diff --git a/moto/sqs/exceptions.py b/moto/sqs/exceptions.py
index d72cfdffc..c9d0d73c5 100644
--- a/moto/sqs/exceptions.py
+++ b/moto/sqs/exceptions.py
@@ -11,6 +11,11 @@ class ReceiptHandleIsInvalid(Exception):
     status_code = 400
 
 
+class InvalidParameterValue(Exception):
+    description = "One or more parameters are invalid. Reason: Message must be shorter than 262144 bytes."
+    status_code = 400
+
+
 class MessageAttributesInvalid(Exception):
     status_code = 400
 
diff --git a/moto/sqs/models.py b/moto/sqs/models.py
index efb75dd9c..725465498 100644
--- a/moto/sqs/models.py
+++ b/moto/sqs/models.py
@@ -12,7 +12,8 @@ from moto.core.utils import camelcase_to_underscores, get_random_message_id
 from .utils import generate_receipt_handle, unix_time_millis
 from .exceptions import (
     ReceiptHandleIsInvalid,
-    MessageNotInflight
+    MessageNotInflight,
+    InvalidParameterValue,
 )
 
 DEFAULT_ACCOUNT_ID = 123456789012
@@ -251,6 +252,9 @@ class SQSBackend(BaseBackend):
         else:
             delay_seconds = queue.delay_seconds
 
+        if len(message_body) > self.maximum_message_size:
+            raise InvalidParameterValue
+
         message_id = get_random_message_id()
         message = Message(message_id, message_body)