exclusively in freshwater coastal areas. This carnivorous predator has the sharpest teeth and strongest jaws and it hunts almost every type of species.
- The approximate length of female alligator and male alligator are 8.5 to 9.5 feet and 13 to 14 feet respectively.
- American alligator preys on fishes, snails, frogs, birds, and mammals, and its maximum speed is approx 32 kmph.
- It has the strongest bite force of 2125 psi.
- The American alligator has about 80 teeth in its mouth at a time. When old teeth wear out, new teeth emerge, in their entire lifetime, they produce approx. 2000 to 3000 teeth.
Hippopotamus
The second largest land mammal, the hippopotamus has a huge and bulky body with average length and height of 3.5m and 1.5m respectively. The hippopotamus is native to Africa and has two species, the common hippopotamus and the pygmy hippopotamus.
- This semi-aquatic animal is herbivorous and eats mostly grass. It has a very large appetite and can eat up to 30 kg of grass at a time.
- The hippopotamus has a total of 36 teeth including large canine teeth. It has a strong jaw which can open at a wide angle.
- Both species of hippopotamus have the strongest bite force of 1800 psi.
- It is also known as a river horse which weighs up to 4000 kg (male) and 1500 kg (female).
Jaguar
The world’s third-largest cat, the jaguar, is native to South and Central America, and 50 percent of its population is in Brazil. Jaguars have unique dark spots on their bodies called rosettes.
- Jaguars are excellent swimmers and have speeds of up to 50 miles/hour on the surface.
- This predator marks its territory with fecal matter and leaves claw marks on trees.
- This nocturnal creature is carnivorous and hunts anything that comes in its path like deer, fish, monkeys etc.
- Jaguar has the strongest bite force of 1500 psi.
- Female jaguar weighs up to 100kg while male weighs up to 100kg.
Bull Shark
Bull sharks are found throughout the ocean, they can live in freshwater, saltwater, warm and shallow oceans or migrate to any part of the ocean.
- Bull sharks are not finicky eaters, they will prey on anything that comes in their path, such as turtles, other sharks, Manta rays, fish, etc.
- The bull shark weighs 90 kg to 230 kg and can swim up to 11 miles per hour.
- The bull shark has the strongest bite force of 1350 psi.
Above we talked in detail about the animals with the strongest bite force. Here are some other notable mentions.
Gorilla
Gorillas are native to Central Africa and have two species eastern and western gorillas. They are social animals and like to live in groups called troops. Grolias has the strongest bite force of 1300 psi.
Polar Bears
Polar bears are native to the Arctic region and have 42 sets of sharpest teeth that help them chew and tear their prey. The strongest bite force of a polar bear is 1200 psi.
Grizzly Bear
Grizzly bears are found in North America and therefore also known as the North American brown bear. The strongest bite force of a grizzly bear is 1160 psi.
Spotted Hyenas
Spotted hyenas are found in sub-Saharan regions, these predators are also known as laughing hyenas. The strongest bite force of the spotted hyena is 1100 psi.
Bengal Tiger
Bengal tigers are found in the Indian subcontinent including India, Nepal, Bhutan, and other places. This predator marks its territory with fecal matter, and urine, and leaves claw marks on trees. It has the strongest bite force of 1050 psi.
Lion
Lions are now found in India and Sub-Saharan Africa and have the strongest bite force of 650 psi.
Conclusion
Understanding these powerful predators and their bite forces gives us insight into nature’s incredible engineering. While humans may not possess anywhere near the same biting capabilities, we can still admire and respect the strength these creatures wield in the wild.
Whether it’s the marine hunters like great white sharks, the terrestrial kings like lions, or the reptilian monsters like alligators, each of these animals proves that in the wild, having a strong bite can be the ultimate weapon for survival.
Which animal on this list surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments! 🦁🐊🦈