විශාලතම හා බරම සතුන්

දැනට ජීවතුන් අතර සිටින විශාලතම සත්වයා නිල් තල්මහ ය. වාර්තාගත උපරිම බර 27.6 මීටර (91 ft)යක නිදර්ශකයක් සඳහා ටොන් 190 (එක්සත් ජනපද ටොන් 209) වන අතර, 33 මීටර (108 ft) දක්වා දිග ඒවා වාර්තා කර ඇති නමුත් බර කර නොමැත. It is estimated that this individual could have a mass of 250 or more. The longest non- is the (37 m, 120 ft).

ඉහළ වමේ සිට දක්ෂිණාවර්තව: අප්‍රිකානු පඳුරු අලියෙක්, දැනට පවතින විශාලතම භූමිෂ්ඨ සත්වයා; නිල් තල්මසා, මෙතෙක් සිටි විශාලතම සත්වයා; සහ දැවැන්ත දැල්ලන්, විශාලතම අපෘෂ්ඨවංශිකයා

In 2023, paleontologists estimated that the extinct whale , discovered in Peru, may have outweighed the blue whale, with a mass of 85 to 340 t (94–375 short tons; 84–335 long tons). However, more recent studies suggest this whale was much smaller than previous estimates putting its weight at 60 to 113 tonnes. While controversial, estimates for the weight of the suggest it was around 110–170 tons, with the highest estimate being 240 tons, if scaled with , although actual fossil remains no longer exist, and that estimation is based on described dimensions in 1987. In April 2024, was established as a valid taxon and is considered both the largest marine reptile ever discovered and the largest macropredator ever discovered. The Lilstock specimen was estimated to be around 26 මීටර (85 ft) whilst the Aust specimen was an even more impressive 30 to 35 මීටර (98 to 115 ft) in length. Whilst no weight estimates was made as of yet, Ichthyotitan would have easily rivalled or surpassed the blue whale. The upper estimates of weight for these prehistoric animals would have easily rivaled or exceeded the largest rorquals and sauropods.

The (Loxodonta africana) is the largest living land animal. A native of various open habitats in sub-Saharan Africa, males weigh about 6.0 tonnes (13,200 lb) on average. The largest elephant ever recorded was shot in Angola in 1974. It was a male measuring 10.67 මීටර (35.0 ft) from trunk to tail and 4.17 මීටර (13.7 ft) lying on its side in a projected line from the highest point of the shoulder, to the base of the forefoot, indicating a standing shoulder height of 3.96 මීටර (13.0 ft). This male had a computed weight of 10.4 to 12.25 tonnes.

ජීවත්වන බරම සතුන්

ජීවත්වන බරම සතුන් සියල්ල තල්මසුන්ය. විශාල තල්මසෙකුගේ මුළු සිරුරම කිසිදු තරාදියකට සවි කළ නොහැකි බැවින්, බොහෝමයක් කොටස් මගින් බර කර ඇත.

ස්ථානය	සත්වයා	සාමාන්‍ය ස්කන්ධය [ටොන්]	උපරිම ස්කන්ධය [ටොන්]	සාමාන්‍ය මුළු දිග [මී (අඩි)]
1	නිල් තල්මසා	110	190	24 (79)
2		60	120	15.5 (51)
3		58	110	15.25 (50)
4		57	120	19.5 (64)
5		54.5	120	15 (49)
6		54	110	15 (49)
7		31.25	57	13.25 (43.5)
8		29	48	13.5 (44)
9		22.5	45	14.8 (49)
10		19.5	45	13.5 (44)

showing the size of marine .

The is the heaviest living animal.

බරම භූමිෂ්ඨ සතුන්

බරම ගොඩබිම සතුන් සියල්ලම ක්ෂීරපායින් වේ. අප්‍රිකානු අලියා දැන් විශේෂ දෙකක් ලෙස ලැයිස්තුගත කර ඇත, අප්‍රිකානු පඳුරු අලි සහ අප්‍රිකානු වනාන්තර අලි, ඔවුන් දැන් සාමාන්‍යයෙන් වෙනම විශේෂ දෙකක් ලෙස සැලකේ.

ස්ථානය	සත්වයා	සාමාන්‍ය ස්කන්ධය [ටොන්]	උපරිම ස්කන්ධය [ටොන්]	සාමාන්‍ය මුළු දිග [මී (අඩි)]
1		6	10.4	7 (23)
2		4.5	8.15	6.8 (22.3)
3		2.7	6.0	6.2 (20.3)
4		2	4.5	4.4 (14.4)
5		1.9	4.0	4.2 (13.8)
6	හිපපොටේමස්	1.8	4.5	5.05 (16.5)
7		1.75	2.3	3.8 (12.5)
8		1.1	2.9	4 (13.1)
9	ජිරාෆ්	1.0	2	5.15 (16.9)
10		0.95	1.5	3.8 (12.5)

Vertebrates

Mammals (Mammalia)

ප්‍රධාන ලිපිය:

Size of (dark grey) compared to a human and other rhinos (though one study suggests may have been a larger land mammal)

The is the largest mammal of all time, with the longest known specimen being 33 m (108.3 ft) long and the heaviest weighted specimen being 190 tonnes. The extinct whale species was shorter than the blue whale, at 17.0–20.1 meters (55.8–65.9 ft) but it is estimated to have rivaled or surpassed it in weight, at 85–340 tonnes. At the highest estimates, this would make Perucetus the heaviest known animal in history.

The largest land mammal extant today is the . The largest extinct land mammal known was long considered to be orgosensis, a rhinoceros relative thought to have stood up to 4.8 m (15.7 ft) tall, measured over 7.4 m (24.3 ft) long and may have weighed about 17 tonnes. In 2015, a study suggested that the extinct elephant may have been the largest land mammal ever, based on a fragmentary femur estimated to belong to an individual with maximum weight of 22 tonnes. This author also suggested that the extinct mastodon may have rivalled P. namadicus in size.

Stem-mammals (Synapsida)

, likely the biggest non-mammal synapsid ever, compared to a human

The , from what is now southern , probably was the largest of all non-mammalian (most of which became extinct 250 million years ago), at 4.5 m (15 ft) in length, 2.6 m (8.5 ft) in height and 9 t (20,000 lb) in weight. However, one study suggested a more conservative weight of 4.87 tonnes to 7.02 tonnes for the adult taxon, with an average body mass of 5.88 tonnes. The largest carnivorous synapsid was at 5–6 m (16–20 ft) and 500–600 kg (1,100–1,300 lb).

Caseasaurs (Caseasauria)

The herbivorous was the largest and the largest to have lived at the time, with an estimated length around 6–7 m (20–23 ft). Another huge caseasaur is , with an estimated length and weight of at least 6 m (20 ft) and more than 500 kg (1,100 lb).

Sphenacodontids (Sphenacodontidae)

The biggest carnivorous synapsid of was , which could reach 4.6 m (15 ft) and 250 kg (550 lb). The largest members of the genus Dimetrodon were also the world's first fully terrestrial .

Tappenosaurids (Tappenosauridae)

The was estimated at 5.5 m (18 ft) in length which is comparable in size with the largest .

Therapsids (Therapsida)

The plant-eating is the largest-known of all non-mammalian , at 4.5 m (15 ft) and 9,000 kg (20,000 lb). The largest carnivorous therapsid was the aforementioned from what is now South Africa during epoch. It reached 5–6 m (16–20 ft) long, and about 500–600 kg (1,100–1,300 lb) in weight.

Reptiles (Reptilia)

ප්‍රධාන ලිපිය:

The is the largest living reptile.

The largest living , a representative of the order , is the (Crocodylus porosus) of Southern Asia and Australia, with adult males being typically 3.9–5.5 m (13–18 ft) long. The largest confirmed saltwater crocodile on record was 6.32 m (20.7 ft) long, and weighed about 1,360 kg (3,000 lb). Unconfirmed reports of much larger crocodiles exist, but examinations of incomplete remains have never suggested a length greater than 7 m (23 ft). Also, a living specimen estimated at 7 m (23 ft) and 2,000 kg (4,400 lb) has been accepted by the Guinness Book of World Records. However, due to the difficulty of trapping and measuring a very large living crocodile, the accuracy of these dimensions has yet to be verified. A specimen named caught alive in the Philippines in 2011 (died February 2013) was found to have measured 6.17 m (20.2 ft) in length.

The (Varanus komodoensis), also known as the "Komodo monitor", is a large species of found in the Indonesian islands of , , , , and . A member of the family (), it is the largest living species of lizard, growing to a maximum length of more than 3 මීටර (9.8 අඩි) in rare cases and weighing up to approximately 166 කිලෝග්‍රෑම් (366 pounds).

Nevertheless, current extant reptiles are still dwarfed by their prehistoric ancestors. The largest non-dinosaurian terrestrial reptile to have ever lived were crocodilomorphs such as , and , each have weight varying between 5-10 metric tons. The largest snake to have ever lived was Titanoboa which could grow up to 12.8–14.3 m (42–47 ft) and weigh up to 730–1,135 kg (1,609–2,502 lb). Prehistoric marine reptiles from the were even larger. was the largest , being around 4.6 m (15 ft) long from head to tail and 2.2–3.2 t (2.4–3.5 short tons) in weight. was the largest lizard to have ever lived, with a length of 11 මීටරs (36 ft) and a body mass of 10 metric tons (11 short tons) However, the largest reptiles, period, were the , specifically , which approached lengths rivalling to exceeding those of a , at around 26–35 m (85–115 ft) in length.

Largest living reptiles

The following is a list of the largest living reptile species ranked by average weight, which is dominated by the crocodilians. Unlike mammals, birds, or fish, the mass of large reptiles is frequently poorly documented and many are subject to conjecture and estimation.

Rank	Animal	Average mass [kg (lb)]	Maximum mass [kg (lb)]	Average total length [m (ft)]
1		450 (1,000)	2,000 (4,409 lbs)	4.5 (14.8)
2		410 (900)	1,090 (2,400)	4.2 (13.8)
3		380 (840)^[]	1,100 (2,400)^[]	4.1 (13.5)
4		364 (800)	932 (2,050)	2.0 (6.6)
5		336 (740)	1,000 (2,200)	4.0 (13.1)
6		300 (661)^[]	1,000 (2,200)^[]	3.9 (12.8)
7		250 (550)	1,000 (2,200)	4.5 (14.8)
8		240 (530)	1,000 (2,200)	3.4 (11.2)
9		225 (495)	700 (1,500)	3.3 (10.8)
10		210 (460)	590 (1,300)	4.0 (13.1)
11		205 (450)	360 (790)	1.4 (4.6)
12		200 (441)^[]	545 (1,202)^[]	0.95 (3.2)
13		190 (418.9)	395 (870.8)	1.12 (3.67)
14		180 (400)	325 (720)	3.3 (10.8)
15		175 (390)	417 (919)	1.5 (4.9)

Dinosaurs (Dinosauria)

ප්‍රධාන ලිපිය:

, potentially the largest animal to have walked the earth.

A human and the longest known dinosaurs of the five major clades. Each grid section represents 1 square meter.

  Sauropoda (Supersaurus vivianae)

  Ornithopoda (Shantungosaurus giganteus)

  Theropoda (Spinosaurus aegyptiacus)

  Thyreophora (Stegosaurus ungulatus)

  Marginocephalia (Triceratops prorsus)

Dinosaurs are now extinct, except for birds, which are theropods.^[]

Sauropods ()

The largest dinosaurs, and the largest animals to ever live on land, were the plant-eating, long-necked . The tallest and heaviest sauropod known from a complete skeleton is a specimen of an immature discovered in between 1907 and 1912, now mounted in the of Berlin. It is 12–13.27 m (39.4–43.5 ft) tall and weighed 23.3–39.5 tonnes. The longest is a 25 m (82 ft) long specimen of discovered in , and mounted in 's in 1907. A specimen found in Argentina in 2014 is estimated to have been 37–40 m (121–131 ft) long and 20 m (66 ft) tall, with a weight of 69–77 tonnes.

There were larger sauropods, but they are known only from a few bones. The current record-holders include , which may have weighed 100 tonnes; which might have reached 34 m (112 ft) in length and which might have been 18 m (59 ft) tall. Some abnormal specimens such as specimen BYU 9024 of the / genus could reach an astounding 45-50 meters long, with mass varying from the 'modest' 60-66 tons to the more immense 92-120 tons. Two other such sauropods include and . Both are known only from fragments that no longer exist. Bruhathkayosaurus might have been between 40–45 m (131–148 ft) in length and 175–220 tonnes in weight according to some estimates, with recent estimates being place between 110-170 tons.Maraapunisaurus might have been approximately 35–40 m long and 80–120 tonnes or more. Each of these two 'super-sauropods' would have easily rivalled the largest blue whale in size.

Rank	Animal	Average mass [tonnes]	Maximum mass [tonnes]	Average total length [m (ft)]
1		110-170	240	44.1-45 (144.6-148)
2		80-120	150	35-40 (115–131)
3	/ BYU 9024	60-66	92-120	45-50 (148–160)
4		75-80	100	35–39.7 (115–130)
5		50-80	80	26–35 (85–115)
6		44.9–75.9	75.9	28 (92)
7		55-69	77	33–37 (108–121)
8		50-60	60	27-30 (89–98)
9		40-60	60	27–34 (89–112)
10		22.1–59.3	59.3	26 (85)

Theropods ()

The largest known from a nearly complete skeleton is the most complete rex specimen, nicknamed "", which was discovered in in 1990 and now mounted in the of Chicago at a total length of 12.3 m (40 ft). Body mass estimates have reached over 9,500 kg, though other figures, such as Hartman's 2013 estimate of 8,400 kg, have been lower.

Another giant theropod is aegyptiacus from the mid-Cretaceous of North Africa. Size estimates have been fluctuating far more over the years, with length estimates ranging from 12.6 to 18 m and mass estimates from 7 to 20.9 t. Recent findings favor a length exceeding 15 m and a body mass of 7.5 tons.

Other contenders known from partial skeletons include carolinii (est. 12.2–13.2 m and 6-13.8 tonnes) and saharicus (est. 12-13.3 m and 6.2-15.1 tonnes).Saurophaganax maximus is another contender for largest theropod since the bones of the largest specimens (tibia, centrum and atlas) are reportedly as large or even larger than the same bones in Giganotosaurus, though these remains are yet to be properly described.

The largest theropod is the (see birds, below).

Armored dinosaurs ()

The largest were and , from the Late Cretaceous and Late Jurassic periods (respectively) of what is now North America, both measuring up to 9 m (30 ft) in length and estimated to weigh up to 6 tonnes.

Ornithopods ()

The largest ornithopods were the , a late Cretaceous dinosaur found in the Shandong Peninsula of China, and from the late Cretaceous of North America. Both species are known from fragmentary remains but are estimated to have reached over 15 m (49 ft) in length and were likely the heaviest non-sauropod dinosaurs, estimated at over 23 tonnes.

Ceratopsians ()

The largest were and its ancestor from the late Cretaceous of North America. Both estimated to have reached about 9 m (30 ft) in length and weighed 12 tonnes.

Birds (Aves)

ප්‍රධාන ලිපිය:

The is the largest living bird.

The largest living bird, a member of the , is the (Struthio camelus), from the plains of Africa. A large male ostrich can reach a height of 2.8 m (9.2 ft) and weigh over 156 kg (344 lb). A mass of 200 kg (440 lb) has been cited for the common ostrich but no wild ostriches of this weight have been verified. Eggs laid by the ostrich can weigh 1.4 kg (3.1 lb) and are the largest eggs in the world today.^[]

The largest bird in the fossil record may be the extinct elephant birds (Aepyornithidae) of Madagascar, which were related to the . exceeded 3 m (9.8 ft) in height and 500 kg (1,100 lb), while could reach a similar height and a mass of 732 kg (1,614 lb). The last of the elephant birds became extinct about 300 years ago. Of almost exactly the same upper proportions as the largest elephant birds was of Australia, part of a 26,000-year-old group called of the family . The largest carnivorous bird was , an extinct flightless bird from South America which reached a weight of 350 to 400 kg (770 to 880 lb) and a height of about 2.8 m (9 ft 2 in). The tallest carnivorous bird was , which could reach 3 to 3.2 meters in height and 220 to 250 kilograms. The tallest bird ever was the (Dinornis maximus), part of the moa family of New Zealand that went extinct around 1500 AD. This particular species of moa stood up to 3.7 m (12 ft) tall, but weighed about half as much as a large elephant bird or due to its comparatively slender frame.

The heaviest bird ever capable of flight was , the largest member of the now extinct , found in Miocene-aged fossil beds of Argentina, with a wingspan up to 5.5 m (18 ft), a length of up to 1.25 m (4.1 ft), a height on the ground of up to 1.75 m (5.7 ft) and a body weight of at least 71 kg (157 lb). is thought to have had an even larger wingspan of about 6.1–7.4 m (20–24 ft), but is only about 22–40 kg (49–88 lb), half the mass of the former.

Heaviest living bird species

The following is a list of the heaviest living bird species based on maximum reported or reliable mass, but average weight is also given for comparison. These species are almost all flightless, which allows for these particular birds to have denser bones and heavier bodies. Flightless birds comprise less than 2% of all living bird species.^[]

Rank	Animal	Binomial name	Average mass [kg (lb)]	Maximum mass [kg (lb)]	Average total length [cm (ft)]
1		Struthio camelus	104 (230)	156.8 (346)	210 (6.9)	No
2		Struthio molybdophanes	90 (200)	130 (287)^[]	200 (6.6)	No
3		Casuarius casuarius	45 (99)	85 (190)	155 (5.1)	No
4		Casuarius unappendiculatus	44 (97)	75 (170)	149 (4.9)	No
5		Dromaius novaehollandiae	33 (73)	70 (150)^[]	153 (5)	No
6		Aptenodytes forsteri	31.5 (69)	46 (100)	114 (3.7)	No
7		Rhea americana	23 (51)	40 (88)	134 (4.4)	No
8		Meleagris gallopavo	13.5 (29.8)	39 (86)	100 - 124.9 (3.3 – 4.1)^[]	Yes
9		Casuarius bennetti	19.7 (43)	34 (75)	105 (3.4)^[]	No
10		Rhea pennata	19.6 (43)	28.6 (63)	96 (3.2)	No
11		Cygnus olor	11.87 (26.2)	23 (51)	100-130 (3.3 - 4.3)	Yes
12		Otis tarda	10.6 (23.4)^[]	21 (46)	115 (3.8)^[]	Yes
13		Aptenodytes patagonicus	13.6 (30)	20 (44)	92 (3)^[]	No
14		Ardeotis kori	11.4 (25.1)	20 (44.1)^[]	150 (5)	Yes
15		Cygnus buccinator	11.6 (25.1)	17.2 (38)	138 - 165 (4.5 - 5.4)	Yes
16		Diomedea exulans	11.9 (24)	16.1 (38)	107 - 135 (3.5 - 4.4)	Yes
17		Cygnus cygnus	11.4 (25)	15.5 (32)	140 - 165 (4.5 - 5.4)	Yes
18		Pelecanus crispus	11.5 (25)	15 (33.1)^[]	183 (6)^[]	Yes
19		Vultur gryphus	11.3 (25)	14.9 (33)	100 - 130 (3.3 - 4.3)	Yes

Amphibians (Amphibia)

A , the largest living amphibian.

The largest living amphibian is the (Andrias sligoi). Formerly considered with the (A. davidianus), the maximum size of this nearly human-sized river-dweller is 64 kg (141 lb) and almost 1.83 m (6.0 ft). Before became the dominant , several giant amphibian proto-tetrapods existed and were certainly the dominant animals in their ecosystems. The largest known was the -like , which reached a length of 9 m (30 ft).

Frogs ()

The massive and destructive ranks as the largest toad in the world.

The largest member of the largest order of amphibians is the African (Conraua goliath). The maximum size this species is verified to attain is a weight of 3.8 kg (8.4 lb) and a snout-to-vent length of 39 cm (15 in). The largest of the , the (Rhinella marina), is also the second largest member of the frog order. This infamous, often invasive species can grow to maximum mass of 2.65 kg (5.8 lb) and measure a maximum of 33 cm (13 in) from snout-to-vent. Rivaling the previous two species, the (Pyxicephalus adspersus) can range up to a weight of 2 kg (4.4 lb) and 25.5 cm (10.0 in) from snout to vent. Another large frog is the largest frog in North America, the , which can reach weights of up to 0.8 kg (1.8 lb) and snout-to-vent-length (SVL) of 20 cm (7.9 in). However, the toad , found in fossil from the Cretaceous era in what is now Madagascar, was estimated to grow to 41 cm (16 in) long and weigh up to 4.5 kg (9.9 lb), making it the largest frog ever known. But in more recent studies, animals of this species have been estimated to have grown to at least 23.2 cm (9.1 in) (snout-vent length), which is around the size a modern can reach. The largest is the Australasian (Litoria infrafrenata), the females of which can reach a length of 14 cm (5.5 in) from snout to vent and can weigh up to 115 g (4.1 oz). The family Leptodactylidae, one of the most diverse anuran families, also has some very large members. The largest is the (Ceratophrys cornuta), which can reach 20 cm (7.9 in) in length from snout to vent and weigh up to 0.48 kg (1.1 lb). While not quite as large as Ceratophrys cornuta, is often heavier; it can reach 18.5 cm (7.3 in) long and weigh 0.60 කිලෝග්‍රෑම් (1.3 pounds). The largest is the Colombian (Phyllobates terribilis), which can attain a length of 6 cm (2.4 in) and nearly 28.3 g (1.00 oz). Most frogs are classified under the suborder , although nearly 200 species are part of the suborder , or ancient frogs. The largest of these are the little-known or Karin Hills frogs, of South Asia, which can grow to a maximum snout-to-vent length of 17 cm (6.7 in) and a maximum weight of 0.54 kg (1.2 lb).

Rank	Binomial name	Maximum mass	Maximum snout-vent length	Family
1		3.3kg (7.3lb)	35cm (14 in)
2		3kg (6.6lb)	32cm (12.5in)
3		2kg (5lb)	30cm (12in)
4		1.8kg (3.8lb)	25cm (10in)
5		1.5kg (3.3lb)	23cm (9.4in)
6		1.4kg (3lb)	22cm (9in)
7		1kg (2.2b)	22cm (9in)
8		0.8kg (1.7lb)	20cm (8in)
9		0.5kg (1.1lb)	20cm (8in)
10		0.4kg (0.8lb)	17cm (7in)

Caecilians ()

The largest of the worm-like is the Colombian Thompson's caecilian (), which reaches a length of 1.5 m (4.9 ft), a width of about 4.6 cm (1.8 in) and can weigh up to about 1 kg (2.2 lb).

Salamanders ()

Besides the previously mentioned Chinese and South China giant salamanders, the closely related (Andrias japonicus) is also sometimes cited as the largest living amphibian, but salamanders of a greater size than 1.53 m (5.0 ft) and 36 kg (79 lb) have never been verified for this species. Another giant of the amphibian world is the North American (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis), which can measure up to 0.76 m (2.5 ft). The recently described of the southeastern United States rivals the hellbender in size, although it is more lean in build. The largest of the newts is the (Pleurodeles waltl), which can grow up to 30 cm (12 in) in length.

Fish

ප්‍රධාන ලිපිය:

Invertebrate chordates

Tunicates (Tunicata)

The largest tunicate is , found at depths of 20 and 40 මීටර (66 and 131 ft), and are up to 14 centimetres (6 in) in diameter. It is also present in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean, around the coasts of Greenland and Newfoundland, but is less common here than in the east, and occurs only at depths between 10 and 13 මීටර (33 and 43 ft).

Entergonas ()

The largest entergona is it is usually found at depths between about 20 and 40 මීටර (66 and 131 ft) and can grow to over a metre (yard) in length. It is also present in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean, around the coasts of Greenland and Newfoundland, but is less common here than in the east, and occurs only at depths between 10 and 13 මීටර (33 and 43 ft).

Pleurogonas ()

The largest pleurogona is . In colour it is off-white or a garish shade of reddish-purple. The stalk is two thirds to three quarters the length of the whole animal which helps distinguish it from certain tunicates not native to New Zealand such as and . It is one of the largest species of tunicates and can grow to over a metre (yard) in length.

Aspiraculates ()

The largest aspiraculate is large and surrounded by six large lobes; the cloacal syphon is small. They live exclusively in deep water and range in size from less than one inch (2 cm) to 2.4 inches (6 cm).

Thaliacea

The is the largest thaliacean.

The largest , , is cylindrical and can grow up to 60 cm (2 ft) long and 4–6 cm wide. The constituent form a rigid tube, which may be pale pink, yellowish, or bluish. One end of the tube is narrower and is closed, while the other is open and has a strong diaphragm. The outer surface or test is gelatinised and dimpled with backward-pointing, blunt processes. The individual zooids are up to 8.5 mm (0.33 in) long and have a broad, rounded branchial sac with slits. Along the side of the branchial sac runs the , which produces filters. Water is moved through the gill slits into the centre of the cylinder by pulsating rhythmically. and other food particles are caught in mucus filters in the processes as the colony is propelled through the water. P. atlanticum is bioluminescent and can generate a brilliant blue-green light when stimulated.

Doliolida ()

The largest doliolida is The doliolid body is small, typically 1–2 cm long, and barrel-shaped; it features two wide , one at the front and the other at the back end, and eight or nine circular strands reminiscent of barrel bands. Like all , they are . They are free-floating; the same forced flow of water through their bodies with which they gather is used for propulsion - not unlike a tiny engine. Doliolids are capable of quick movement. They have a complicated consisting of sexual and asexual generations. They are nearly exclusively tropical animals, although a few species are found as far north as northern .^[]

Salps ()

The largest salp is 15cm (6ins) long. There are openings at the anterior and posterior ends of the cylinder which can be opened or closed as needed. The bodies have seven transverse bands of muscle interspersed by white, translucent patches. A stolon grows from near the endostyle (an elongated glandular structure producing mucus for trapping food particles). The stolon is a ribbon-like organ on which a batch of aggregate forms of the animal are produced by . The aggregate is the second, colonial form of the salp and is also gelatinous, transparent and flabby. It takes the shape of a radial whorl of individuals up to about 20cm (4in) in diameter. It is formed of approximately 12 linked side by side in a shape that resembles a crown. are largest thetyses: Individuals can reach up to 30 cm (12 in) long.^[]

Larvaceans ()

The largest larvacean is 1 cm (0.39 in) in body length (excluding the tail).^[]

Cephalochordates (Leptocardii)

The largest lancelet is the (Branchiostoma lanceolatum) "primitive fish". It can grow up to 6 cm (2.5 in) long.

Invertebrate non-chordates

Echinoderms (Echinodermata)

At up to 3 m (9.8 ft) long, the sea cucumber is the longest known echinoderm.

The largest species of in terms of bulk is probably the species , of the class , which reaches a weight of over 6 kg (13 lb), but it might be beaten by some giant sea cucumbers such as . However, at a maximum span of 63 cm (25 in), Thromidia gigas is quite a bit shorter than some other echinoderms. The longest echinoderm known is the conspicuous sea cucumber , with a slender body that can extend up to 3 m (9.8 ft). In comparison, the biggest sea star is the brisingid sea star , reaching a span of 1.4 m (4.6 ft), despite being quite slender. is another giant echinoderm and can measure up to 1 m (3.3 ft) across and weigh 5.1 kg (11 lb).

Crinoids ()

The largest species of is the unstalked feather-star , reaching a total width of 78 cm (31 in) and an individual arm length of 35 cm (14 in). A width of 91.4 cm (36.0 in) was claimed for one unstalked feather-star but is not confirmed. The genus has a stalk span of 61 cm (24 in) but, due to its bulk and multiple arms, it is heavier than . In the past, grew much larger, and stalk lengths up to 40 m (130 ft) have been found in the fossil record.

Sea urchins and allies ()

The largest is the species from the deep northwest Pacific Ocean, which can reach a width of about 30 cm (12 in). Another deep sea species is only slightly smaller. The largest species found along the North America coast is the Pacific (Mesocentrotus franciscanus) where the shell can reach 19 cm (7.5 in). If the spines enter into count, the biggest species may be a like , with a test up to 10 cm (3.9 in) only, but its spines can reach up to 30 cm (12 in) in length.

Sea cucumbers ()

The bulkiest species of are and , weighing several pounds, being about 21 cm (8.3 in) in diameter, and reaching a length of 1 m (3.3 ft) when fully extended. can reach an extended length of 3 m (9.8 ft), but is extremely slender (3-5cm) and weigh much less than Stichopodids.

Brittle stars ()

The largest known specimen of is the basket star agassizii. This species can grow to have a span of 1 m (3.3 ft). Sometimes, Gorgonocephalus stimpsoni is considered the largest but the maximum this species is can measure 70 cm (28 in) and a disk diameter of about 14.3 cm (5.6 in). Outside from , the biggest ophiurid brittle star may be (6–7 inches).

Sea stars ()

The heaviest sea star is from the , which can surpass 6 kg (13 lb) in weight, but only has a diameter of about 65 cm (2.13 ft). Despite its relatively small disk and weight, the long slender arms of from the makes it the sea star with the largest diameter at about 1.4 m (4.5 ft). may also become wider than 1 m (39 in) in some cases, with stout arms.^[]

Flatworms (Platyhelminthes)

Monogenean flatworms ()

The largest known members of this group of very small parasites are among the genus of , , reaching a length of 2 cm (0.79 in).

Flukes ()

The largest known species of is , which most often attacks and livestock. One of these flukes can be up to 7.5 cm (3.0 in) long and 2 cm (0.79 in) thick.

Tapeworms ()

The largest known species of is the whale tapeworm, , which can grow to over 30 m (98 ft).

Segmented worms (Annelida)

The largest of the (including earthworms, leeches, and polychaetes) is the (Microchaetus rappi). Although it averages about 1.36 m (4.5 ft) in length, this huge worm can reach a length of as much as 6.7 m (22 ft) and can weigh over 1.5 kg (3.3 lb). Only the , Megascolides australis, and a few giant , including the notorious , reach nearly comparable sizes, reaching 4 and 3.6 m (13 and 12 ft), respectively.

Ribbon worms (Nemertea)

The largest is the , Lineus longissimus. A specimen found washed ashore on a beach in , in 1864 was recorded at a length of 55 m (180 ft).

Mollusks (Mollusca)

A 7 m (23 ft) giant squid, the second largest of all invertebrates, encased in ice in the .

Both the largest mollusks and the largest of all (in terms of mass) are the largest squids. The (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) is projected to be the largest invertebrate. Current estimates put its maximum size at 12 to 14 m (39 to 46 ft) long and 750 kg (1,650 lb), based on analysis of smaller specimens. In 2007, authorities in New Zealand announced the capture of the largest known colossal squid specimen. It was initially thought to be 10 m (33 ft) and 450 kg (990 lb). It was later measured at 4.2 m (14 ft) long and 495 kg (1,091 lb) in weight. The mantle was 2.5 m (8.2 ft) long when measured.

The (Architeuthis dux) was previously thought to be the largest squid, and while it is less massive and has a smaller mantle than the colossal squid, it may exceed the colossal squid in overall length including tentacles. One giant squid specimen that washed ashore in 1878 in reportedly measured 16.8 m (55 ft) in total length (from the tip of the mantle to the end of the long tentacles), head and body length 6.1 m (20 ft), 4.6 m (15 ft) in circumference at the thickest part of mantle, and weighed about 900 kg (2,000 lb). This specimen is still often cited as the largest invertebrate that has ever been examined. However, no animals approaching this size have been scientifically documented and, according to giant squid expert , such lengths were likely achieved by greatly stretching the two tentacles like elastic bands.

Aplacophorans (Aplacophora)

The largest known of these worm-like, shell-less are represented in the genus , which can reach 30 cm (12 in) long. Most aplacophorans are less than 5 cm (2.0 in) long.

Chitons (Polyplacophora)

The largest of the is the , Cryptochiton stelleri, which can reach a length of 33 cm (13 in) and weigh over 2 kg (4.4 lb).

The mouth of a mostly hidden , the largest bivalve

Bivalves (Bivalvia)

The largest of the is the , Tridacna gigas. Although even larger sizes have been reported for this passive animal, the top verified size was for a specimen from the . This creature weighed 270 kg (600 lb), had an axial length of 1.14 m (3.7 ft) and depth of 0.75 m (2.5 ft). The largest bivalve ever was , a Cretaceous giant that reached an axial length of up to 3 m (nearly 10 ft).

Gastropods ()

The "largest" of this most diverse and successful class of and can be defined in various ways.

The living gastropod species that has the largest (longest) shell is with a maximum shell length of 0.91 m (3.0 ft), a weight of 18 kg (40 lb) and a width of 96 cm (38 in). Another giant species is , which in a 1974 specimen from Western Australia, measured 0.71 m (2.3 ft) long, had a maximum girth of 0.97 m (3.2 ft) and weighed 16 kg (35 lb).

The largest shell-less gastropod is the giant black () at 0.99 m (3.2 ft) in length and almost 14 kg (31 lb) in weight.

The largest of the land snails is the (Achatina achatina) at up to 1 kg (2.2 lb) and 35 cm (14 in) long.

Cephalopods ()

(See .) While generally much smaller than the giant and , the largest of the octopuses, the (Enteroctopus dofleini), can grow to be very large. The largest confirmed weight of a giant octopus is 74 kg (163 lb), with a 7 m (23 ft) arm span (with the tentacles fully extended) and a head-to-tentacle-tip length of 3.9 m (13 ft). Specimens have been reported up to 125 kg (276 lb) but are unverified. A weight of 10 - 50kg is a much more common size.

Roundworms (Nematoda)

, the largest roundworm

The largest , , is a found in the of which can reach up to 9 m (30 ft) in length.

Velvet worms (Onychophora)

The largest known is Solórzano's velvet worm (). An adult female was recorded to have a body length of 22 cm (approximately 8.7 in).

Arthropods (Arthropoda)

.

The largest arthropod known to have existed is the (sea scorpion) , reaching up to 2.5 m (8.2 ft) in body length, followed by the millipede relative at around 2.1 m (6.9 ft) in length. Among living arthropods, the (Macrocheira kaempferi) is the largest in overall size, the record specimen, caught in 1921, had an extended arm span of 3.8 m (12 ft) and weighed about 19 kg (42 lb). The heaviest is the (Homarus americanus), the largest verified specimen, caught in 1977 off of weighed 20 kg (44 lb) and its body length was 1.1 m (3.6 ft). The largest land arthropod and the largest land invertebrate is the (Birgus latro), up to 40 cm (1.3 ft) long and weighing up to 4 kg (8.8 lb) on average. Its legs may span 1 m (3.3 ft).

Arachnids (Arachnida)

Both spiders and scorpions include contenders for the largest arachnids.

Spiders ()

The largest species of arachnid by length is probably the (Heteropoda maxima) of Laos, which in 2008 replaced the (Theraphosa blondi) of northern South America as the largest known spider by leg-span. However the most massive arachnids, of comparable dimensions and possibly even greater mass, are the (Grammostola pulchripes), and the (Lasiodora parahybana). The huntsman spider may span up to 29 cm (11 in) across the legs, while in the tarantulas like Theraphosa can range up to 26 cm (10 in). In Grammostola, Theraphosa and Lasiodora, the weight is projected to be up to at least 150 g (5.3 oz) and body length is up to 10 cm (3.9 in).

Scorpions ()

The largest of the is the species of the Indian subcontinent, which have a maximum length of 29.2 cm (11.5 in) and weigh around 60 g (2.1 oz). Another extremely large scorpion is the African (Pandinus imperator), which can weigh 57 g (2.0 oz) but is not known to exceed a length of 23 cm (9.1 in). However, they were dwarfed by , a giant extinct species of scorpion from Scotland, at an estimated length of 0.7 m (2.3 ft), and the aquatic , at up to 94 cm (3.08 ft) which is only known from a free finger.

Pseudoscorpions ()

The largest pseudoscorpion is , from Ascension island, which can be 12 mm (0.47 in) long.

Crustaceans (Crustacea)

The largest crustacean is the (Pseudocarcinus gigas), with a weight of 13 කිලෝග්‍රෑම් (29 lb) and a width of up to 46 සෙන්ටිමීටර (18 in). It is the only species in the genus Pseudocarcinus. Males reach more than twice the size of females. At a length of up to 40 සෙන්ටිමීටර (16 in), is the largest mantis shrimp in the world. (Astacopsis gouldi) 5 කිලෝග්‍රෑම් (11 lb) in weight and over 80 සෙන්ටිමීටර (31 in) long have been known in the past, but now, even individuals over 2 කිලෝග්‍රෑම් (4.4 lb) are rare. The species is only found in Tasmanian rivers flowing north into the below 400 මීටර (1,300 ft) , and is listed as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List.

Branchiopods ()

The largest of these primarily freshwater is probably , which can reach a length 10 cm (3.9 in).

Barnacles and allies ()

The largest species is , a and specialising in parasitising marine mammals. The maximum size attained is 32 cm (about 13 in). The largest of the is the , Balanus nubilis, reaching 7 cm (2.8 in) in diameter and 12.7 cm (5.0 in) high.

Ostracods ()

The largest living representative of these small and little-known but numerous is the species Gigantocypris australis females of which reaching a maximum length of 3 cm (1.2 in).

Amphipods, isopods, and allies ()

The largest species is the (Bathynomus pergiganteus), which can reach a length of 45 cm (18 ) and a weight of 1.7 kg (3.7 ).

Remipedes ()

The largest of these cave-dwelling is the species Godzillius robustus, at up to 4.5 cm (1.8 in).

Horseshoe crabs (Xiphosura)

The four modern are of roughly the same sizes, with females measuring up to 60 cm (2.0 ft) in length and 5 kg (11 lb) in weight.

Sea spiders (Pycnogonida)

The largest of the is the deep-sea species , attaining a leg span of nearly 60 cm (2.0 ft).

(Trilobita)

Some of these extinct marine arthropods exceeded 60 cm (24 in) in length. A nearly complete specimen of rex from attained a length over 70 cm (28 in), and an forteyi from Portugal was almost as long. Fragments of trilobites suggest even larger record sizes. An isolated pygidium of Hungioides bohemicus implies that the full animal was 90 cm (35 in) long.

Myriapods (Myriapoda)

Centipedes ()

The biggest of the is of the neotropics, reaching a length of 33 cm (13 in).

Millipedes ()

Two species of both reach a very large size: of East Africa and Scaphistostreptus seychellarum, endemic to the Seychelles islands. Both of these species can slightly exceed a length of 28 cm (11 in) and measure over 2 cm (0.79 in) in diameter. The largest ever known was the , a gigantic prehistoric specimen that reached nearly 189 cm (74 in).

Symphylans ()

The largest known is , originating in Tasmanian caves, which can reach lengths from 25 mm (0.98 in) up to 30 mm (1.2 in).

Insects (Insecta)

Insects, a of , are easily the most numerous class of organisms, with over one million identified species, and probably many undescribed species. The heaviest insect is almost certainly a species of , which incidentally is the most species-rich order of organisms. Although heavyweight () are known, the of Central and South America, () and (), the (Titanus giganteus) of the neotropical rainforest or the , () and (), of Africa's rainforest are thought to reach a higher weight. The most frequently crowned are the Goliath beetles, the top known size of which is at least 100 g (3.5 oz) and 11.5 cm (4.5 in). The elephant beetles and titan beetle can reach greater lengths than the Goliath, at up to 13.1 and 15.2 cm (5.2 and 6.0 in), respectively, but this is in part thanks to their rather large horns. The Goliath beetle's wingspan can range up to 25 cm (9.8 in).

Some moths and butterflies have much larger areas than the heaviest beetles, but weigh a fraction as much.

The longest insects are the stick insects, see below.

Representatives of the extinct dragonfly-like , such as the Carboniferous of what is now France and the Permian of what is now North America, are the largest insect species known to have existed. These creatures had a wingspan of some 75 cm (30 in) and a mass of over 1 pound (450 g), making them about the size of a .

Cockroaches and termites ()

The largest by body mass is the Australian (Macropanesthia rhinoceros), also known as the rhinoceros cockroach. This species can attain a length of 8.3 cm (3.3 in) and a weight of 36 g (1.3 oz). It does not have wings. The Brazilian giant cockroach () of the neotropics reaches greater sizes of up to 10 cm in length and 15 cm in wingspan, although it is not as massive and heavy as the burrowing species. The termites, traditionally classified in their own order (), have recently been re-considered to belong in . The largest of the is the African species . The queen of this species can attain a length of 14 cm (5.5 in) and breadth of 5.5 cm (2.2 in) across the abdomen; other adults, on the other hand, are about a third of the size.

Beetles ()

The are the largest order of organisms on earth, with about 400,000 species so far identified. The most massive species are the , and beetles already mentioned. Another fairly large species is the (Dynastes hercules) of the neotropic rainforest with a maximum overall length of at least 19 cm (7.5 in) including the extremely long pronotal horn. The weight in this species does not exceed 16.5 g (0.58 oz). The longest overall beetle is a species of , , from New Guinea, which can attain a length of 26.6 cm (10.5 in), about 19 cm (7.5 in) of which is comprised by the long antennae.

Earwigs ()

Since 1798, the largest of the has been the (Labidura herculeana), endemic to the island of its name, measuring up to 8 cm (3.1 in) in length. As of 2014, with the declaring of the organism extinct by the IUCN, this may no longer be the case, although some believe a small number individuals are still extant.

True flies ()

, the largest fly

The largest species of this order, which includes the common , is the neotropical species , which can reach a length of 6 cm (2 ³⁄₈ in) and a wingspan of 10 cm (3.9 in). Species of , the largest of which is , can attain a length of 23 cm (9.1 in) but are extremely slender and much lighter in weight than .

Mayflies ()

The largest mayflies are members of the genus from Madagascar. These insects can reach a length of 7 cm (2.8 in).

True bugs ()

walking over land

The largest species of this diverse order is usually listed as the in the genus , with from the Neotropics being the absolutely largest. They can surpass 12 cm (4.7 in) in length, with some suggesting that the maximum size is 15 cm (5.9 in). It is more slender and less heavy than most other insects of this size (principally the huge ). The largest is , which has a head-body length of about 7 cm (2.8 in) and a wingspan of 18–20 cm (7–8 in). The cicadas of the genus can also grow to comparably large sizes. The largest type of is the giant oak aphid (), which can reach an overall length of 2 cm (0.79 in). The biggest species of is , which can reach a length of 2.8 cm (1.1 in).

Megachile pluto, the largest bee.

Ants and allies ()

The largest of the , and the heaviest species of the order, are the females of the African , reaching a length of 5.1 cm (2.0 in) and a weight of 8.5 g (0.30 oz). The ant that averages the largest for the mean size within the whole colony is a ponerine ant, , from South America, averaging up to 3.3 cm (1.3 in) from the mandibles to the end of abdomen. Workers of the () of Australia are up to 3.7 cm (1.5 in) in total length, although much of this is from their extremely large mandibles. The largest of the species, also in the order , is Megachile pluto of Indonesia, the females of which can be 3.8 cm (1.5 in) long, with a 6.3 cm (2.5 in) wingspan. Nearly as large, the can range up to 2.53 cm (1.00 in). The largest wasp is probably the so-called species Pepsis pulszkyi of South America, at up to 6.8 cm (2.7 in) long and 11.6 cm (4.6 in) wingspan, although many other approach a similar size. The giant scarab-hunting wasp may rival the largest tarantula hawks in weight and wingspan, though its body is not as long.

Moths and allies ()

.

The (Coscinocera hercules), in the family , is endemic to and northern Australia, and its wings have the largest documented surface area (300 square centimeters) of any living insect, and a maximum wingspan which is confirmed to 28 cm (11 in) while unconfirmed specimens have spanned up to 35.5 cm (14.0 in). The largest species overall is often claimed to be either the (Ornithoptera alexandrae), a butterfly from Papua New Guinea, or the Atlas moth (), a moth from Southeast Asia. Both of these species can reach a length of 8 cm (3.1 in), a wingspan of 28 cm (11 in) and a weight of 12 g (0.42 oz). One Atlas moth allegedly had a wingspan of 30 cm (12 in) but this measurement was not verified. The larvae in the previous species can weigh up to 58 and 54 g (2.0 and 1.9 oz), respectively. The white witch () of Central and South America, has the largest recorded wingspan of the order, and indeed of any living insect. The verified record-sized spanned 30.8 cm (12.1 in) across the wings, although specimens have been reported to 36 cm (14 in). The heaviest mature moths have been cited in the giant carpenter moth () of Australia, which has weighed up to 20 g (0.71 oz) although the species does not surpass 25.5 cm (10.0 in) in wingspan.

Mantises ()

The largest species of this order is from Java, which has been measured up to 20 cm (7.9 in) in overall length. However, an undescribed species from the jungle is allegedly much larger than any other mantis and may rival the larger stick insects for the longest living insect. Among widespread mantis species, the largest is the (Tenodera aridifolia). The females of this species can attain a length of up to 10.6 cm (4.2 in).

Scorpionflies ()

The largest scorpionfly, the (Panorpa communis), can reach a body length of about 30 මිලිමීටර (1.2 in).

Alderflies and allies ()

This relatively small insect order includes some rather large species, many of which are noticeable for their elongated, imposing mandibles. The reach the greatest sizes of the order and can range up to 12.5 cm (4.9 in) in length.

Net-winged insects ()

These flying insects reach their largest size in , which can have a wingspan over 16 cm (6.3 in). The largest is the "blue eyes lacewing" () of Australia, which can measure up to 4 cm (1.6 in) in length and span 11 cm (4.3 in) across the wings. Some forms of this ancient order could grow extremely large during the Jurassic period and may have ranked among the largest insects ever. Found in the rocks, had wings nearly 140–160 mm (5.5–6.3 in) in length.

Dragonflies and damselflies ()

The largest species of Odonata is the of the , attaining a size of as much as 19 cm (7.5 in) across the wings and a body length of over 12 cm (4.7 in). The largest species of is of Southeast Asia, spanning up to 17.6 cm (6.9 in) and measuring up to 11.8 cm (4.6 in) long; while bulkier and heavier than (at up to 7 g (0.25 oz)), it is smaller in its linear dimensions.

Grasshoppers and allies ()

The largest of this widespread, varied complex of insects are the of New Zealand, which is now split among 12 species. The largest of these is the Little Barrier Island giant weta (), the largest specimen was weighed at 71.3 g (2.52 oz), one of the largest insects weights ever known. These heavyweight insects can be over 9 cm (3.5 in) long. The largest grasshopper species is often considered to be the Australian giant grasshopper (), which ranges up to 9 cm (3.5 in) in length. The American eastern lubber grasshopper () can allegedly range up to 10 cm (3.9 in) in length. However, the greatest grasshopper sizes known, to 12 cm (4.7 in), have been cited in the South American giant grasshopper (). The longest members of this order (although much lighter than the giant wetas) is the of Southeast Asia which can range up to 21.5 cm (8.5 in) with its long legs extended and can have a wingspan of 20 cm (7.9 in).

Stick insects ()

The longest known are also the longest known insects, notably species in the tribe , but they are generally relatively lightweight because of their slender shape. The longest is an unnamed species of discovered in China in 2016, where a specimen held at the Insect Museum of West China in has a total length of 62.4 cm (24.6 in). The second-longest species is the Australian , females of which have been measured at over 60 cm (24 in) in total length. Other very large species, formerly believed to be longest but now considered third longest is ; a specimen held in the in London has a total length of 56.7 cm (22.3 in). These measurements are, however, with the front legs fully extended; it has a body length measuring 35.7 cm (14.1 in). Another very large species is where the total length (including extended legs) is up to 54.6 cm (21.5 in) and the body alone up to 32.8 cm (12.9 in). Another of the longest insect in terms of total length is of Malaysia and Singapore, measuring up to 55.5 cm (21.9 in). Another extremely long stick insect is , which measured 51 cm (20 in) with its legs extended. The spiny stick insect () of Malaysia does not reach the extreme lengths of its cousins, the body reaching up to 16 cm (6.3 in) long, but it is much bulkier. The largest weighed about 65 g (2.3 oz) and was 3.5 cm (1.4 in) wide across the thickest part of the body.

Lice ()

These insects, which live parasitically on other animals, are as a rule quite small. The largest known species is the hog louse, , a that lives on large livestock like and . It can range up to 6 mm (0.24 in) in length.

Stoneflies ()

The largest species of is of western North America, a species favored by fishermen as lures. This species can attain a length of 5 cm (2.0 in) and a wingspan of over 9.5 cm (3.7 in).

Booklice ()

The largest of this order of very small insects are the barklice of the genus , the top size of which is about 1 cm.

Fleas ()

The largest species of is . This parasite is known exclusively from the fur of the (Aplodontia rufa) and can reach a length of 1.2 cm (0.47 in).

Silverfishes and allies ()

These ancient flightless insects, some of which feed on human household objects, can range up to 4.3 cm (1.7 in) in length. A 350 million year old form was known to grow quite large, at up to 6 cm (2.4 in).^[]

Thrips ()

Members of the genus are the largest kinds of . The maximum size these species attain is approximately 1.3 cm (0.51 in) in length.

Caddisflies ()

The largest of the small, moth-like caddisflies is . This species can range up to 7 cm (2.8 in) across the wings.

Angel insects ()

The largest angel insect species, (Zorotypus hubbardi), grows up to 3 mm (0.12 in) in length.

Cnidarians (Cnidaria)

The , one of the longest extant animals

The (Cyanea capillata) is the largest cnidarian species, of the class . The largest known specimen of this giant, found washed up on the shore of in 1870, had a bell diameter of 2.5 m (8.2 ft), a weight of 150 kg (330 lb). The of this specimen were as long as 37 m (121 ft) and were projected to have a tentacular spread of about 75 m (246 ft) making it one of the longest extant animals.

Corals and sea anemones ()

The largest individual species are the of the genus , which can attain a mouth disc diameter of 60 cm (2.0 ft). Longer, but much less massive overall, are the anemones of the genus , at up to 2 m (6.6 ft) tall. Communities of coral can be truly massive, a single colony of the genus can be over 10 m (33 ft), but the actual individual organisms are quite small.

Hydrozoans ()

The colonial can attain lengths of 40–50 m (130–160 ft). The 's (Physalia physalis) tentacles can attain a length of up to 50 m (160 ft). On 6 April 2020 the announced the discovery of a giant siphonophore in submarine canyons near , measuring 15 m (49 ft) diameter with a ring approximately 47 m (154 ft) long, claiming it was possibly the largest siphonophore ever recorded.

Sponges (Porifera)

Despite its inert appearance, the heavyweight is indeed an animal

The largest known species of is the giant barrel sponge, . These massively built sponges can reach 2.4 m (8 ft) in height and can be about the same thickness at the thickest part of the "body". Some of these creatures have been estimated to be over 2,400 years of age.

Calcareous sponges ()

The largest known of these small, inconspicuous sponges is probably the species , attaining a height of 30 cm (0.98 ft). Most do not exceed 10 cm (3.9 in) tall.^[]

Hexactinellid sponges ()

A relatively common species, , can reach a height of 1 m (3.3 ft) once they are of a very old age. This is the maximum size recorded for a hexactinellid sponge.^[]

See also

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