Apr 17, 2025
The oceans are home to some of the largest and most awe-inspiring animals on Earth. From massive whales to mysterious deep-sea dwellers, here are ten of the biggest water creatures and what makes each of them unique.
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The largest animal to have ever lived on earth, a blue whale can weigh up to 200 tons, reach over 100 feet, and have hearts the size of small cars. Despite their size, they feed on tiny krill by filtering thousands of gallons of water.
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The largest-toothed predator with a powerful clicking sonar, sperm whale, can dive over 3,000 feet to hunt squid and use the loudest sound produced by any animal to navigate and communicate deep underwater.
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They are the largest living fish with a gentle, filter-feeding nature. Growing up to 60 feet, these spotted giants glide through warm seas, feeding peacefully on plankton and small fish. They’re known for their calm, docile demeanor around divers.
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The second-largest fish that feeds with its mouth wide open, basking sharks are harmless giants swim slowly with their massive jaws agape to collect plankton. Despite their size, they’re non-aggressive and are often seen near the ocean’s surface.
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Giant squids are elusive deep-sea creature with eyes the size of dinner plates. Rarely seen alive, the giant squid can reach lengths over 40 feet. It has long tentacles, powerful suckers, and one of the largest eyes in the animal kingdom.
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Bulkier than the giant squid with swiveling hooks on its tentacles. Found in the freezing Southern Ocean, it can weigh more than 1,000 pounds and is known for its short, thick body and deadly weapon-like tentacles.
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The heaviest bony fish with an odd, flattened body shape. These bizarre-looking fish can weigh over 2,000 kg and are often seen basking near the surface. They’re known for their small mouths and massive dorsal fins.
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The largest sea turtle with a flexible shell and deep-diving ability. Unlike other sea turtles, leatherbacks have soft, leathery shells and can dive nearly 4,000 feet deep. They feed mostly on jellyfish and migrate thousands of miles across oceans.
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The longest-legged marine arthropod has a leg span of over 12 feet. These deep-sea crustaceans look terrifying but are mostly scavengers. Their long limbs help them navigate the ocean floor, making them the largest arthropods by leg span.
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The longest bony fish with a ribbon-like body and mythical presence. Often linked to sea serpent legends, oarfish can grow over 35 feet. Rarely seen alive, they swim vertically in deep waters and are among the ocean’s most mysterious residents.
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