Biggest Ocean Animals
Some of the biggest and most bizarre creatures on the planet can be found in the oceans. Below are some of the biggest ocean animals known to man.
The Blue Whale
The Blue Whale is not just the largest ocean animal; it is the biggest animal thought to have ever existed. The biggest Blue Whale on record was measured at a length of 33 meters (108 feet). Most of them can weigh up to 136,000 kilograms (150 tons). They are found in all the world’s oceans.
The Whale Shark
The Whale Shark is not a whale; it is the largest fish to be found in the oceans today. The biggest Whale Shark ever found is 12.2 meters (40 feet) long. However, scientists agree that the creature can grow much longer than that. Although it looks fearsome, it is actually a filer feeder.
The Colossal Squid
The biggest specimen ever measured is 18 meters (59 feet) long and weighed in at a ton (900 kg). One of the biggest ocean animals ever, the Colossal Squid also has the biggest eyes at 25 centimeters (11 inches) across. It is the biggest invertebrate on the planet.
The Lion’s Mane Jellyfish
The Lion’s Mane Jellyfish (Cyanea capillata) is often found off the coasts of the UK. This creature can reach lengths of 200 centimeters (6.5 feet). It is also known for its venomous sting.
The Japanese Spider Crab
The Japanese Spider Crab (Macrocheira kaempferi) is probably the biggest arthropod living today. Measured from claw to claw, it can reach lengths of up to 4 meters (13 feet). Some specimens can weigh up to 40 lbs. Most of them are found 50-300 meters (150-1000 feet) deep under the oceans off the Japanese coast.
Giant Clam
The Giant Clam (Tridacna gigas) is 1.2 meters (4 feet) long and weighs 227 kilograms (500 pounds). It is the biggest shelled mollusk in the world. The creature can be found in the waters of Southeast Asia. It is also prevalent in the Indian Ocean. The Giant Clam has a lifespan of 100 years.
Sea Stars
There are two candidates for the biggest sea star. One is the Thromidia catalai which can weigh up to 6 kilograms (13 pounds). The Midgardia xandaros is not as heavy but is longer at 1.38 meters (4.5
feet) across.
These are just some of the biggest ocean animals ever to be examined and seen. Yet it is possible that many more unknown creatures lie hidden in the ocean depths.
