Biggest Animals

From the largest animal that has ever lived to the biggest land animals and reptiles, these heavyweights are ranked by typical adult weight. Sheer size shapes how each of these animals lives, eats, and survives.

Blue whale swimming near the ocean surface seen from above, dwarfing the surrounding water

Endangered

Mammal

Blue Whale

The largest animal that has ever lived

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Humpback whale breaching out of the open ocean with spray

Least Concern

Mammal

Humpback Whale

The acrobatic singer of the seas

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Massive spotted whale shark swimming near the ocean surface

Endangered

Fish

Whale Shark

The largest fish in the world

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African elephant with large tusks and ears walking across a dusty savanna

Endangered

Mammal

African Elephant

The largest land animal alive today

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Orca killer whale breaching out of the ocean with a burst of spray

Data Deficient

Mammal

Orca

The ocean's top predator

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White rhinoceros standing on an African plain at golden hour

Near Threatened

Mammal

Rhinoceros

The armored giant with a horn of keratin

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Hippopotamus half-submerged in an African river with its mouth slightly open

Vulnerable

Mammal

Hippopotamus

Africa's deadliest large land mammal

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Large manta ray gliding through blue ocean water with wings spread

Endangered

Fish

Manta Ray

The gentle giant that flies through the sea

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