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{{short description|List of largest organisms on Earth}}
{{See also|Largest prehistoric animals}}
{{pp-move}}
{{very long|date=December 2011}}{{split-apart|date=December 2012|discuss=Talk:Largest_organisms#Size split?}}
] is a clonal colony of an individual ] with an interconnected root system. It is widely held to be the world's most massive single organism.]]
{{pp-move-indef}}
The '''largest ]s''' found on Earth can be determined according to various aspects of organism size, such as: mass, volume, area, length, height, or even genome size. Some organisms group together to form a ], but such are not classed as single large organisms. The ] is the world's largest structure composed of living entities, stretching 2,000 km, but contains many organisms of many species. This article lists the '''largest ]''' for various types of life and mostly considers ] species,{{efn|The organism sizes listed are frequently considered "outsized" and are not in the normal size range for the respective group.}} which found on Earth can be determined according to various aspects of an organism's size, such as: mass, volume, area, length, height, or even ]. Some organisms group together to form a ] (such as ]s or ]s), but such are not classed as single large organisms. The ] is the world's largest structure composed of living entities, stretching {{convert|2,000|km|mi|abbr=on}} but contains many organisms of many types of species.
The organism sizes listed are frequently considered "outsized" and are not in the normal size range for the respective species.


When considering singular entities, the largest organisms are ] which can spread over large areas. ], a clonal colony of the ], is widely considered to be the largest such organism by mass.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.zmescience.com/other/science-abc/heaviest-organism-pando-aspen/|title = The Heaviest Living Organism in the World|date = 9 February 2015|access-date = 10 February 2016|website = ZME Science|last = Mihai|first = Andrei}}</ref> Even if such colonies are excluded, ] retain their dominance of this listing, with the ] being the most massive tree.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Giant Sequoia National Monument|url=http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sequoia/home/?cid=stelprdb5394941|website=Sequoia National Forest|publisher=United States Department of Agriculture - Forest service|access-date=10 February 2016}}</ref> In 2006, a huge ] of the ] '']'' was discovered south of the island of ]. At {{convert|8|km|0}} across, and estimated at 100,000 years old,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theportugalnews.com/news/view/1152-20|title=Portuguese scientists discover world's oldest living organism|website=www.theportugalnews.com|access-date=2019-02-14|archive-date=2019-01-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119070051/http://www.theportugalnews.com/news/view/1152-20|url-status=dead}}</ref> it may be one of the largest and ] clonal colonies on Earth.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.ibiza-spotlight.com/news/2006/monster_plant_280506_i.htm|title= Ibiza's Monster Marine Plant|access-date= 2007-05-09|work=Ibiza Spotlight|date= 28 May 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060827123801/http://www.ibiza-spotlight.com/news/2006/monster_plant_280506_i.htm|archive-date= 27 August 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Pearlman |first=Jonathan |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/9066393/Ancient-seagrass-Oldest-living-thing-on-earth-discovered-in-Mediterranean-Sea.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207170657/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/9066393/Ancient-seagrass-Oldest-living-thing-on-earth-discovered-in-Mediterranean-Sea.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 February 2012 |title='Oldest living thing on earth' discovered |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=7 February 2012 |access-date=11 February 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Arnaud-Haond|first=Sophie|author2=Duarte, Carlos M. |author3=Diaz-Almela, Elena |author4=Marbà, Núria |author5=Sintes, Tomas |author6=Serrão, Ester A. |author7=Bruun, Hans Henrik |title=Implications of Extreme Life Span in Clonal Organisms: Millenary Clones in Meadows of the Threatened Seagrass ''Posidonia oceanica''|journal=PLOS ONE|volume=7|issue=2|pages=e30454|doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0030454|pmid=22312426|pmc=3270012|bibcode=2012PLoSO...730454A|year=2012|doi-access=free}}</ref>
==Plants==


Among ], the largest species are all ]s, specifically ]. The ] is believed to be the largest animal to have ever lived.<ref name="NYT-20240229">{{cite news |last=Zimmer |first=Carl |authorlink=Carl Zimmer |title=Researchers Dispute Claim That Ancient Whale Was Heaviest Animal Ever - A new study argues that Perucetus, an ancient whale species, was certainly big, but not as big as today's blue whales. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/29/science/giant-whale-perucetus.html |date=29 February 2024 |work=] |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20240229131654/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/29/science/giant-whale-perucetus.html |archivedate=29 February 2024 |accessdate=3 March 2024 }}</ref> The living land animal classification is also dominated by ], with the ] being the largest of these.
===Conifers (])===
:The ] division of plants include the tallest organism, and the largest single-stemmed plants by wood ], wood ], and main stem ]. The largest by wood volume and mass is the giant sequoia ('']''), native to Sierra Nevada and California; it grows to an average height of 70–85&nbsp;m (230–280&nbsp;ft) and 5–7&nbsp;m (16–23&nbsp;ft) in diameter.<ref>Flint, W.D. (2002). ''To Find The Biggest Tree''. Sequoia Natural History Association, ISBN 1-878441-09-4.</ref> Specimens have been recorded up to 94.9&nbsp;m (307&nbsp;ft) in height and (not the same individual) 8.98&nbsp;m (29&nbsp;ft) in diameter; the largest individual still standing is the ], with a volume of 1,489&nbsp;m<sup>3</sup> (52,600&nbsp;ft<sup>3</sup>).<ref name=sequoiadendron>. Conifers.org.</ref> The largest specimen on record was the ], a ] with a minimum trunk volume of over {{convert|2500|m3|cuft|abbr=on}} and a mass of over 3,300 tons. It fell over during a storm in 1905.<ref>. zilkha.com</ref> Although not so large in volume, the closely related coast redwood ('']'') of the Pacific coast in North America is taller, reaching a maximum height of 115.55&nbsp;m (379.1&nbsp;ft) – the ], which ranks it as the world's tallest known living tree and organism (not including its roots under ground).<ref name=sillett>Kenneth L. Fisher. . humboldt.edu</ref> The ]s also include the largest tree by ] in the world, the ] (''Taxodium mucronatum''). The thickest recorded tree, found in Mexico, is called ], with a circumference of 57.9 m (190 ft) at its base and a diameter of 14.5 m (48 ft) at 1.5 m (5 ft) above ground level; its height is over 39.4 m (129 ft).<ref>Zsolt Debreczy and Istvan Racz. . arboretum.harvard.edu</ref> These trees dwarf any other non-communal organism, as even the largest ]s are likely to weigh one-sixteenth as much as a large giant sequoia or coast redwood. See ] for other tree records.


==Plants==
===] (angiosperms)===
{{main|List of largest plants}}
]'' (] wax palm) is the tallest ] in the world]]
The largest single-stem tree by wood volume and mass is the ] (''Sequoiadendron giganteum''), native to Sierra Nevada and California; it typically grows to a height of {{convert|70|-|85|m|ft|abbr=on|sigfig=2}} and {{convert|5|-|7|m|ft|abbr=on}} in diameter.
:This is the most diverse and numerous division of plants, with upwards of 400,000 species.


The largest organism in the world, according to mass, is the ] whose colonies of clones can grow up to {{convert|5|mi|km|order=flip|0}} in size. The largest such colony is ], in the ] in Utah.
*'''Clonal colonies'''
:For two dimensional area, the largest known clonal flowering plant, and indeed largest plant and organism, is a grove of male Aspen in ], nicknamed ] ('']''). The grove is connected by a single root system, and each stem above the ground is genetically identical. It is estimated to weigh approximately 6,000,000&nbsp;kg,<ref>. Ontariosciencecentre.ca.</ref> and covers 0.43 km² (106 acres).<ref name=oecd>, ] (.doc file)</ref><ref> by the ] ]</ref>


A form of flowering plant that far exceeds Pando as the largest organism on Earth in area and potentially also mass, is the giant marine plant, '']'', living in ], Australia. Its length is about {{convert|180|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} and it covers an area of {{convert|200|km2|sqmi|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/jun/01/what-the-hell-australian-scientists-discover-biggest-plant-on-earth-off-wa-coast | title=Scientists discover 'biggest plant on Earth' off Western Australian coast | website=] | date=31 May 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Edgeloe |first1=Jane M. |last2=Severn-Ellis |first2=Anita A. |last3=Bayer |first3=Philipp E. |last4=Mehravi |first4=Shaghayegh |last5=Breed |first5=Martin F. |last6=Krauss |first6=Siegfried L. |last7=Batley |first7=Jacqueline |last8=Kendrick |first8=Gary A. |last9=Sinclair |first9=Elizabeth A. |date=2022-06-08 |title=Extensive polyploid clonality was a successful strategy for seagrass to expand into a newly submerged environment |journal=Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences |volume=289 |issue=1976 |pages=20220538 |doi=10.1098/rspb.2022.0538|pmid=35642363 |pmc=9156900 |s2cid=249204370 }}</ref> It is also among the ].
:Another form of flowering plant that rivals Pando as the largest organism on earth in breadth, if not mass, is the giant marine plant, '']'', discovered in the Mediterranean near the ], Spain. Its length is about 8&nbsp;km (5&nbsp;mi). Although this plant has not been proven to be a single connected organism, all the samples do have the same ]. It may also be the ] organism in the world, with an estimated age of 100,000 years.<ref name=seagrass>. ''Ibiza Spotlight'' (2006-05-28).</ref>


Another giant marine plant of the genus '']'', '']'' discovered in the Mediterranean near the Balearic Islands, Spain may be the ] organism in the world, with an estimated age of 100,000 years.<ref name=seagrass> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071226063158/http://www.ibiza-spotlight.com/news/2006/monster_plant_280506_i.htm |date=2007-12-26 }}. ''Ibiza Spotlight'' (2006-05-28).</ref>
*'''"Individual" plants'''
]'' flower]]


The largest individual flower in the world is '']'', while the ] with the largest unbranched ] in the world is '']''. Both are native to ] in ].
:By a stricter definition of individuality, and using contending measures of size, '']'', the giant banyan trees of ] are the largest trees in the world.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bar-Ness|first=Y.D.|title=Giant Banyans|url=http://www.outreachecology.com/worlds-largest-trees-giant-banyans/|accessdate=22 June 2012|newspaper=GEO International|date=March 2012}}</ref> In these trees, a network of interconnected stems and branches has grown entirely by vegetative, "branching" propagation. One individual, ], in ], covers 19,107 square metres, making it the largest single tree by two-dimensional canopy coverage area. This tree is also the world's largest known tree by a related measure, perimeter length, with a distance of 846 metres required to walk around the edge of the canopy. Thimmama Marrimanu is likely also the world's largest tree by three dimensional canopy volume.


===Green algae===
:The tallest flowering plant is thought to be '']'', which can reach heights of 99.6&nbsp;m (327&nbsp;ft).<ref name=tallest>{{cite web|url=http://www.gianttrees.com.au/tall.htm |title=Tasmania's Ten Tallest Giants|work=Tasmanian Giant Trees Consultative Committee|archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080718214955/http://www.gianttrees.com.au/tall.htm |archivedate = 2008-07-18}}</ref>
] are photosynthetic unicellular and multicellular ] that are related to land plants. The ] of the unicellular mermaid's wineglass, '']'', can grow to several inches (perhaps 0.1 to 0.2 m) in length. The fronds of the similarly unicellular, and invasive '']'' can grow up to a foot (0.3 m) long.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

:Other records among ]s include, the title of largest ], which belongs to the species '']''. One of these ]s can reach a diameter of 1&nbsp;m (3.3&nbsp;ft) and weigh up to 11&nbsp;kg (24&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Lostworldarts.com</ref> The largest unbranched ], resembling (but not qualifying as) a giant flower, belongs to the titan arum ('']''), reaching almost 3 m (10 ft) in height.<ref>. Environmentalgraffiti.com</ref> The absolute largest inflorescence, at up to 8&nbsp;m (26.5&nbsp;ft) long, is borne by the talipot palm ('']'') of India.<ref>. Da-academy.org</ref>

===Cycads (])===
:The largest species of ] is ] (''Lepidozamia hopei''), endemic to the Australian state of ]. The largest examples of this species have been over 15 m (49 ft) tall and have had a circumference of 1.5 m (4.9 ft).<ref>. nationalregisterofbigtrees.com.au</ref>

===Pteridophyta===
]'', the world's largest horsetail species]]
*'''Horsetails''' (])
:The largest of ] is the species '']'', of central Mexico. The biggest specimen known was 8&nbsp;m (26.4&nbsp;ft) tall and had a diameter of 2.5&nbsp;cm (1&nbsp;in).<ref>. Natural History Museum. Nhm.ac.uk</ref>

*'''Ferns''' (])
:The largest species of fern is probably '']'' of ], which may be 20 m (66 ft) or more in height.<ref>Braggins, John E. & Large, Mark F. 2004. ''Tree Ferns''. Timber Press, ISBN 0-88192-630-2</ref>

===Liverworts (])===
:The largest species of ] is a New Zealand species, '']''. The top size of this species is 1.1&nbsp;m (3.6&nbsp;ft) long, a diameter of 2.5&nbsp;cm (1&nbsp;in) and a stem length of 10&nbsp;cm (4&nbsp;in).<ref>. Faculty of Science – The University of Auckland</ref>

===Mosses (])===
:The world's tallest ] is '']'', of New Zealand. This species can be 50&nbsp;cm (20&nbsp;in) tall.<ref>. sbs.auckland.ac.nz</ref>


==Animals== ==Animals==
]
]'' is potentially the largest animal to have walked the earth.]]{{excerpt|Largest animals}}


==Fungi==
]
]''|315x315px]]{{Main|Largest fungal fruit bodies}}
A member of the order ], the ] (''Balaenoptera musculus'') is believed to be the largest animal ever to have lived. The maximum recorded weight was 190 ]s<ref>All masses in this article are given in metric tons (that is ]s).</ref> for a specimen measuring 30&nbsp;m (98&nbsp;ft), while longer ones, up to 33.4&nbsp;m (110&nbsp;ft), have been recorded but not weighed.<ref name = "Wood">Wood, Gerald ''The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats'' (1983) ISBN 978-0-85112-235-9</ref>
The largest living ] may be a ]<ref name="UW">{{Cite web|title=Armillaria gallica, the humongous fungus humungus. Tom Volk's Fungus of the Month for April 2002|url=http://botit.botany.wisc.edu/toms_fungi/apr2002.html|access-date=2022-12-26|website=botit.botany.wisc.edu}}</ref> of the ] '']''.<ref name=BBCfungus>{{Cite web|title=BBC News &#124; SCI/TECH &#124; Fantastic fungus find|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/869808.stm|access-date=2022-12-26|website=news.bbc.co.uk}}</ref>
A mushroom of this type in the ] in the ] of eastern ], U.S. was found to be the largest fungal colony in the world, spanning {{convert|8.9|km2|acre|abbr=on}} of area.<ref name="UW"/><ref name=ABCfungus>{{Cite web|title=Environment & Nature News - Humungous fungus: world's largest organism? - 10/04/2003|url=https://www.abc.net.au/science/news/enviro/EnviroRepublish_828525.htm|access-date=2022-12-26|website=www.abc.net.au}}</ref> This organism is estimated to be 2,400 years old. The fungus was written about in the April 2003 issue of the '']''. If this colony is considered a single organism, then it is the largest known organism in the world by area, and rivals the aspen grove "]" as the known organism with the highest living ]. It is not known, however, whether it is a single organism with all parts of the ] connected.<ref name=ABCfungus/> Approximations of the land area of the Oregon "humongous fungus" are {{convert|3.5|sqmi|sqkm}} ({{convert|2240|acre|ha}}, possibly weighing as much as 35,000 tons as the world's most massive living organism.<ref name="patton">{{cite web |author1=Vince Patton |title=Oregon Humongous Fungus Sets Record As Largest Single Living Organism On Earth (7 minute documentary video)|url=https://www.opb.org/television/programs/ofg/segment/oregon-humongous-fungus/ |publisher=Oregon Field Guide |access-date=23 September 2019 |date=12 February 2015}}</ref>


A spatial genetic analysis estimated that a specimen of ''Armillaria ostoyae'' growing over {{convert|91|acre|ha}} in northern ], United States weighs 440 ]s (4 x 10<sup>5</sup> kg).<ref name="Anderson">{{Cite journal
The ] (''Loxodonta africana''), of the order ], is the largest living land animal. A native of various open habitats in sub-Saharan Africa, this elephant is born commonly weighing about 100&nbsp;kg (220&nbsp;lb).{{citation needed|date=July 2012}} The largest elephant ever recorded was shot in ] in 1974. It was a male measuring 10.7&nbsp;m (35&nbsp;ft) from trunk to tail and 4.2&nbsp;m (13.7&nbsp;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 4.0&nbsp;m (13&nbsp;ft).<ref name="Wood"/>
| last = Anderson | first = A. |author2=Sand, C. |author3=Petchey, F. |author4=Worthy, T. H.
| title = Faunal extinction and human habitation in New Caledonia: Initial results and implications of new research at the Pindai Caves
| journal = Journal of Pacific Archaeology | volume = 1 | issue = 1 | pages = 89–109
| year = 2010 | hdl = 10289/5404
}}</ref><ref name="daley">{{cite web |author1=Jason Daley |title=This humongous fungus is as massive as three blue whales: A new estimate suggests this mushroom is 2,500 years old and weighs 440 tons |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/mushroom-massive-three-blue-whales-180970549/ |publisher=Smithsonian.com |access-date=23 September 2019 |date=15 October 2018}}</ref>


In '']'', each individual mushroom (the fruiting body, similar to a flower on a plant) has only a {{convert|5|cm|in|abbr=on}} stipe, and a pileus up to {{convert|12.5|cm|in|abbr=on}} across. There are many other fungi which produce a larger individual size mushroom. The largest known fruiting body of a fungus is a specimen of '']'' (formerly ''Fomitiporia ellipsoidea'') found on ].<ref name=BBCFungalFruitingBody>Walker, Matt. (2011-08-01) . Bbc.co.uk</ref> The fruiting body masses up to {{convert|500|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref name=ScienceFruitingBody>{{Cite journal | last1 = Dai | first1 = Y. C. | last2 = Cui | first2 = B. K. | doi = 10.1016/j.funbio.2011.06.008 | title = Fomitiporia ellipsoidea has the largest fruiting body among the fungi | journal = Fungal Biology | volume = 115 | issue = 9 | pages = 813–814 | year = 2011 | pmid = 21872178}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1= Cui|first1= Bao-Kai|last2= Decock|first2= Cony|year= 2013|title= ''Phellinus castanopsidis'' sp. nov (Hymenochaetaceae) from southern China, with preliminary phylogeny based on rDNA sequences|journal=Mycological Progress|volume=12|issue=2|pages= 341–351|doi= 10.1007/s11557-012-0839-5|bibcode= 2013MycPr..12..341C|s2cid= 17570036}}</ref>
;Table of heaviest living animals
The following is a list of the heaviest living animals, which are all ]s. These whales also qualify as the largest living mammals. Since no scale can accommodate the body of a large whale, most whales have been weighed by parts.


Until ''P. ellipsoideus'' replaced it, the largest individual fruit body came from '']''. ''R. ulmarius'' can grow up to {{convert|284|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, {{convert|1.66|m|ft|abbr=on}} tall, {{convert|1.46|m|ft|abbr=on}} across, and has a circumference of up to {{convert|4.9|m|ft|abbr=on}}.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Rank
! Animal
! Average mass<br />
! Maximum mass<br />
! Average total length<br />
|-
| 1 || ] || 110<ref name="IWC">Mark Tandy. . Iwcoffice.org</ref> || 190<ref name = "Wood"/> || 25.5 (84)<ref>. The Marine Mammal Center</ref>
|-
| 2 || ] || 60<ref>. Seagrant.uaf.edu (2008-02-15)</ref> || 120<ref name = "Wood"/> || 15.5 (51)<ref name="IWC"/>
|-
| 3 || ] || 58<ref name="IWC"/> || 110<ref name= Stewart/> || 15.25 (50)<ref name="IWC"/>
|-
| 4 || ] || 57<ref name="IWC"/> || 120<ref name= Stewart/> || 19.5 (64.3)<ref name="IWC"/>
|-
| 5 || ] || 55<ref name="IWC"/><ref>. Maine.gov</ref> || 100<ref name= Euba>. Animal Info (2005-11-02)</ref> || 15 (49)<ref name= Euba/>
|-
| 6 || ] || 54.5<ref name="IWC"/><ref>. Marinebio.org (2011-09-30)</ref> || 120<ref name = "Wood"/> || 15 (49)<ref name="IWC"/>
|-
| 7 || ] || 31.25<ref name="IWC"/><ref name= Whitehead>Whitehead, H. (2002). ''Sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus''. In Perrin, W., Würsig B. and Thewissen, J.. Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals. Academic Press. pp. 1165–1172. ISBN 0-12-551340-2</ref> || 57<ref name = "Wood"/> || 13.25 (43.5)<ref name="IWC"/><ref name= Whitehead/>
|-
| 8 || ] || 29<ref name="IWC"/><ref>. Animal Info (2005-02-01)</ref> || 48<ref>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=QdlJ3SbwUIgC&pg=PA225|title=The mammals of Texas|author=David J. Schmidly, William B. Davis|publisher=University of Texas Press|year=2004}}</ref> || 13.5 (44)<ref name="IWC"/>
|-
| 9 || ] || 22.5<ref name = "IWC"/> || 45<ref>. wdcs.org</ref> || 14.8 (49)<ref name="IWC"/>
|-
| 10 || ] || 19.5<ref name="IWC"/> || 45<ref>{{cite book|author1=Bernd G. Würsig|author2=J. G. M. Thewissen|title=Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=TwFUimDtz7sC&pg=PA70|year=2002|publisher=Gulf Professional Publishing|isbn=978-0-12-551340-1|page=70}}</ref> || 13.5 (44)<ref name="IWC"/>
|}


===Lichen===
;Table of heaviest terrestrial animals
'']'' is among the largest lichens in the world. The ] of ''U. mammulata'' is usually {{convert|4|to|15|cm|in|abbr=on}} in diameter, but specimens have been known to reach {{convert|63|cm|ft|adj=on}} in the ] of ].<ref name=Brodo>{{cite book | last = Brodo | first = Irwin | title = Lichens of North America | publisher = Yale University Press | location = New Haven | year = 2001 | isbn = 978-0-300-08249-4 }}</ref>
<!-- ] redirects to this section ] if you change this section title, please update that redirect -->
The following is a list of the heaviest wild land animals, which are all mammals. The African elephant is now listed as two species, the ] and the ], as they are generally considered to be two separate species now.<ref>. News.nationalgeographic.com (2010-12-22)</ref>


The longest lichen is '']'', which may grow to exceed {{convert|20|feet}} in length.<ref>{{cite web |title=''Usnea longissima'' |url=https://www.lichen.com/bigpix/Ulongissima.html |website=lichen.com |publisher=Lichens of North America |access-date=10 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503045319/https://www.lichen.com/bigpix/Ulongissima.html |archive-date=3 May 2012}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Rank
! Animal
! Average mass<br />
! Maximum mass<br />
! Average total length<br />
|-
| 1 || ]
|| 4.9<ref>. Animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu</ref><ref>Georges Frei. . Upali.ch</ref> || 12.7<ref name="Wood"/> || 6 (18): Height* <ref>. The Animal Files</ref>
|-
| 2 || ] || 4.15<ref name = "Wood"/><ref name= Elephas>Shoshani, J. and Eisenberg, J. F. . Mammalian Species (1982) 182:1–8</ref> || 8.0<ref name = "Wood"/> || 6.8 (22)<ref name= Elephas/>
|-
| 3 || ] || 2.8 || 6.0<ref>. ARKive</ref> || 6.2 (20)<ref>. Wildpro.twycrosszoo.org</ref>
|-
| 4 || ]{{dubious|Rhino|date=July 2012}} || 2.1<ref> {{dead link|date=June 2012}}</ref><ref>. ARKive (2004-08-06)</ref> || 4.5<ref>. (2012-08-21)</ref> || 4.4 (14.5)<ref>. Animals.nationalgeographic.com</ref>
|-
| 5 || ] || 1.9<ref>. ARKive</ref><ref>Laurie, W. A.; Lang, E. M. and Groves, C. P. . Mammalian Species (1983) 211:1–6</ref> || 4.0<ref name="BoitaniLuigi" /> || 4.2 (13.9)<ref>. Ultimateungulate.com</ref>
|-
| 6 || ] || 1.8<ref>Eltringham, S.K. (1999). ''The Hippos''. Poyser Natural History Series. London: Academic Press. ISBN 0-85661-131-X.</ref><ref>. Learnanimals.com</ref> || 4.5<ref>{{dead link|date=June 2012}}</ref> || 4 (13.2)<ref>. Animals.nationalgeographic.com</ref>
|-
| 7 || ] || 1.715<ref>. Animal Info (2005-11-26)</ref><ref>. Onehornedrhino.org</ref> || 2.3<ref>. ARKive</ref> || 3.8 (12.5)<ref> Edgeofexistence.org (2010-11-12)</ref>
|-
| 8 || ] || 1.1<ref>. Animals.nationalgeographic.com</ref> || 2.9<ref>Kes Hillman-Smith, A. K. and Groves, C. P. . Mammalian species (1994) 455:1–8</ref> || 4 (13.2)<ref name="ref141" />
|-
| 9 || ] || 1.0<ref name = "Wood"/> || 2<ref>Owen-Smith, R. Norman, ''Megaherbivores: The Influence of Very Large Body Size on Ecology''. Cambridge University Press (1992), ISBN 978-0-521-42637-4</ref> || 5.15 (16.9)<ref name="theanimalfiles" />
|-
| 10 || ] || 0.95<ref name= China>Smith, A. T., Xie, Y. (eds.) (2008) . Princeton University Press, Princeton Oxforshire. p. 472 ISBN 0691099847</ref> || 1.5<ref name=China/> || 3.8 (12.5)<ref name= Seaworld>. Seaworld.org</ref>
|}

===Vertebrates===

====Mammals (])====

*'''Tenrecs and allies''' (])
:The largest of these insectivorous mammals is the ] (''Potamogale velox''), native to ]. This species can weigh up to 1 kg (2.2 lb) and measure 0.64 m (2.1 ft) in total length.<ref>. flashcardmachine.com</ref><ref>. Animal Diversity Web</ref>

] is the most massive of the even-toed ungulates.]]
{{Anchor|Even-toed Ungulates (Artiodactyla)}}
*'''Even-toed ungulates''' (])
**The largest species in terms of weight is the ] (''Hippopotamus amphibius''), native to the rivers of sub-Saharan Africa. This beast can reach a size of 4,500&nbsp;kg (10,000&nbsp;lb), 4.8&nbsp;m (16&nbsp;ft) long and 1.66&nbsp;m (5.5&nbsp;ft) tall.<ref>. Animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu.</ref> Prehistoric hippos such as '']'' and '']'' rivaled or exceeded the modern species as the largest members of the family and order to ever exist.
**The longest-bodied species, and tallest of all living land animals, is the ] (''Giraffa camelopardalis''), measuring up to 5.8&nbsp;m (19.3&nbsp;ft) tall to the top of the head, and despite being relatively slender, reaching a top weight of 2,000&nbsp;kg (4,400&nbsp;lb).<ref>Daniel Wallis. . Reuters (2007-12-22)</ref>
**The largest ] representative of the ], a diverse and well-known family, is the Asian forest-dwelling ] (''Bos gaurus''), in which bulls can weigh up to 1,500&nbsp;kg (3,300&nbsp;lb), 4.5&nbsp;m (15&nbsp;ft) in total length and stand 2.2&nbsp;m (7.2&nbsp;ft) at the shoulder.<ref>. Programs.wcs.org</ref><ref>Smith, Andrew T. & Xie, Yan (eds.), ''A Guide to the Mammals of China''. Princeton University Press (2008), ISBN 978-0-691-09984-2</ref> The extinct ] (''Bison latifrons'') may be the largest bovid in the fossil record, with an estimated shoulder up to 2.5&nbsp;m (8.2&nbsp;ft) and a weight over 2,000&nbsp;kg (4,400&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Dinosaurs.about.com (2010-12-18)</ref> ] (''Bos primigenius taurus'') are usually smaller, although obese steers have been reported to weigh up to 2,140&nbsp;kg (4,700&nbsp;lb).<ref>McWhirter, Norris & Ross, ''Guinness Book of Records'', Redwood Press, Trowbridge, 1968.</ref> the largest antelopes and gazelles is ] (''Taurotragus derbianus'') from Africa <ref name=eco>{{cite web|title=Ecology|url=http://www.gianteland.com/ginat-eland/ecology/|work=Czech University of Life Sciences|publisher=Giant eland conservation|accessdate=29 July 2012}}</ref><ref name=prothero>{{cite book|last=Prothero|first=Donald R.|title=Horns, tusks, and flippers : the evolution of hoofed mammals|year=2002|publisher=Johns Hopkins University Press|isbn=0-8018-7135-2|coauthors=Schoch, Robert M.|page=91|chapter=Hollow horns}}</ref><ref name=lill>{{cite book|last=Lill|first=Dawid van|title=Van Lill's South African miscellany|year=2004|publisher=Zebra Press|isbn=1-86872-921-4|page=4}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Carwardine|first=Mark|title=Animal Records|year=2008|publisher=Sterling|isbn=1-4027-5623-2|page=8|chapter=Artiodactyl}}</ref> They are typically between {{convert|220|and|290|cm|ft|abbr=on}} in head-and-body length and stand approximately {{convert|130|to|180|cm|ft|abbr=on}} at the shoulder. Giant elands exhibit ], as males are larger than females. The males weigh {{convert|400|to|1000|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and females weigh {{convert|300|to|600|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref name=adw>{{cite web|last=Atlan|first=B|title=Taurotragus derbianus|url=http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Taurotragus_derbianus.html|work=University of Michigan Museum of Zoology|publisher=Animal Diversity Web|accessdate=29 July 2012}}</ref> The tail is long, having a dark tuft of hair, and averages {{convert|90|cm|in|abbr=on}} in length.<ref name="uu"/> The life expectancy of giant elands is up to 25 years in the wild, and about 20 years in captivity.<ref name="adw"/>
**The largest species in the pig family is generally the ] (''Hylochoerus meinertzhageni''), a native of the African rainforests, at up to 275&nbsp;kg (610&nbsp;lb), 2.55&nbsp;m (8.4&nbsp;ft) in length and 1.1&nbsp;m (3.6&nbsp;ft) high at the shoulder.<ref>. Ultimateungulate.com</ref> Although ]s (''Sus scrofa'') have reportedly reached 320&nbsp;kg (710&nbsp;lb) historically, especially the Manchurian subspecies (Sus scrofa ussuricus)<ref>. Ultimateungulate.com</ref> and obese domestic pigs (''S. s. domesticus'') which have been weighed at 1,157&nbsp;kg (2,550&nbsp;lb). The largest wild suid to ever exist was '']'', having measured up to 550&nbsp;kg (1,200&nbsp;lb) and stood more than 1.3&nbsp;m (4.3&nbsp;ft) tall at the shoulder.<ref>. tesorosnaturales.es</ref>
**The largest living ] is the ] (''Alces alces''), particularly the Alaskan subspecies, verified at up to 820&nbsp;kg (1,800&nbsp;lb), a total length of 3.5&nbsp;m (11&nbsp;ft) and a shoulder height of 2.4&nbsp;m (7.9&nbsp;ft).<ref name = "Wood"/> The extinct ] (''Megaloceros giganteus'') and the ] (''Cervalces scotti'') were of similar or of slightly larger size than the Alaskan Moose. However, the Irish Elk could have antlers spanning up to 4.3&nbsp;m (14&nbsp;ft) across, about twice the maximum span for a Moose's antlers.<ref>David Petersen. . Motherearthnews.com (1989-03-01)</ref>
**The largest peccaries of are ] (''Pecari maximus'') from South America 120–137 cm (47–54 in), while local hunters have estimated a weight of 40–50 kg (88–110 lb).
**The largest members of the ] family are either the ] (''Camelus bactrianus''), which is still wild in the steppe of central Asia, or the similarly sized ] (''Camelus dromedarius''), which no longer exists as a purely wild species but is widespread in the Middle East as a domestic animal, with a large ] in Australia. Both camels can weigh up to 1,000&nbsp;kg (2,200&nbsp;lb), 4&nbsp;m (13&nbsp;ft) in total length, 2.5&nbsp;m (8.2&nbsp;ft) tall at the shoulder and a height of 3.45&nbsp;m (11.3&nbsp;ft) at the hump.<ref>Ryan Yee. . Laurier.vsb.bc.ca</ref><ref>. denverzoo.org</ref><ref>. Edgeofexistence.org (2010-11-12)</ref> Several giant camels are known from fossils, the previous record holders, '']'' and '']'' from North America, both possibly reached 2,485.6&nbsp;kg (5,500&nbsp;lb) and a shoulder height of over 3.4&nbsp;m (11&nbsp;ft).<ref>. Intechinc.com (2011-07-05)</ref><ref>{{cite doi|10.4202/app.2010.0005}}</ref> A newly discovered, unnamed fossil species commonly called the ] may have been even larger, at an estimated shoulder height of 3.6 or even 4 m (12–13&nbsp;ft).<ref>James Owen (2006-10-11). . News.nationalgeographic.com</ref>

]]]
*'''Carnivorans''' (])
**The largest carnivoran as well as the largest ] is the ] (''Mirounga leonina''), attaining sizes up to 5,000&nbsp;kg (11,000&nbsp;lb) in weight and 6.9&nbsp;m (22.5&nbsp;ft) in length.<ref name = "Wood"/>
**The largest living land carnivore, on average, is the ] (''Ursus maritimus''), however, at maximum sizes it is matched by the ](''Ursus arctos middendorffi''), a ] subspecies. Both reaching shoulder heights over 1.6&nbsp;m (5.2&nbsp;ft) and total lengths as much as 3.1&nbsp;m (10&nbsp;ft). The heaviest wild polar and brown bear weights recorded were, respectively, 1,002&nbsp;kg (2,209&nbsp;lb) and 750&nbsp;kg (1,653&nbsp;lb).<ref name="Wood"/><ref name="Burnie">Burnie D and Wilson DE (Eds.), ''Animal: The Definitive Visual Guide to the World's Wildlife''. DK Adult (2005), ISBN 0789477645</ref><ref>Brown, Gary, ''The Great Bear Almanac''. Lyons & Burford, Publishers (1993), ISBN 978-1-55821-474-3</ref> The Largest panda ] (''Aliuropoda melanouca'') of China The giant panda has a black-and-white coat. Adults measure around {{convert|1.2|to|1.8|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} long, including a tail of about {{convert|13|cm|in|abbr=on}}, and {{convert|60|to|90|cm|ft|abbr=on}} tall at the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.giantpandaonline.org/naturalhistory/description.htm |title=Physical Description |publisher=Giant Panda Species Survival Plan |accessdate=26 October 2011}}</ref> Males can weigh up to {{convert|160|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref>Boitani, Luigi, ''Simon & Schuster's Guide to Mammals''. Simon & Schuster/Touchstone Books (1984), ISBN 978-0-671-42805-1</ref> Females (generally 10–20% smaller than males)<ref name="Bearalmanac">{{cite book |author=Brown, Gary |title=Great Bear Almanac |year=1996 |page = 340 |isbn=1-55821-474-7}}</ref> can weigh as little as {{convert|75|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, but can also weigh up to {{convert|125|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref name=wwf1/><ref> (2011).</ref> Average adult weight is {{convert|100|to|115|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref> (2011).</ref> The largest ], and the largest known mammalian land carnivore of all time, was '']''. The largest specimen yet found is estimated to weight up to 1,600&nbsp;kg (3,500&nbsp;lb) and stood up to 3.4 m (11&nbsp;ft 2 in) tall on the hind-limbs.<ref>Dell'Amore, C. (2011): , National Geographic News (2011-02-03)</ref>
**The largest living members of the ] family and the largest tiger subspecies are the ] (''Panthera tigris altaica'') and the ] (''P. t. tigris'') reaching up 3.5&nbsp;m (11&nbsp;ft) in total length and standing up to 1.21&nbsp;m (4.0&nbsp;ft) at the shoulder.<ref name = "Wood"/> with reports of males up to 384&nbsp;kg (847&nbsp;lb) and 389&nbsp;kg (858&nbsp;lb) respectively, males average around 230&nbsp;kg (500&nbsp;lb) and normally reach as much as 310&nbsp;kg (675&nbsp;lb). The largest members of the Felidae family were the extinct ] (''Panthera leo atrox''), averaging 256&nbsp;kg (564&nbsp;lb) and the saber-toothed cat '']'' of which the largest males might have exceeded 400&nbsp;kg (882&nbsp;lb), matched by captive ]s (hybrids between lions and tigers) which can grow up to non-obese weights over 410&nbsp;kg (904&nbsp;lb)<ref>. Ligerworld.com</ref> is although ] (''Felis silvestris''). the largest specimens are although its weight is similar to the average housecat, as males of the species weigh an average of 5&nbsp;kg (11&nbsp;lb) and females 3.5&nbsp;kg (7.7&nbsp;lb), with strong seasonal weight fluctuations of up to 2.5&nbsp;kg.<ref name=wilder2/> The wildcat's thick fur, size and non-tapered tail are its distinguishing traits; it normally would not be mistaken for the domestic cat, although in practice, it is less clear whether the two are frequently correctly distinguished, as one study showed an error rate of 39%.<ref name=csg/> Predominantly nocturnal, the wildcat is active in the daytime in the absence of human disturbance.<ref name=wilder2/> Domestic cats are similar in size to the other members of the genus ''Felis'', typically weighing between {{convert|4|-|5|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Mattern" /> However, some ], such as the ], can occasionally exceed 11&nbsp;kg (25&nbsp;lb). Conversely, very small cats (less than {{convert|1.8|kg|lb|abbr=on}}) have been reported
**The largest living member of ] is the ] (''Canis lupus''). The largest specimens from the ] (''C. l. occidentalis'') or the ] (''C. l. lupus'') weigh up to 80–86&nbsp;kg (180–190&nbsp;lb) and measure up to 2.5&nbsp;m (8.2&nbsp;ft) in total length and 0.9&nbsp;m (3.0&nbsp;ft) tall at the shoulder. Eurasian wolves from the ]n area have even been reported to weigh as much as 90–96&nbsp;kg (200–210&nbsp;lb), though these figures require verification.<ref>Heptner, V. G.; Naumov, N. P. (1998). ''Mammals of the Soviet Union Vol. II Part 1a, Sirenia and Carnivora (Sea cows; Wolves and Bears)''. Science Publishers, USA. ISBN 1-886106-81-9</ref><ref>. Commonsenseforanimals.org</ref> Domestic dogs can occasionally grow heavier, up to 155.6&nbsp;kg (343&nbsp;lb).<ref name="Young1998">{{cite book|author=Mark Young|title=The Guinness book of world records, 1998|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=ZSyswNFqTycC|accessdate=3 April 2013|date=2 March 1998|publisher=Bantam Books|isbn=978-0-553-57895-9|page=352}}</ref> The largest known canid is an extinct member of subfamilly Borophaginae, '']''. The largest known specimen of this species weighed an estimated 170&nbsp;kg (370&nbsp;lb).<ref>{{cite doi|10.1111/j.1502-3931.2007.00091.x}}</ref>
**The largest and most diverse family of carnivores, the ], reaches their maximum size (by mass) in the ] (''Enhydra lutris'') of the North Pacific coasts, at up to 54&nbsp;kg (120&nbsp;lb), and (by length) the ] (''Pteronura brasiliensis'') of the Amazonian rainforests, at up to 2.4&nbsp;m (7.9&nbsp;ft) in total.<ref>''The Wildlife Year''.The Reader's Digest Association, (1991). ISBN 0-276-42012-8.</ref><ref>. Seaworld.org</ref> The largest mustelid to ever exist was likely the odd cat-like '']'' from Africa, about the size of a ] and filling a similar ecological niche before big cats came to the continent. Another contender for largest of this family is the wolverine-like '']'', which according to older estimates could have reached the size af a black bear. Newer estimates, however, significantly downgrade its size, although, at a maximum weight more than twice that of a wolverine, it is larger than most (if not all) living mustelids.
**The largest species in the ''Herpestidae'' (]) family is the African ] (''Ichneumia albicauda''), at up to 6&nbsp;kg (13&nbsp;lb) and 1.18&nbsp;m (3.9&nbsp;ft) long.
**The largest species in the ] family is the Asian ] (''Arctictis binturong''), at up to 27&nbsp;kg (60&nbsp;lb) and 1.85&nbsp;m (6.1&nbsp;ft) long, about half of which is tail.<ref>. Wisegeek.com</ref><ref name="Kingdon">Kingdon, Jonathan ''Kingdon Guide to African Mammals'' (1993) ISBN 978-0-85112-235-9</ref> The largest viverrid known to have existed is '']'', which was around the size of a wolf or small leopard at 41&nbsp;kg (90&nbsp;lb).<ref>Alan Turner, ''National Geographic Prehistoric Mammals'' National Geographic, 2004, ISBN 0792271343</ref>
**The largest modern species in the ] family is the ] (''Crocuta crocuta'') of sub-Saharan Africa, at up to a maximum weight of 86–90&nbsp;kg (190–200&nbsp;lb).<ref>{{dead link|date=October 2011}}</ref> Spotted hyenas can range up to 2.13&nbsp;m (7.0&nbsp;ft) in total length and 93&nbsp;cm (37&nbsp;in) tall at the shoulder.<ref name="Kingdon"/> The largest fossil hyena is the lion-sized '']'', estimated at 200&nbsp;kg (440&nbsp;lb).<ref>{{cite doi|10.1016/S0016-6995(96)80005-2}}</ref>
**The largest living procyonid is the ] (''Procyon lotor'') of North American, having a body length of {{convert|40|to|70|cm|in|abbr=on}} and a body weight of {{convert|3.5|to|9|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}. The extinct '']'' of South America was the largest known member of this family, about {{convert|1.5|m|ft}} in body length.
**The largest skunk is generally concidered the striped skunk, which can weigh up to 6.35 kg (14 lb) and reaches lenghts of up to 70 cm (2.3 ft). The ] (''Conepatus leuconotus'') is longer reaching lengths of up to 82.5 cm (2.7 ft), but is less heavy, only up to 10 lb (4.5 kg).

] is the largest ].]]
*'''Whales''' (])
**The largest whale and animal is the previously mentioned blue whale, a ] (Mysticeti). Its closest competitors are also baleen whales, the ] (''Balaenoptera physalus''), which can reach a size of 27&nbsp;m (89&nbsp;ft) in length and weight of 109 tonnes, and the ] (''Balaena mysticetus'') and ] (''Eubalaena japonica''), both measured up to 21.2&nbsp;m (70&nbsp;ft) and estimated at that length to weigh about 133 tonnes.<ref name = "Wood"/><ref name= Stewart>Stewart, et al, ''National Audubon Society Guide to Marine Mammals of the World''. Knofp (2002), ISBN 978-0-375-41141-0</ref>
**The largest toothed whale (Odontoceti) is the ] (''Physeter macrocephalus''), bulls of which usually range up to 18.2&nbsp;m (60&nbsp;ft) long and a mass of 50 tonnes. Whaling records and skeletal remains have indicated that, in the past, sperm whales could have grown to 26&nbsp;m (85&nbsp;ft) long.<ref name = "Wood"/>
**The ] or killer whale (''Orcinus orca'') is the largest species of the oceanic ] family. The largest Orca ever recorded was a male off the coast of Japan, measuring 9.7&nbsp;m (32&nbsp;ft) long and weighed 10 tonnes.<ref>. Seaworld.org</ref>
**The largest porpoise is the ] (''Phocoenoides dalli''), at up to 220&nbsp;kg (490&nbsp;lb) and 2.3&nbsp;m (7.6&nbsp;ft) in length.<ref name= Stewart/>
**The largest ] is the ] (''Berardius bairdii'') at up to 14 tonnes and 13&nbsp;m (43&nbsp;ft) long.<ref>. Harmlesslion.com</ref>
**The largest ] is are ] (''Delphinapterus leucas'') Adult male belugas can range from {{convert|3.5|to|5.5|m|ft|abbr=on}}, while the females measure {{convert|3|to|4.1|m|ft|abbr=on}}.
**The largest river dolphin are ] ''(Inia geoffrensis'') from Amazon basin {{convert|1.53|to|2.4|m|ft|abbr=on}}, depending on subspecies. Females are typically larger than males. The largest female Amazon river dolphins can range up to {{convert|2.5|m|ft|abbr=on}}
**The largest extinct whale is '']'' {{convert|18|m|ft}} in length.<ref name="bbc">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/seamonsters/factfiles/basilosaurus.shtml|title=Sea Monsters - Fact File: Basilosaurus|date=c.2003|accessdate=2010-08-22|publisher=BBC - Science & Nature}}</ref>
] is about as large as a ] and only found in The Philippines.]]
*'''Bats''' (])
**The largest ] species is the ] (''Acerodon jubatus''), an ] ] from the rainforests of the Philippines that is part of the ] family. The maximum size of this species is 1.5&nbsp;kg (3.3&nbsp;lb), 55&nbsp;cm (22&nbsp;in) a length, and a wingspan that may be almost 1.8&nbsp;m (5.9&nbsp;ft). The ] (''Pteropus vampyrus'') is smaller in body mass and length, but it has been known to exceed the Golden-crowned species in wingspan. Specimens have been verified to 1.83&nbsp;m (6.0&nbsp;ft) and possibly up to 2&nbsp;m (6.6&nbsp;ft) in wingspan.<ref name = "Wood"/>
**The ]al ] (''Vampyrum spectrum''), at up to 95 g (3.4&nbsp;oz), 14&nbsp;cm (5.5&nbsp;in) long and about 0.9&nbsp;m (3.0&nbsp;ft) in wingspan, is believed to be the largest carnivorous bat, belonging to the ] suborder.<ref>. Animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu (2003-05-12)</ref>

*'''Armadillos''' (])
**The extant giant of this group is the ] (''Priodontes maximus''), native to tropical South America. The top size for this species is 54&nbsp;kg (120&nbsp;lb), 0.55&nbsp;m (1.8&nbsp;ft) high at the shoulder and 1.6&nbsp;m (5.2&nbsp;ft) in length, although captive specimens can weigh up to 80&nbsp;kg (176&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Animals.nationalgeographic.com</ref><ref>. faunaparaguay.com</ref>
**Much larger prehistoric examples are known, especially '']'' of the Americas, which probably averaged around 2 tonnes and could reach 4&nbsp;m (13&nbsp;ft) in total length and 1.53&nbsp;m (5.0&nbsp;ft) high at the top of the shelled back.<ref>. Angelfire.com (2003-06-07)</ref><ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.app.pan.pl/article/item/app51-407.html|journal=Acta Palaeontologica Polonica|title=Paleoecology of the large carnivore guild from the late Pleistocene of Argentina|author=Francisco J. Prevosti and Sergio F. Vizcaíno |volume=51 |issue=3|pages=407–422|year=2006}}</ref>

*'''Colugos''' (])
:Of the two ] species in the order ''Dermoptera'' of gliding arboreal mammals in ], the largest and most common is the ] (''Cynocephalus varigatus''). The maximum size is 2&nbsp;kg (4.4&nbsp;lb) and 73&nbsp;cm (29&nbsp;in) in length.<ref>Nowak, Ronald E., ''Walker's Mammals of the World''. The Johns Hopkins Press (1999), ISBN 978-0-8018-5789-8</ref>

*'''Hedgehogs and gymnures''' (])
:The largest of this order and family of prickly-skinned, small mammals is the ] (''Echinosorex gymnura''), native to the rainforests of the Malaysian Peninsula as well as Sumatra and Borneo. The maximum size of this species is over 2&nbsp;kg (4.4&nbsp;lb) and 60&nbsp;cm (24&nbsp;in).<ref name = "Wood"/> The moonrat is a member of the same family as hedgehogs, which are typically much smaller than the Moonrat. Even larger was the giant gymnure '']'' from Miocene Europe. It was estimated to grow larger then a house cat.

*'''Hyraxes''' (])
:The largest species of hyrax seems to be the ] (''Procavia capensis''), at up to 5.4&nbsp;kg (12&nbsp;lb) and 73&nbsp;cm (29&nbsp;in) long. Prehistorically, the hyraxes were, for a time, the primary terrestrial herbivores in ], and some forms grew as large as ]s.<ref>{{cite doi|10.1023/A:1025504124129}}</ref>

] is one of the largest living lagomorphs]]
*'''Rabbits, hares, and pikas''' (])
:The largest extant wild species may be the ] (''Lepus europaeus''), native to western and central Eurasia. This lagomorph can range up to 7 kg (15 lb) in weight and 0.85 m (2.8 ft) in total length.<ref>. Purpleopurple.com</ref> However, the ] (''Lepus othus'') has almost the same exact body-proportions and weighs slightly more, averaging 4.8 kg (11 lb) and reaching a maximum mass of 7.2 kg (16 lb).<ref>Best, T. L. and Henry, T. H. . Mammalian Species (1994) 458:1–5</ref> Also, an occasional ] (''L. arcticus'') can also weigh as much as 7 kg (15 lb) but is typically smaller overall than the European and Alaskan species.<ref>. Animals.nationalgeographic.com</ref> The largest ] breed is the ], which can attain a maximum known weight of 12.7 kg (28 lb). The largest lagomorph ever was '']'', native to ], which could have possibly grown up to 23 kg (51 lb).<ref>. Vertpaleo.org</ref>

*'''Elephant shrews''' (])
:The elephant shrews are named for their combination of long, trunk-like snouts and long legs combined with a general shrew-like body form, but these animals are in fact not closely related to any other extant order (including tree shrews) and are a unique group behaviorly and in appearance. The largest species is the recently discovered ] (''Rhynchocyon udzungwensis''), known only from the Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania and Kenya. This elephant shrew can range up to 0.75 kg (1.7 lb) and a length of 0.6 m (2.0 ft).<ref>. News.nationalgeographic.com (2010-10-28)</ref><ref>. ARKive</ref>

*'''Marsupials''' (])
**The ] are is largest opossums ] (''Didelphis virginiana'') from North America Virginia opossums can vary considerably in size, with larger specimens found to the north of the opossum's range and smaller specimens in the tropics. They measure 13&ndash;37 ]es (35&ndash;94 ]) long from their snout to the base of the tail, with the tail adding another 8.5&ndash;19 ]es (21.6&ndash;47 ]). Weight for males ranges from 1.7 to 14 pounds (0.8&ndash;6.4 ]) and for females from 11 ounces to 8.2 pounds (0.3&ndash;3.7 ]).<ref>. Animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu (1974-05-02). Retrieved on 2011-09-15.</ref> They are one of the world's most variably sized mammals, since a large male from northern North America weighs about 20 times as much as a small
**The largest possums is ] (''Trichosurus vulpecula'') from Australia 32–58&nbsp;cm<ref name=Nowak1991>Nowak, R.M. (1991) Walker’s Mammals of the World. The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore and London.</ref> with a tail length of 24–40&nbsp;cm.<ref name=Cronin2008>Cronin, L. (2008) ''Cronin’s Key Guide Australian Mammals''. Allen & Unwin, Sydney.</ref> It weighs 1.2-4.5&nbsp;kg.<ref name=Cronin2008/> Males are generally larger than females.
**The ] (''Macropus rufus'') of Australia is the largest living ], and the largest member of the kangaroo family. These lanky mammals has been verified to 91&nbsp;kg (200&nbsp;lb) and 2.18&nbsp;m (7.1&nbsp;ft) when standing completely upright.<ref name="Wood"/> Unconfirmed specimens have been reported up to 150&nbsp;kg (330&nbsp;lb).<ref>. furrynewsnetwork.com (July 2011)</ref> Prehistoric kangaroos reached even larger sizes. '']'' was one of the largest known kangaroo that ever existed, standing approximately 2&nbsp;m (6.6&nbsp;ft) and weighing about 230&nbsp;kg (510&nbsp;lb).<ref name=AustrlianMuseum>{{cite web |url=http://australianmuseum.net.au/Procoptodon-goliah/ |title=Procoptodon goliah|publisher=Australian Museum |work= |accessdate=2012-03-22}}</ref> Some species from the genus '']'' were similar in size as well.
**The ] ''(Lasiorhinus kreffti)'' is the largest ] alive today with a head and body length up to 102&nbsp;cm (40&nbsp;inches) and a weight of up to 40&nbsp;kg (88&nbsp;lb). Prehistorically, this suborder contained many huge marsupials, including the largest to ever exist: '']''. This rhino-sized herbivore would have reached more than 3.3&nbsp;m (11&nbsp;ft) in length and stood 1.83&nbsp;m (6&nbsp;ft) at shoulder and was estimated to weigh up to 3,000&nbsp;kg (6,600&nbsp;lb).<ref>. BBC (2008-07-25)</ref><ref>. News.nationalgeographic.com (2010-10-28)</ref>
**The ] (''Sarcophilus harrisii''), endemic to ], is the largest living ]. These stocky mammals can range up to 14&nbsp;kg (31&nbsp;lb) and 1.1&nbsp;m (3.6&nbsp;ft) in total length.<ref>{{cite doi|10.1073/pnas.0711236105 }}</ref><ref>. The Animal Files</ref> The recently extinct ] ''(Thylacinus cynocephalus)'', a close relative of the devil, grew larger and was the largest member of the group to survive into modern times. The largest measured specimen was 290&nbsp;cm (9.5&nbsp;ft) from nose to tail.
**The largest ever carnivorous marsupials to exist would have been the Australian ] (''Thylacoleo'') and the South American ] (''Thylacosmilus'') both ranging from 1.5&nbsp;m (5.0&nbsp;ft) to 1.8&nbsp;m (6.0&nbsp;ft) long and weighing between 100 and 160&nbsp;kg (220–350&nbsp;lbs).<ref>{{cite doi|10.1071/ZO99006}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=A New Marsupial Saber-Tooth from the Pliocene of Argentina and Its Relationships to Other South American Predacious Marsupials|author=Elmer S. Riggs|journal=Transactions of the American Philosophical Society|volume=24|issue= 1|year=1934|pages=1–32|jstor=3231954}}</ref> Interestingly, both were not closely related to the true marsupial carnivores of today. Rather, the marsupial lion was most closely related to the herbivorous ], while Thylacosmilus was a member of the order ], a group which may not have even been true marsupials.

*'''Monotreme mammals''' (])
:The largest ] ] (egg-bearing mammal) is the ] (''Zaglossus bruijni'') weighing up to 16.5&nbsp;kg (36.4&nbsp;lb) and measuring 1&nbsp;m (3.3&nbsp;ft) long.<ref>. rarestzoo.blogspot.com (2006-07-02)</ref> The largest monotreme ever was the extinct ] species '']'', known only from a few bones found in ]. It was the size of a sheep, weighing probably up to 100&nbsp;kg (220&nbsp;lb).

]]]
*'''Odd-toed Ungulates''' (])
**The largest extant species is the ] (''Ceratotherium simum''). The largest size this species can attain is 4,500&nbsp;kg (10,000&nbsp;lb), 4.7&nbsp;m (15&nbsp;ft) in total length, and 2&nbsp;m (6.6&nbsp;ft) tall at the shoulder.<ref name=Now>. Safari Now</ref> It is slightly larger than the ] (''Rhinoceros unicornis''), which can range up to a weight of 4,000&nbsp;kg (8,800&nbsp;lb).<ref name="BoitaniLuigi">Boitani, Luigi, ''Simon & Schuster's Guide to Mammals''. Simon & Schuster/Touchstone Books (1984), ISBN 978-0-671-42805-1</ref> The extinct '']'' was the largest rhino to ever exist. It stood approximately 2&nbsp;m (7&nbsp;ft) tall at the shoulder, up to 5&nbsp;m (17&nbsp;ft) long (excluding horn), and weighed from {{convert|3000|to|5000|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref>. Sinammonite.deviantart.com</ref>
**The largest extant wild ]s are the ] (''Equus grevyi''), at up to 450&nbsp;kg (990&nbsp;lb), a shoulder height of 1.6&nbsp;m (5.2&nbsp;ft) and total length of 3.8&nbsp;m (12&nbsp;ft).<ref>. Edgeofexistence.org (2006-12-15)</ref> Until it was domesticated into extinction the ] (''E. ferus'') was the largest equid. Domestic horses can reach a maximum weight of 1,524&nbsp;kg (3,360&nbsp;lb) and shoulder height of 2.2&nbsp;m (7.2&nbsp;ft), probably far greater than the sizes attained by the wild horse.<ref>. Angelfire.com</ref> The largest prehistoric horse was '']'' of North America. It was estimated to grow around the same size as the aforementioned domestic horse.
**The largest of the tapirs is the ] ''(Tapirus indicus)'', the only member of the family outside of South America. Maximum size is about 2.5&nbsp;m (8&nbsp;ft) in length, 1.8&nbsp;m (3.5&nbsp;ft) tall at the shoulder, and up to 540&nbsp;kg (1,200&nbsp;lb) in weight.<ref>Wilson & Burnie, Animal: The Definitive Visual Guide to the World's Wildlife. DK ADULT (2001), ISBN 978-0-7894-7764-4</ref>
**The largest land mammal ever was '']'' or ''Indricotherium'' (formerly known as the ''Baluchitherium''), a member of this order. The largest known species (''Paraceratherium orgosensis'') is believed to have stood up to 5.5&nbsp;m (18&nbsp;ft) tall, measured over 9&nbsp;m (30&nbsp;ft) long and may have weighed up to 20 tonnes.<ref>. Bbc.co.uk</ref>

*'''Pangolins''' (])
:The largest species of ] is the ] (''Manis gigantea''), at up to 1.7&nbsp;m (5.8&nbsp;ft) and at least 40&nbsp;kg (88&nbsp;lb).<ref name="Kingdon"/>
] is one of the largest neotropical mammals]]

*'''Anteaters and sloths''' (])
**The largest species is easily the ] (''Myrmecophaga tridactyla''). A large adult can weigh as much as 65&nbsp;kg (143&nbsp;lb), be over 0.6&nbsp;m (2.0&nbsp;ft) tall at the shoulder and measure 2.4&nbsp;m (8&nbsp;ft) in overall length.<ref>. Lycos.com</ref>
**The largest living ]s are the ] (''Choloepus didactylus'') and ]s (''C. hoffmanni''), which both can range up to 10&nbsp;kg (22&nbsp;lb) and 0.86&nbsp;m (2.8&nbsp;ft) long.<ref>{{cite pmid|8552600}}</ref><ref>.</ref>
**The sloths attained much larger sizes prehistorically, the largest of which were '']'' which, at an estimated average weight of 4.5&nbsp;tonnes and standing height of 5.1&nbsp;m (17&nbsp;ft), was about the same size as the ].<ref>. Paleocraft.com</ref>

] is the largest living primate.]]
*'''Primates''' (])
**The ]s (''Gorilla gorilla'' & ''G. beringei'') are the most massive living primates. The largest race is the ] (''G. b. graueri''), with males average 140–200&nbsp;kg (310–440&nbsp;lb), 1&nbsp;m (3.3&nbsp;ft) tall at the shoulder while on all fours and 1.65–1.75 m (5.4–5.7&nbsp;ft) tall when standing.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gorilla beringei graueri conservation status summary|url=http://www.naturalsciences.be/science/projects/gorilla/external/pdf/Gorilla_beringei_graueri_en.pdf|publisher=naturalsciences.be|accessdate=10 June 2012|format=PDF}}</ref> The tallest wild gorilla (from the Mountain gorilla race, ''G. b. beringei'') stood 1.94&nbsp;m (6.6&nbsp;ft) and the heaviest wild one massed 266&nbsp;kg (590&nbsp;lb), although heavier weights have been observed in captivity.<ref name = "Wood"/> The great ape '']'', which lived in Asia between 1 million and 300,000 years ago, is the largest primate known to have existed. It was estimated to stand 3&nbsp;m (10&nbsp;ft) tall and to weigh up to 550&nbsp;kg (1200&nbsp;lb).<ref>{{cite web|last=Ciochon|first=Russell L.|title=The ape that was|url=http://www.uiowa.edu/~bioanth/giganto.html|accessdate=10 June 2012}}</ref>
**The largest of the ]s is the ] (''Mandrillus sphinx'') with large males being up to 50&nbsp;kg (110&nbsp;lb), 90&nbsp;cm (3&nbsp;ft) long and 50&nbsp;cm (20&nbsp;in) at the shoulders.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mandril (Mandrillus sphinx)|url=http://www.waza.org/en/zoo/choose-a-species/mammals/primates/monkeys/mandrillus-sphinx|accessdate=10 June 2012}}</ref> The prehistoric baboon '']'' grew even larger than modern Mandrills, weighing as much as a grown man.
**The largest ] is the ] (''Brachyteles arachnoides''), up to 15&nbsp;kg (33&nbsp;lb) and 1.6&nbsp;m (5.2&nbsp;ft) in total length.<ref>{{cite web|title=Southern muriqui (Brachyteles arachnoides)|url=http://www.arkive.org/southern-muriqui/brachyteles-arachnoides/#text=Facts|accessdate=10 June 2012}}</ref>
**The largest ] is the ] (''Indri indri'') which can weigh up to 12&nbsp;kg (26&nbsp;lb) and 90&nbsp;cm (3&nbsp;ft) in total length, though one fossil lemur, '']'', was gorilla-sized at 200&nbsp;kg (440&nbsp;lb).<ref>{{cite web|title=The Indri ( the biggest lemur in the world, in Madagascar )|url=http://www.pensee-chretienne.org/madagascar_ravo_ftrav/indri_indri_e.htm|accessdate=10 June 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | author = William L. Jungers, Laurie R. Godfrey, Elwyn L. Simons, and Prithijit S. Chatrath | title = Phalangeal curvature and positional behavior in extinct sloth lemurs (Primates, Palaeopropithecidae) | date = 1997-10-28 | journal = PNAS | volume = 94 | issue = 22 | pages= 11998–12001 | pmc=23681 | doi = 10.1073/pnas.94.22.11998 | pmid = 11038588}}</ref>
**]s can attain ] of up to 636&nbsp;kg (1400&nbsp;lb) as well as ] of up to 2.72&nbsp;m (8.9&nbsp;ft), however, these are cases of morbid ], ], ] or other medical malady. However, even when not afflicted with gigantism, humans are the tallest living primates.

], the largest living terrestrial animal.]]
*'''Elephants, mammoths, and mastodons''' (])
**The ], with an average weight of around 5 tonnes, is the largest extant member of the order Proboscidea. Extinct species did not generally dwarf it but some could grow somewhat larger, including the ] (''M. trogontherii'') of Asia and '']'' of Africa, each of these species possibly exceeding a shoulder height of 4.6&nbsp;m (15&nbsp;ft) and 12&nbsp;tonnes in weight.
**'']'' rivaled those proboscideans in size, and was the largest member of its family (Deinotheriidae).

] is the largest living rodent.]]
*'''Rodents''' (])
**The largest living ] is the ] (''Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris''), native to most of the tropical and ] parts of South America east of the ], always near water. Full-grown capybaras can reach 1.5&nbsp;m (4.9&nbsp;ft) long and 0.9&nbsp;m (3.0&nbsp;ft) tall at the shoulder and a maximum weight of 105.4&nbsp;kg (232&nbsp;lb).
**The second largest living rodent is the ] (''Castor canadensis''), which favors water perhaps even more than its larger cousin. Outsized male beaver specimens have been recorded up to 50&nbsp;kg (110&nbsp;lb), which is about twice the normal weight for a beaver, and 1.7&nbsp;m (5.6&nbsp;ft) in total length.<ref>. Timberwolfinformation.org</ref><ref>. Nationalzoo.si.edu</ref> The ] (''C. fiber'') is close to the same average size, but is known to top out around a mass of 31.7&nbsp;kg (70&nbsp;lb).<ref>Kitchener, Andrew (2001). ''Beavers''. p. 144. ISBN 1-873580-55-X.</ref> The largest of this family is the extinct ] of North America. It grew over 8&nbsp;ft (2.4 m) in length and weighed roughly 60 to 100&nbsp;kg (130 to 220&nbsp;lb), also making it one of the largest rodents to ever exist.
**The largest species in the ] family is the ] (''Marmota caligata'') of the ], at up to 13.5&nbsp;kg (30&nbsp;lb) and 0.8&nbsp;m (2.6&nbsp;ft) long.<ref>. Nature.ca</ref><ref>. Collections.burkemuseum.org</ref>
**The largest heteromyids is are ] (''Chaetodipus hispidus'') from North America
**The largest cane rats is ] (''Thryonomys swinderianus'') from Sub-Sahara Africa Cane rats can grow to nearly {{convert|2|ft|abbr=on}} in length and weigh a little less than {{convert|19|lb|abbr=on}}. It has rounded ears, a short nose, and coarse bristly hair. Its forefeet are smaller than its hind feet, each with three toes.
**the largest dipodids are ] (''Allactaga major'') from The length of its body is 180 mm and its tail is 260 mm.
**the largest spiny rat ] (''Toromys grandis'') from South America
**The largest New World porcupines ] (''Erethizon dorsatum'') from North America largest North American rodents, second only to the ] in size. The head-and-body length is {{convert|60|to|90|cm|ft|abbr=on}}, not counting a tail of {{convert|14.5|to|30|cm|in|abbr=on}}. The hindfoot length is {{convert|7.5|to|9.1|cm|in|abbr=on}}. Weight can range from {{convert|3.5|to|18|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, although they average under {{convert|9|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref name = "ADW">{{cite web |last=Weber |first=Christopher |coauthors=Myers, P. |title=''Erethizon dorsatum'' |work=Animal Diversity Web |publisher=University of Michigan Museum of Zoology |year=2004 |url=http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Erethizon_dorsatum.html | accessdate=2009-05-10}}</ref><ref name="woods1973"/>
**The largest Old World porcupines is are ] (''Hystrix africaeaustralis'')of Central Africa {{convert|63|to|81|cm|in|abbr=off}} long from the head to the base of the tail, with the tail adding a further {{convert|11|-|20|cm|in|abbr=off}}.<ref name=Barthelmess2006>{{cite journal | author = Barthelmess, E.L. | year = 2006 | title = ''Hystrix africaeaustralis'' | journal = Mammalian Species | pages = Number 788: pp. 1–7 | doi = 10.1644/788.1}}</ref> They weigh from {{convert|10|to|24|kg|lb|abbr=off}}, with exceptionally large specimens weighing up to {{convert|30|kg|lb|abbr=on}};<ref name="Burnie">Burnie D and Wilson DE (Eds.), ''Animal: The Definitive Visual Guide to the World's Wildlife''. DK Adult (2005), ISBN 0789477645</ref><ref></ref> males and females are not significantly different in size.<ref name=Barthelmess2006/>
**The largest ] is the ] of Africa. It grows up to 1&nbsp;m (3.3&nbsp;ft) in total length and can weight up to 4&nbsp;kg (9&nbsp;lb).<ref>. News.yahoo.com (2011-11-15)</ref>
**The largest known rodent ever is '']'', an ] species known only from ]s found in Uruguay. It was approximately 3&nbsp;m (10&nbsp;ft) long and 1.5&nbsp;m (4.9&nbsp;ft) tall, and is estimated to have weighed 1.5–2.5 tonnes.<ref name=Rinderknecht>{{cite pmid |18198140}}</ref> Prior to the description of ''J. monesi'', the largest known rodent species were from the genus '']'', of which two species have been discovered. An almost complete skeleton of the slightly smaller ] species, '']'', was discovered in ] in 2000; it was approximately 3&nbsp;m (10&nbsp;ft) long, with an additional 1.5&nbsp;m (5&nbsp;ft) tail, and probably weighed around 700&nbsp;kg (1,540&nbsp;lb).<ref>{{cite doi|10.1126/science.1089332 }}</ref>

*'''Tree shrews''' (])
:The largest of the tree shrews seems to be the ] (''Tupaia glis''), at up to 187&nbsp;g (6.6&nbsp;]) and 40&nbsp;cm (17&nbsp;in).<ref>. The Animal Files</ref>

], the largest living sirenian, can weigh well over a ton.]]
*'''Dugongs and manatees''' (])
**The largest living species in the order '']'' of ]s and ]s is the ] (''Trichechus manatus''). The largest manatees are found in the Florida subspecies. The maximum recorded size of this species was 1,655&nbsp;kg (3,650&nbsp;lb) and a total length of 4.6&nbsp;m (15&nbsp;ft).<ref name = "Wood"/><ref>. seaworld.org</ref>
**The extinct ] (''Hydrodamalis gigas'') was the largest member to ever exist, growing up to at least 7.9&nbsp;m (26&nbsp;ft) long and weighing up to 11&nbsp;tonnes.<ref>. Animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu</ref> It was a member of the ] family.

*'''Shrews and moles''' (])
**The largest species of this order is the ], males of which can weigh up to 1&nbsp;kg (35.3&nbsp;oz) and reach lengths of 32&nbsp;cm (12.6&nbsp;in).
**The largest species of shrew, typically among the smallest-bodied of mammals, is the ] (''Suncus murinus''), weighing up to 100 g (3.5&nbsp;oz) and reach lengths of up to 16&nbsp;cm (6.3&nbsp;in).<ref>. Zootierliste.de</ref>
**The largest mole is the amphibious ] (''Desmana moschata''), with a total length of up to 43&nbsp;cm (1.4&nbsp;ft) and an upper weight of 520 g (1.1&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Lang-8 (2010-02-26)</ref>

*'''Aardvark''' (])
:The only species in this order is the unique ] (''Orycteropus afer'') of sub-Saharan Africa. Aardvarks are typically up to 1.3 m (4.3 ft) in length with an average weight of up to 65 kg (140 lb) and a shoulder height up to 0.65 m (2.1 ft).<ref>. Edgeofexistence.org (2006-05-18)</ref> However, individuals as large as 2.2 m (7.2 ft) and as heavy as 100 kg (220 lb) are recorded.<ref>. Animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu.</ref>

*'''Other mammals'''
**An ancient relative of ungulates, '']'', may have been the largest carnivorous land mammal ever, despite almost all living species being herbivorous. Known only from a 0.83&nbsp;m (2.7&nbsp;ft) skull found in Mongolia, about twice the length of a ] skull, this great beast has been estimated to range as high in size as 2&nbsp;m (6.6&nbsp;ft) at the shoulder and 4.5&nbsp;m (15&nbsp;ft) in length.<ref>. ABC</ref> Weight estimates range anywhere from 454 to 1,816&nbsp;kg (1,000 to 4,000&nbsp;lb) based on the unknown proportion of the skull's size relative to the body size.<ref>Osborn, H. F. . American Museum novitates (1924) 146</ref>

====Stem-mammals (])====
]'', the largest of the non-mammal synapsids.]]
The ] era '']'', from what is now the southern United States, probably was the largest of all ]s (most of which went extinct 250 million years ago), at 6&nbsp;m (20&nbsp;ft) and 2 tonnes.<ref>. Fossils.valdosta.edu</ref> The largest carnivorous synapsid was '']'' from what is now South Africa during Middle ] era. ''Anteosaurus'' was 5–6 m (16–20&nbsp;ft) long, and weighed about 500–600&nbsp;kg (1,100–1,300&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Palaeos.org (2008-11-05)</ref>

*''']'''
:The largest ] was the pre-mentioned ''Cotylorhynchus'', and the largest predatory pelycosaurus was '']'' from what is now North America, with a length of 3.1 m (10 ft) and weight of 250 kg (550 lb).<ref>{{cite pmid|16780524}}</ref>
*''']'''
:'']'' was the largest ], with a weight of 700 to 1,000 kg (1,500 to 2,200 lb), and a length of about 5 m (16 ft).<ref>Palmer, D., ed (1999). ''The Marshall Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals''. London: Marshall Editions. p. 189. ISBN 1-84028-152-9.</ref> The largest carnivorous therapsid was the aforementioned ''Anteosaurus''.

====Reptiles (])====
] is the largest living reptile.]]
The largest living non-avian ], 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&nbsp;ft) long. The largest confirmed saltwater crocodile on record was 6.3&nbsp;m (20.7&nbsp;ft) long, and weighed over 1,360&nbsp;kg (3,000&nbsp;lbs).<ref name="ufl">, by Adam Britton from the Crocodilian Species List.</ref> Unconfirmed reports of much larger crocodiles exist, but examinations of incomplete remains have never suggested a length greater than 7&nbsp;m (23&nbsp;ft).<ref> Flmnh.ufl.edu</ref> Also, a living specimen estimated at 7&nbsp;m (23&nbsp;ft) and 2,000&nbsp;kg (4,400&nbsp;lb) has been accepted by the Guinness Book of World Records.<ref name= Salty>. News.boloji.com</ref> A specimen caught alive in the Philippines in 2011 (now enclosed at a zoo) was found to have measured 6.2&nbsp;m (20.3&nbsp;ft) in length.<ref name="pawb">. Pawb.gov.ph (2011-11-17). Retrieved on 2012-05-24.</ref><ref>. Crocodilian.blogspot.com (2011-11-12). Retrieved on 2012-05-24.</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/8879042/Philippine-town-claims-worlds-largest-crocodile-title.html | location=London | work=The Daily Telegraph | title=Philippine town claims world's largest crocodile title | date=2011-11-09}}</ref><ref>. ABS-CNS News (2011-09-11)</ref>

;Table of heaviest living reptiles
The following is a list of the heaviest living reptile species, which is dominated by the crocodilians. Unlike the upper weights of mammals, birds or fish, mass in reptiles is frequently poorly documented and many are subject to conjecture and estimation.<ref name = "Wood"/>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Rank
! Animal
! Average mass<br />
! Maximum mass<br />
! Average total length<br />
|-
| 1 || ] || 454 (1,000)<ref>. Animals.nationalgeographic.com</ref> || 2,000 (4,400)<ref name = Salty/> || 3.85 (12.6)<ref name = "Wood"/>
|-
| 2 || ] || 382 (840)<ref>. Sekombo.co.za</ref> || 1,089 (2,400)<ref name = "Wood"/> || 3.7 (12)<ref name = "Wood"/>
|-
| 3 || ] || 364 (800)<ref>. euroturtle.org</ref><ref>. Vanaqua.org</ref> || 932 (2,050)<ref name = "Wood"/> || 2 (6.6)<ref name = "Wood"/>
|-
| 4 || ] || 300 (660) || 1,310 (2,900)<ref>. Sharonspetcare.com</ref> || 3.6 (12)<ref>. Crocodilian.com</ref>
|-
| 5 || ] || 290 (640)<ref name= Orinoco>. ARKive</ref> || 900 (2,000) || 3.6 (12)<ref name= Orinoco/>
|-
| 6 || ] || 277 (610)<ref name= ACroc>. ARKive</ref> || 1,000 (2,200)<ref>. Seaworld.org</ref> || 3.5 (11)<ref name= ACroc/>
|-
| 7 || ] || 260 (570)<ref>. Thebigzoo.com</ref> || 1,000 (2,200)<ref name = "Wood"/> || 3.1 (10)<ref name = "Wood"/><ref name="IWC"/>
|-
| 8 || ] || 205 (450)<ref>. ARKive</ref> || 360 (790)<ref name = "Wood"/> || 1.4 (4.6)<ref>{{cite pmid|5160860}}</ref>
|-
| 9 || ] || 200 (440)<ref name= Ghar>. WWF India</ref> || 977 (2,150)<ref>. Animals.nationalgeographic.com</ref> || 3.8 (12)<ref name= Ghar/>
|-
| 10 || ] || 175 (390)<ref>. Animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu</ref> || 400 (880)<ref name= Ebersbach/> || 1.5 (4.9)<ref>. Sandiegozoo.org</ref>
|}
*'''Crocodilians''' (])
**The previously discussed Saltwater Crocodile is the largest living member of this order, and of the crocodile family. The ], verified up to 6.45&nbsp;m (21.2&nbsp;ft) and a weight of 1,089&nbsp;kg (2,400&nbsp;lb), is the second largest crocodile, and very similar in size to the saltwater crocodile.<ref name = "Wood"/> The largest living specimen of a nile crocodile is purported to be a ] from ] named ]; he is believed to be more than 6.1&nbsp;m (20&nbsp;ft) long. The extinct '']'' was the largest true crocodile to exist, growing up to 7.5–8 m (25–27&nbsp;ft) in length.<ref name=BS12>{{cite doi|10.1080/02724634.2012.652324}}</ref>
**The slender-snouted ], which has been measured up to 7&nbsp;m (23&nbsp;ft), is the largest member of its family and one of the largest crocodilians. Despite its length, specimens rarely exceed 450&nbsp;kg (1000&nbsp;lb) in weight.<ref>. The Animal Files. Retrieved on 2012-08-25.</ref> The largest member of this family to ever exist was the extinct '']'' from Miocene Asia. It was one of the largest crocodilians to exist, attaining a length up to possibly 18&nbsp;m (60&nbsp;ft) long, though was more typically 11&nbsp;m (36.3&nbsp;ft). Based on its fossils, the latter species was less massive and heavy than the other giant crocodilians, weighing an estimated 3 tonnes.<ref>Heilprin, Angelo (1974). ''The Geographical and Geological Distribution of Animals: The International Science Series Vol. 57''. Ayer Publishing. ISBN 0-405-05742-3.</ref><ref>. Dinosaurs.about.com (2012-04-26)</ref>
**The largest member of the family Alligatoridae is either the ] or ] which have been confirmed to grow up to 4.5&nbsp;m (15&nbsp;ft) in length and weigh up to 450&nbsp;kg (1000&nbsp;lb), not as large as the preceding crocodilians but still impressive. Unverified reports suggest lengths of up to 6&nbsp;m (20&nbsp;ft) for the ] and 5.8&nbsp;m (19&nbsp;ft) for the ]. The largest member of this family was the caiman-like '']'', from northern South America during the ] era. It grew up to 12&nbsp;m (40&nbsp;ft) long and could weigh at least 8 tonnes, making it one of the largest crocodilians ever.<ref>Schwimmer, David R. (2002).</ref>
**Other contenders for the largest crocodilian ever include the late ] era '']'' of what is now North America, at up to 12&nbsp;m (40&nbsp;ft) and 9&nbsp;tonnes. '']'' of the early ] was found in the Sahara desert and could also measure up to 12&nbsp;m (40&nbsp;ft) and weigh an estimated 13.6 tonnes.<ref>''The Size of Deinosuchus, King of the Crocodylians: The Paleobiology of Deinosuchus''. Indiana University Press. pp. 42–63. ISBN 0-253-34087-X.</ref><ref>. SuperCroc.org (2003-04-29)</ref><ref>{{cite doi|10.1017/S147720190600188X}}</ref>

] is the most massive living snake.]]
*'''Lizards and snakes''' (])
**The most massive living member of this highly diverse ] order is the green anaconda ('']'') of the neotropical riverways. The maximum verified size is 7.5&nbsp;m (25&nbsp;ft) and 250&nbsp;kg (550&nbsp;lb), although rumors of larger ]s persist.<ref>. Animals.nationalgeographic.com</ref> The reticulated python ('']'') of Southeast Asia is longer but more slender, and has been reported to measure as much as 9.7&nbsp;m (32&nbsp;ft) in length and to weigh up to 158&nbsp;kg (350&nbsp;lb).<ref name = "Wood"/><ref>. Cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk</ref> The fossil of the largest snake ever, the extinct boa '']'' were found in coalmines in Colombia. This snake was estimated to reached a length of 12 to 15 m (40 to 50&nbsp;ft),<ref name="CTV">{{cite web |url=http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090204/snake_biggest_090204/20090204?hub=SciTech |title=CTV.ca &#124; Ancient, gargantuan snakes ate crocs for breakfast}}</ref> weighed about 1,135&nbsp;kg (2,500&nbsp;lb),<ref name="head">{{cite pmid|19194448}}</ref> and measured about 1&nbsp;m (3&nbsp;ft) in diameter at the thickest part of the body.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090205.wsnake05/BNStory/Science/home |title=Titanoboa made anaconda look like a garter snake |last=McIlroy |first=Anne |date=2009-02-05|place=Toronto}}</ref><ref name=dunham>Will Dunham. . Reuters UK (2009-02-04)</ref>
**Among the ]s, the most diverse snake family, the longest specimens are reported in ] (''Ptyas korros''), at up to 4.75&nbsp;m (15.6&nbsp;ft).<ref>. Reptiliamania.blogspot.com (2011-01-19)</ref>
**The longest venomous snake is the South Asian ] (''Ophiophagus hannah''), with lengths (recorded in captivity) of up to 5.7&nbsp;m (19&nbsp;ft) and a weight of up to 12.7&nbsp;kg (28&nbsp;lb).<ref name = "Wood"/> It is also the largest ].
**The ], a very bulky species with a maximum length of around 2&nbsp;m (6.6&nbsp;ft),is typically the heaviest non-constrictor snake and the biggest member of the ], with unverified specimens reported to as much as 20&nbsp;kg (44&nbsp;lb).<ref name="Wood"/><ref>. California Academy of Sciences</ref> While not quite as heavy, another member of the ] family is longer still, the ] (''Lachesis muta''), with a maximum length of 3.65&nbsp;m (12.0&nbsp;ft).<ref>Mehrtens JM. 1987. ''Living Snakes of the World in Color''. New York: Sterling Publishers. ISBN 0-8069-6460-X.</ref>
**The largest of the monitor lizards (and the largest extent lizard in general) is the ] (''Varanus komodoensis''), endemic to the island of its name, at a maximum size of 3.13&nbsp;m (10.2&nbsp;ft) long and 166&nbsp;kg (366&nbsp;lb).<ref name = "Wood"/> The prehistoric Australian '']'' (''Varanus priscus''), which may have existed up to 40,000 years ago, is the largest terrestrial lizard known to exist, but the lack of a complete skeleton has resulted in a wide range of size estimates. Molnar's 2004 assessment resulted in an average weight of 320&nbsp;kg (710&nbsp;lb) and length of 4.5&nbsp;m (15&nbsp;ft), and a maximum of 1,940&nbsp;kg (4,300&nbsp;lb) at 7&nbsp;m (23&nbsp;ft) in length, which is toward the high end of the early estimates.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia
|last = Molnar
|first = Ralph E.
|encyclopedia = Varanoid Lizards of the World
|article = The Long and Honorable History of Monitors and Their Kin
|publisher = Indiana University Press
|year = 2004
|page = 588
|url = http://www.iupress.indiana.edu/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=21751
|isbn = 0-253-34366-6}}</ref>
** The largest extent gecko is the ] (''Rhacodactylus leachianus'') of New Caledonia, which can grow to 14 inches in length. <ref name="Ballance, Morris">Allison Ballance and Rod Morris, '''''"Island Magic; wildlife of the south seas"''''', David Bateman publishing, 2003</ref> It was surpassed in size by the extinct ] (''Hoplodactylus delcourti'') of New Zealand, which grew to a length of 23 inches. <ref name="wilson">{{Cite book | publisher = Canterbury University Press| isbn = 0-908812-52-3 | pages = 411| last = Wilson| first = Kerry-Jayne| title = Flight of the Huia: Ecology and Conservation of New Zealand's Frogs, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals | location = Christchurch, N.Z| date = 2004}}</ref>
**By far the largest-ever members of this order were the giant ]s (including '']'', '']'', and '']''), which grew to around 17&nbsp;m (56&nbsp;ft) and were projected to weigh up to 20 tonnes.<ref>. BBC (2005-08-26)</ref>

*'''Plesiosaurs''' ('']''); now extinct
:The largest known ] was ''] haasti'', from the late ] oceans around what is now New Zealand. It is estimated to have grown to around 20 m (66 ft) in length and to have weighed 30 tonnes.<ref>{{cite journal|author=Hiller, N., Mannering, A.A., Jones, C.M., Cruickshank, A.R.I. |year=2005|title=The nature of Mauisaurus haasti Hector, 1874 (Reptilia: Plesiosauria)|journal= Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology |volume=25 |issue=3|pages=588–601|jstor=4524479}}</ref>

*'''Ichthyosaurs''' ('']''); now extinct
:The largest of these marine reptiles (extinct for 90 million years) was the species '']'', at approximately 21 m (69 ft) long and 68 tonnes. This massive animal, from the ] era in what is now British Columbia, is considered the largest marine reptile so far found in the fossil record.<ref>{{cite doi|10.1671/0272-4634(2004)0242.0.CO;2}}</ref>

*'''Tuataras''' (])
:The larger of the two ] species of the New Zealand native ]s is the ] (''Sphenodon guntheri''). The maximum size is 1.4&nbsp;kg (3.1&nbsp;lb) and 76&nbsp;cm (30&nbsp;in).

], the largest extant turtle, digs a nest on the beach.]]
*'''Turtles''' (])
**The largest living turtle is the ] (''Dermochelys coriacea''), reaching a maximum total length of 3&nbsp;m (10&nbsp;ft) and a weight of 932&nbsp;kg (2,050&nbsp;lb).<ref name = "Wood"/>
**The largest extant freshwater turtle is possibly the North American ] (''Macrochelys temminckii''), which has an unverified maximum reported weight of 183&nbsp;kg (400&nbsp;lb), although this is challenged by several rare, giant ] from Asia ('']'' and '']'') unverified to 200&nbsp;kg (440&nbsp;lb) and nearly 2&nbsp;m (6.6&nbsp;ft) in total length.<ref name = "Wood"/><ref>Lukas I. Alpert . New York Daily News (2011-04-04)</ref><ref>Seth Mydans. New York Times (2007-05-18).</ref>
**The ] (''Chelonoidis nigra'') and the ] (''Aldabrachelys gigantea'') are considered the largest truly terrestrial reptiles alive today.<ref name = "Wood"/> While the Aldabra tortoise averages larger at 205&nbsp;kg (450&nbsp;lb), the more variable-sized Galapagos tortoise can reach a greater maximum size of 400&nbsp;kg (880&nbsp;lb) and 1.85&nbsp;m (6.1&nbsp;ft) in total length.<ref name= Ebersbach>Ebersbach, V.K. (2001). ''Zur Biologie und Haltung der Aldabra-Riesenschildkröte (Geochelone gigantea) und der Galapagos-Riesenschildkröte (Geochelone elephantopus) in menschlicher Obhut unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Fortpflanzun (PhD thesis)''. Hannover: Tierärztliche Hochschule. .</ref><ref>Fritts, T.H. (1983). ''Morphometrics of Galapagos tortoises: evolutionary implications''. In Bowman, I.R.; Berson, M.; Leviton, A.E. Patterns of evolution in Galapagos organisms. San Francisco: American Association for the Advancement of Science. pp. 107–122. ISBN 0-934394-05-9</ref> A much larger tortoise survived until about 2000 years ago, the Australasian '']'' at about 2.6&nbsp;m (8.5&nbsp;ft) long and a weight of over 1 tonne.<ref name = "Wood"/> The tortoise '']'', of the ] era from what is now Pakistan and India, was even larger, at nearly 3.1&nbsp;m (10&nbsp;ft) and 2 tonnes.
**There are many extinct turtles that vie for the title of the largest ever.<ref name = "Wood"/> The largest seems to be the freshwater turtle '']'', with an estimated total carapace length of more than 3.3&nbsp;m (11&nbsp;ft) and weight of up to 1,814–2,268&nbsp;kg (4,000–5,000&nbsp;lb).<ref>. animals.jrank.org</ref> A close contender is '']'', a sea turtle, which reached a length of 4.84&nbsp;m (15.9&nbsp;ft) across the flippers and a weight of over 2,200&nbsp;kg (4,850&nbsp;lb).<ref>. BBC (2005-08-26)</ref>

*'''Pterosaurs''' ('']''); now extinct
:A ] reptile (although not actually a dinosaur) is believed to have been the largest flying animal that ever existed: the ] ''] northropi'', from North America during the late ]. This species is believed to have weighed up to 250 kg (550 lb), measured 7.9 m (26 ft) in total length (including a neck length of over 3 m (10 ft)) and measured up to 11 m (36 ft) across the wings.<ref name=witton2010>Mark P. Witton, David M. Martill and Robert F. Loveridge, 2010, "Clipping the Wings of Giant Pterosaurs: Comments on Wingspan Estimations and Diversity", ''Acta Geoscientica Sinica'', '''31''' Supp.1: 79–81</ref><ref name="witton&naish2008">{{cite doi|10.1371/journal.pone.0002271}}</ref> Another possible contender for the largest pterosaur is '']'', which is also estimated to have had an 11 m (36 ft) wingspan.<ref name=witton2010/>

====Dinosaurs (])====
{{Main|Dinosaur size}}
:''See also:'' '']''
]
:Now extinct, except for theropod descendants, the '']''.
*'''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 an especimen of an immature '']'' discovered in ] between 1907 and 1912, now mounted in the ] of Berlin. It is 12&nbsp;m (40&nbsp;ft) tall and weighed 23–37 tonnes. The longest is a 25&nbsp;m (82&nbsp;ft) long specimen of '']'' discovered in ], and mounted in ]'s ] in 1907.
**There were larger sauropods, but they are known from only a few bones. The current record-holders had all been discovered before 1971, and include '']'', which may have weighed 73 tonnes; '']'' which might have reached 35&nbsp;m (112&nbsp;ft) in length and '']'' which might have been 18&nbsp;m (60&nbsp;ft) tall. Two other such sauropods include '']'' and '']''. Both are known only from fragments. ''Bruhathkayosaurus'' was between 40–44 m (130–145&nbsp;ft) in length and weighed 175–220 tons.<ref name="mortimer2001a">Mortimer, M. (2001), , discussion group, The Dinosaur Mailing List, 19 June 2001. Accessed 23 May 2008.</ref> ''A. fragillimus'' was approximately 58&nbsp;m long and weighed 122.4&nbsp;metric tons.

*'''Theropods''' (])
**The largest ] is arguably '']'' of the mid-Cretaceous, the largest ] ] known to exist (Although recent evidence suggests that spinosaurs spent a lot of time in the water filling a niche similar to modern day crocodiles and polar bears). Size estimates range from 12.6 to 18 m (41 to 59&nbsp;ft) long and 7 to 21 tonnes for the largest individual found. The lack of agreement lies in the lack of a complete skeleton, the unknown proportion of the head to the body and the unknown function of the massive sail.
**The largest theropod known from a complete skeleton is the '']'' specimen nicknamed "]", discovered in ] in 1990 and now mounted in the ] of Chicago. It was 12.3&nbsp;m (40&nbsp;ft) long, and weighted 6.8 to 9.1 tonnes depending of the methods used.<ref name= Theropod>{{cite doi|10.1671/0272-4634(2007)272.0.CO;2}}</ref>

*'''Armored Dinosaurs''' (])
:The largest ]ns 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.<ref>. Chemistrydaily.com</ref><ref>. sciencekids.co.nz</ref>

*'''Ornithopods''' (])
:The largest ornithopods, were the ]ids '']'', 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&nbsp;m (50&nbsp;ft) in length<ref name=XZetal07>{{cite doi|10.1007/s10114-005-0808-x}}</ref><ref name=WJM81>{{cite journal |last=Morris |first=William J. |year=1981 |title=A new species of hadrosaurian dinosaur from the Upper Cretaceous of Baja California: ?''Lambeosaurus laticaudus'' |jstor=1304231|journal=Journal of Paleontology |volume=55 |issue=2 |pages=453–462 }}</ref> and were likely the heaviest non-sauropod dinosaurs, estimated at over 23&nbsp;tonnes.<ref name=WJM81/>

*'''Ceratopsians''' (])
:The largest ]ns were '']'' and its ancestor '']'' from the late Cretaceous of North America. Both estimated to have reached about 9&nbsp;m (30&nbsp;ft) in length<ref name="Dodhorned">{{cite book|title=The Horned Dinosaurs|year=1996|author=Dodson, P.|publisher=Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey|isbn=0-691-02882-6}}</ref> and weighed 12&nbsp;tonnes.<ref name="Alexander">{{Cite doi| 10.1111/j.1096-3642.1985.tb00871.x}}</ref><ref name="wuetal2007">{{Cite doi |10.1139/E07-011}}</ref>

====Birds (])====
] is the largest living bird.]]
The largest living ], a member of the ], is the ] (''Struthio camelus''), from the plains of ] and ]. A large male ostrich can reach a height of 2.8&nbsp;m (9.2&nbsp;ft) and weigh over 156&nbsp;kg (345&nbsp;lb).<ref name="birding"> records</ref> A mass of 200&nbsp;kg (440&nbsp;lb) has been cited for the ostrich but no wild ostriches of this massive weight have been verified.<ref>. avianmedicine.net</ref> Eggs laid by the Ostrich can weigh 1.4&nbsp;kg (3&nbsp;lb) and are the largest eggs in the world today.

The largest bird in the fossil record may be the extinct ]s (''Aepyornis'') of Madagascar, which were related to the ]. They exceeded 3&nbsp;m (10&nbsp;ft) in height and 500&nbsp;kg (1,120&nbsp;lb).<ref name = "Wood"/> 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 ], part of a 26,000-year-old group called ]s of the family ].<ref>Murray, Peter F.; Vickers-Rich, Patricia (2004). ''Magnificent Mihirungs: The Colossal Flightless Birds of the Australian Dreamtime''. Indiana University Press. ISBN 978-0-253-34282-9</ref> The largest carnivorous bird was '']'', an extinct flightless bird from ] which reached a weight of 350 to 400&nbsp;kg (770 to 880&nbsp;lb) and a height of about 2.8&nbsp;m (9&nbsp;ft&nbsp;2&nbsp;in).<ref>Alvarenga, H.; Chiappe, L.; Bertelle, S. (2011-05-03), ''Phorusrhacids: the Terror Birds'', in Dyke, G.; Kaiser, G., Living Dinosaurs: The Evolutionary History of Modern Birds, Wiley, pp. 187–208, ISBN 978-0-470-65666-2</ref> The tallest bird ever however was the ] (''Dinornis maximus''), part of the moa family of ] that went ] about 200 years ago. This moa stood up to 3.7&nbsp;m (12&nbsp;ft) tall,<ref name=birding/> but weighed about half as much as a large elephant bird or ] due to its comparatively slender frame.<ref name = "Wood"/>

The largest bird ever capable of flight was '']'', a now extinct member of the ] group found in Argentine fossil beds, with a wingspan up to 8.3&nbsp;m (28&nbsp;ft), a length of up to 3.5&nbsp;m (11&nbsp;ft), a height on the ground of up to 2&nbsp;m (6.6&nbsp;ft) and a body weight of at least 80&nbsp;kg (176&nbsp;lb).<ref name = "Wood"/><ref>{{cite doi|10.1073/pnas.0702040104 }}</ref>

;Table of heaviest living birds
The following is a list of the heaviest living bird species. 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. One flying species, the corpulent ], ranks on the list.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Rank
! Animal
! Average mass<br />
! Maximum mass<br />
! Average total length<br />
|-
| 1 || ] || 104 (230)<ref name= Davies/> || 156.8 (346)<ref name= Davies/> || 210 (6.9)<ref name= Handbook1>del Hoyo, et al., ''Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 1: Ostrich to Ducks''. Lynx Edicons (1992), ISBN 978-84-87334-10-8</ref>
|-
| 2 || ] || 45 (99)<ref name= Davies/> || 85 (190)<ref>Christopher P. Kofron (1999). ''Attacks to humans and domestic animals by the southern cassowary (Casuarius casuarius johnsonii) in Queensland, Australia''. Journal of Zoology, 249, pp 375–381</ref> || 155 (5.1)<ref name= Davies/>
|-
| 3 || ] || 44 (97)<ref name= Davies/> || 75 (170)<ref name= Davies/> || 149 (4.9)<ref name= Handbook1/>
|-
| 4 || ] || 33 (73)<ref name= Davies/><ref name="CRC"/> || 70 (150)<ref>. gov.ns.ca</ref> || 153 (5)<ref name= Davies/>
|-
| 5 || ] || 31.5 (69)<ref name= Handbook1/><ref name= Penguin>Marion, Remi, ''Penguins: A Worldwide Guide''. Sterling Publishing Co. (1999), ISBN 0-8069-4232-0</ref> || 46 (100)<ref name= Handbook1/> || 114 (3.7)<ref name= Handbook1/>
|-
| 6 || ] || 23 (51)<ref name="CRC"/> || 40 (88)<ref name= Handbook1/> || 134 (4.4)<ref name= Davies/>
|-
| 7 || ] || 19.7 (43)<ref name= Davies/> || 34 (75)<ref name= Davies/> || 105 (3.4)<ref name="ref141">. (2009-04-09)</ref>
|-
| 8 || ] || 19.6 (43)<ref name= Davies/> || 28.6 (63)<ref name= Davies/> || 96 (3.2)<ref name= Handbook1/>
|-
| 9 || ] || 13.6 (30)<ref name= Handbook1/><ref name = Penguin/> || 20 (44)<ref>. Authorstream.com (2009-03-31)</ref> || 92 (3)<ref name="theanimalfiles">. The Animal Files</ref>
|-
| 10 || ] || 11.5 (25)<ref name= Handbook1/> || 15 (33)<ref>. Robertotoole.com (2011-02-28)</ref> || 170 (5.6)<ref name= Handbook1/>
|}

] is the biggest of the living birds of prey]]
*'''Birds of prey''' (])
**The largest ] species is the ] (''Aegypius monachus''), attaining a maximum size of 14 kg (31 lb), 1.2 m (3.9 ft) long and 3.1 m (10 ft) across the wings.<ref name = "Raptors">Christie, David A. & Ferguson-Lee, James, ''Raptors of the World''. Princeton University Press (2006), ISBN 978-0-691-12684-5</ref> Other vultures can be nearly as large, with the ] (''Gyps himalayensis'') reaching lengths up to 1.5 m (4.9 ft) thanks in part to its long neck.<ref>. Oiseaux-birds.com</ref>
**The largest living eagle (the larger varieties of active-hunting raptors) is a source of contention, with the ] (''Pithecophaga jefferyi''), at up to 1.12 m (3.7 ft), being the longest. The ] (''Haliaeetus pelagicus'') of Asia's North Pacific, at unconfirmed weights of up to 12.7 kg (28 lb) and an average weight of 6.7 kg (15 lb), is regarded as the heaviest eagle. The ] (''Harpia harpyja'') of the neotropical forests is the often cited as the
**largest eagle, as well, and captive females have weighed up to 12.3 kg (27 lb).<ref name = "Wood"/> The longest-winged eagle ever was an Australian ] (''Aquila audax'') at 2.83 m (9.3 ft), though this species is not as large as the previous species. The ] (''Aquila chrysaetos'') is barely smaller winged, with the Himalayan subspecies recorded to 2.77 m (9.1 ft).<ref name = "Wood"/> The Harpy and Philippine Eagles, due to having to navigate in deep forest, are relatively short-winged, and do not exceed 2 m (6.6 ft) or 2.2 m (7.2 ft), respectively, in wingspan.<ref name = "Wood"/> The now extinct ] (''Harpagornis moorei''), which existed alongside early ] people in New Zealand, was easily the largest eagle known and perhaps the largest raptor ever. Adult female Haast's were estimated to average up to 1.4 m (4.6 ft) long, a 15 kg (33 lb) body weight and a relatively short 3 m (10 ft) wingspan.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.notornis.org.nz/free_issues/Notornis_39-1992/Notornis_39_4_239.pdf|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20061108034612/http://www.notornis.org.nz/free_issues/Notornis_39-1992/Notornis_39_4_239.pdf|archivedate=2006-11-08|title=Notes on the weight, flying ability, habitat, and prey of Haast's Eagle (Harpagornis moorei)|year=1992|author=Brathwaite, D. H.|journal=Notornis|volume=39|issue=4|pages=239–247}}</ref>
]s, which are the largest waterfowl on earth.]]
*'''Waterfowl''' (])
**The largest species in general is the ] (''Cygnus buccinator'') of Northern North America, which can reach an overall length of 1.82&nbsp;m (6&nbsp;ft), a wingspan of 3.1 m (10&nbsp;ft) and a weight of 17.3&nbsp;kg (38&nbsp;lb).<ref>Price, Christopher ed., ''Firefly Encyclopedia of Birds''. Firefly Books (2003), ISBN 1-55297-777-3</ref> However, as is commonly the case in more widespread and physically variable birds occasionally outsizing their larger-on-average cousins, the heaviest waterfowl ever recorded was a cob ] (''Cygnus olor'') from Poland, which weighed 23&nbsp;kg (50&nbsp;lb) and was allegedly too heavy to take flight.<ref name = "Wood"/>
**The members of the previously mentioned ] are now classified as members of this order, making them the largest "]" that ever lived.
*'''Swifts and allies''' (])
**The largest species are the ] (''Streptoprocne semicollaris''), endemic to southern Mexico, and the ] (''Hirundapus celebensis''), of the Philippine islands. Both reach similar large sizes, at up to 225&nbsp;g (8&nbsp;oz), more than 0.6 m (2.0 ft) across the wings and 25&nbsp;cm (10&nbsp;in) in length.<ref>Chantler, Phil, ''Swifts: A Guide to the Swifts and Treeswifts of the World''. Pica Press (1993), ISBN 978-0-300-07936-4</ref>
**The ]s are also traditionally included in this order, the largest species of which is easily the ] (''Patagona gigas'') of the Andes Mountains. "Giant" is a relative term among the hummingbirds, the smallest-bodied variety of birds, and this species weighs up to 24 g (0.85 oz) at a length of 23 cm (9.1 in).<ref>Fjeldsa, Jon; Krabbe, Niels (1990). ''Birds of the High Andes''. Zoological Museum, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. p. 876.</ref>
**The longest hummingbird species, indeed the longest in the order, is the adult male ] (''Lesbia victoriae''), which can measure up to 25.5 cm (10.0 in), but a majority of this length is due to the extreme tail streamers. Another size champion among hummingbirds is the ], a fairly large species in which about half of its 21 cm (8.3 in) length is from its bill (easily the largest bill-to-body-size ratio of any bird).<ref>Ridgely, Robert S., ''The Birds of Ecuador, Vol. 2: Field Guide''. Cornell University Press (2001), ISBN 978-0-8014-8721-7</ref>
] is, overall, the largest member of the order ].]]
*'''Nightjars and allies''' (])
**The largest species of this order of nocturnal, mysterious birds is the neotropical ] (''Nycitbius grandis''), the maximum size of which is about 680&nbsp;g (1.5&nbsp;lb) and 60&nbsp;cm (2&nbsp;ft). Heavier specimens have been recorded in the bulky Australian ] (''Podargus strigoides'') species, especially juvenile birds, which can weigh up to 1.4 kg (3.1 lb). Other species nearly as large as the potoo are the ] (''Podargus papuensis'') of New Guinea and the neotropic, cave-dwelling ] (''Steatornis caripensis''), both at up to 48 cm (19 in).
**The largest species in the true ] family, the ] (''Eurostopodus macrotis'') of East Asia, is rather smaller at up to 150 grams (5.3 oz) and 41 cm (16 in).<ref>Cleere, Nigel, ''Nightjars: A Guide to the Nightjars, Nighthawks, and Their Relatives''. Yale University Press (1998), ISBN 978-0-300-07457-4</ref> The wingspan in the Great Potoo and the Oilbird can be more than 1 m (3.3 ft), the largest of the order.<ref>. En.caiman.com.br (2010-12-06).</ref><ref>. Oiseaux-birds.com.</ref>
*'''Shorebirds''' (])
**The largest species in this diverse order is the ] (''Larus marinus'') of the North Atlantic, attaining a size of as much as 0.79 m (2.6 ft), a wingspan of 1.7 m (5.6 ft) and weighing up to 2.3 kg (5.1 lb). The ] (''L. hyperboreus'') is, on average, somewhat smaller than the Black-back but has been weighed at as much as 2.7 kg (5.9 lb).<ref name="CRC"/><ref>Howell, Steven N.G. & Dunn, Jon, ''Peterson Reference Guides: Gulls of the Americas''. Hougton Mifflin Harcourt (2007), ISBN 0-618-72641-1</ref>
** Among the most prominent family of "small waders", the ]s reach their maximum size in the ] (''Numenius madagascariensis'') at up to 0.66 m (2.2 ft) and 1.1 m (3.6 ft) across the wings, although the more widespread ] (''N. arquata'') can weigh up to 1.36 kg (3.0 lb).<ref>Brazil, Mark, ''Birds of East Asia''. Christopher Helm Ornithology (2009), ISBN 978-0-7136-7040-0</ref><ref>. birdfellow.com</ref>
**Less variable in size, the ]s largest species is the Australasian ] (''Vanellus miles'') at up to 0.4 m (1.3 ft) long, a 0.85 m (2.8 ft) wingspan and a weight of 400 g (14 oz).<ref>. Oiseaux-birds.com.</ref> The terns, previously considered members of the gull family, are usually slender and dainty-looking in comparison but the largest species, the widely distributed ] (''Hydroprogne caspia''), is quite large and heavily built. Caspians can range up to 782 g (1.72 lb), a 1.4 m (4.6 ft) wingspan and 0.6 m (2.0 ft) in length.<ref>. Birdsinbackyards.net (2005-08-21)</ref><ref>. msue.msu.edu</ref> The ]s
**largest extant member is the sub-Arctic ] (''Uria lomvia''), which can range up to 1.48 kg (3.3 lb), a length of 0.48 m (1.6 ft) and a small wingspan of 0.76 m (2.5 ft).<ref>. Nhptv.org.</ref> However, until its extinction at mankind's hands, the flightless ] (''Pinguinus impennis'') of the North Atlantic, was both the largest alcid and the largest member of the order. Great auks could range up to 6.8 kg (15 lb) and 0.9 m (3.0 ft) tall.<ref>Fuller, Errol, ''Great Auk''. Harry N. Abrams (1999), ISBN 978-0-8109-6391-7.</ref>
*'''Herons and allies''' (])
**The ]s are still generally considered a member of this order,<ref>American Ornithologists' Union (2010)</ref> although the inclusion is dubious at best.<ref>Remsen ''et al.'' (2008)</ref> If they are included, the largest species in the order, if measured in regard to body weight and wingspan, is the ] (''Vultur gryphus'') of western South America. The great bird can reach a wingspan of 3.2&nbsp;m (10.7&nbsp;ft)<ref name=birding/> and a weight of 15&nbsp;kg (33&nbsp;lb).<ref>. ARKive</ref>
**The longest-bodied and tallest species in the order is probably the slender, towering ] of Africa (''Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis''), which often exceeds 1.5&nbsp;m (5&nbsp;ft) tall and has a wingspan of up to 2.7 m (8.9 ft).<ref>. Oiseaux-birds.com.</ref> Reaching a similar or slightly shorter height but more heavily built among the ]s are the neotropical ] (''Jabiru mycteria''), the Asian ] (''Leptoptilos dubius'') and the African ] (''L. crumeniferus''), all of which are believed to weigh up to 8 to 9 kg (18 to 20 lb). The latter two species, the Great Adjutant & the Marabou, at least nearly equals the Andean condor in maximum wingspan. All three are believed to exceptionally reach or exceed 3.16&nbsp;m (10.5&nbsp;ft) and are regarded as having the largest wingspan of any landbirds (that is species who live over land as opposed to tied to the sea or wetlands).<ref name="Wood"/> Standing up to 1.53 m (5.0 ft), with a wingspan of up to 2.3 m (7.5 ft) and a weight up to 5 kg (11 lb) is the African ] (''Ardea goliath''), the largest of the diverse and well-known herons and egrets. The White-bellied Heron (''A. insignis'') is generally smaller, but gigantic, unverified juveniles have been reported to 8.5 kg (18.8 lb) and 1.58 m (5.2 ft).<ref>The Bhutan Observer The Independent Voice (August 29th 2008)</ref> Many of the largest flying birds in the fossil record may have been members of the Ciconiiformes. This may include the
**The largest ibises either bird are ] (''Thaumatibis gigantea'') the largest of the world's ibises. Adults are reportedly 102–106&nbsp;cm (40–42&nbsp;in) long, with an upright standing height of up to {{convert|100|cm|in|abbr=on}} and are estimated to weigh about 4.2&nbsp;kg (9.3&nbsp;lbs).<ref name="Arkive" /> Among standard measurements, the ] is {{convert|52.3|-|57|cm|in|abbr=on}}, the ] is {{convert|30|cm|in|abbr=on}}, the ] is {{convert|11|cm|in|abbr=on}} and the ] is {{convert|20.8|-|23.4|cm|in|abbr=on}}. The adults have overall dark grayish-brown plumage with a naked, greyish head and upper neck. There are dark bands across the back of the head and shoulder area and the pale silvery-grey wing tips also have black crossbars. The beak is yellowish-brown, the legs are orange, and the eyes are dark red. Juveniles have short black feathers on the back of the head down to the neck, shorter bills and brown eyes.<ref name= Arkive/> having this ] (''Nipponia nippon'') of Japan is a large (up to 78.5&nbsp;cm long), white-plumaged ] of ] forests. Its head is partially bare, showing red skin, and it has a dense crest of white plumes on the ]. This species is the only member of the genus ''Nipponia''.
**largest flying bird ever, '']'', which is part of a group, the ]s, that are considered an ally of the New World vultures.<ref>Miller, Loye H. (1909): ''Teratornis, a new avian genus from Rancho La Brea''. University of California Publications, Bulletin of the Department of Geology 5: 305–317.</ref>
*'''Mousebirds''' (])
:The mousebirds of Africa are remarkably uniform, but the largest species is seemingly the ] (''Colius striatus''), at 2&nbsp;oz (60&nbsp;g) and over 14&nbsp;in (35&nbsp;cm).<ref>. Mousebirds.com</ref>
] is the largest living pigeon.]]
*'''Pigeons''' (])
**The largest species of the pigeon/dove complex is the ] (''Goura victoria'') of Northern New Guinea, although the other ]s approach similar sizes. Some exceptionally large Victoria Crowneds have reached 3.7&nbsp;kg (8.2&nbsp;lb) and 85&nbsp;cm (34&nbsp;in). The largest arboreal pigeon is the ] (''Ducula galeata''), which is up to about 0.8 m (2.6 ft) across the wings and can weigh 1 kg (2.2 lb).<ref>Gibbs, David, ''Pigeons and Doves''. A&C Black (2001), ISBN 978-1-873403-60-0</ref> 3 flightless birds found on islands off of East Africa are the The largest extinct pigeons and doves ] (''Ectopistes migratoritus'') of North America The average weight of these pigeons was 340–400&nbsp;g (12–14&nbsp;oz) and, per ]'s account, length was 42&nbsp;cm (16.5&nbsp;in) in males and 38&nbsp;cm (15&nbsp;in) in females.<ref>. Fins.actwin.com. Retrieved on 2011-12-18.</ref>
**largest pigeons known to have existed: the ] (''Raphus cucullatus''), which was physically somewhat like an outsized pigeon, the ] (''Pezophaps solitaria''), a brown, long-necked birds that were superficially ]-like. All three species may have exceeded 1 m (3.3 ft) in height. All were carelessly hunted it into extinction by humans and introduced animals. The Dodo is the most frequently crowned as the largest ever pigeon, as it could have weighed as much as 28 kg (62 lb), although recent estimates have indicated that an average wild Dodo would have weighed around 10.2 kg (22.5 lb), scarcely larger than a male turkey.<ref>Vermeij, Geerat J. (2004). ''Nature: An Economic History''. Princeton University Press, ISBN 0691115273</ref><ref>{{cite pmid|21240603}}</ref> If Dodos were this light, the Rodrigues solitaire may have been larger. Some estimates claim tha solitaire was merely swan-sized but others estimate weights of up to 27.8 kg (61.2 lb).<ref>. Internationaldovesociety.com</ref><ref>. DodoSite</ref>
*'''Kingfishers and allies''' (])
**The largest species is the ] (''Bucorvus leadbeateri''), reaching sizes of as much as 6.2 kg (14 lb) and 1.3 m (4.3 ft) in length.<ref>. Oiseaux.net (2009-10-25)</ref> Several arboreal, Asian hornbills can grow very large as well, with the ] (''Buceros bicornis'') weighing to 4 kg (8.8 lb) and the Helmeted Hornbill (''Rhinoplax vigil'') measuring as much as 1.7 m (5.6 ft) in total length.<ref>Alan Kemp, ''The Hornbills: Bucerotiformes''. Oxford University Press (1995), ISBN 978-0-19-857729-4</ref><ref>. ARKive</ref> The larger hornbills have a wingspan of up to 1.83 m (6.0 ft).<ref>. Sandiegozoo.org.</ref>
**The largest kingfisher overall is the ] (''Megaceryle maxima''), at up to 48 cm (19 in) long and 425 g (15.0 oz), with a large crest and finely spotted white on black upperparts.<ref>. Oiseaux-birds.com</ref> However, the common Australian species, the ] (''Dacelo novaeguineae''), may be heavier still, since individuals exceeding 450 g (1.0 lb) are not uncommon. A kookaburra wingspan can range up to 0.9 m (3.0 ft).<ref>Knowles, Leslie, ''Kingfishers of the World''. Times Edn (1995), ISBN 978-981-204-470-9</ref>
*'''Cuckoos and allies''' (])
**The largest species of this order is the ] (''Corythaeola cristata''), a cousin of the better-known ]s. This species, which can weigh over 1.25 kg (2.8 lb) and measure over 0.74 m (2.4 ft) in length, is rather larger than other ]s.
**The largest of the cuckoos is the ]n ] (''Scythrops novaehollandiae''), which can range up to a weight of 0.93 kg (2.1 lb), a 1 m (3.3 ft) wingspan and a length of 0.66 m (2.2 ft).<ref>Payne, Robert B., ''The Cuckoos''. Oxford University Press (2005), ISBN 978-0-19-850213-5</ref><ref>. Naturalhistory.org.au (2011-02-10)</ref>
*'''Falcons''' (])
**Many authorities now support the split of falcons from the ], despite similar adaptations, due to the genetic evidence showing they are not closely related.<ref>. Museum.lsu.edu</ref> The largest species of falcon is the ] (''Falco rusticolus''). Large females of this species can range up to 2.1 kg (4.6 lb), span 1.6 m (5.2 ft) across the wings and measure 0.66 m (2.2 ft) long.<ref name="Raptors"/> the largest extinct '']'' was a giant hawk about 8 kilograms that lived in the Antilles, where it was among the top predator.
*'''Gamebirds''' (])
**The heaviest member of this diverse order is the North American ] (''Meleagris gallopavo''). The largest specimen ever recorded was shot in 2002, and weighed 16.85 kg (37.1 lb) and 1.44 m (4.7 ft) in total length.<ref>. Nwtf.org</ref> The heaviest ] on record, a very obese bird, weighed 37&nbsp;kg (81&nbsp;lb).<ref name=birding/>
**The longest species, if measured from the tip of the bill to the end of the long tail coverts, is the male ] (''Pavo muticus'') of Southeast Asia, at up to 3&nbsp;m (10&nbsp;ft) long. This is the longest overall length for any flying bird, although about two-thirds of the length is comprised by the tail coverts, and this species (to 5 kg (11 lb)) weighs less than its cousin, the ] (''P. cristatus''), at up to 6 kg (13 lb). Although, wingspan is relatively small in most galliformes, both larger peafowl species can span as much as 1.6 m (5.2 ft) across the wings.<ref>. Sandiegozoo.org</ref>
**The largest member of the ] family is the Eurasian ] (''Tetrao urogallus''), at up to 6.7 kg (15 lb) and 1 m (3 ft). A prehistoric, flightless family, sometimes called (incorrectly) "giant megapodes" ('']'') of New Caledonia were the most massive galliformes ever, having reached 1.7 m (5.6 ft) long and weighed up to about 40 kg (88 lb).<ref>Jones, Darryl & Göth, Ann, ''Mound-Builders (Australian Natural History Series). CSIRO Publishing (2009), ISBN 978-0-643-09345-4</ref>
*'''Loons''' (])
**The largest species on average is the ] (''Gavia adamsii'') of the Arctic, at up to 1&nbsp;m (3.3&nbsp;ft) and 7&nbsp;kg (15.4&nbsp;lb). However, one exceptionally large North American ] (''Gavia immer''), weighed 8&nbsp;kg (17.6&nbsp;lb), heavier than any recorded Yellow-billed Loon. Wingspan in these largest loons can reach 1.52 m (5.0 ft).<ref>. Animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu (2004-10-06)</ref>
], the ] is the heaviest extant flying bird.]]
*'''Cranes and allies''' (])
**The males of the Eurasian ] (''Otis tarda'') and the African ] (''Ardeotis kori'') are the heaviest birds capable of flight, averaging up to 16 kg (35 lb) and weighing 2 to 3 times as much as their female counterparts. It is not resolved if one of these species is larger than the other, but both can reach a weight of at least 21 kg (46 lb)<ref name=birding/> and measure up to 1.53 m (5.0 ft) long.<ref name = "Wood"/><ref>. Scienceblogs.com (April 2010)</ref> Some Kori bustards have been reported from 23 kg (51 lb) to even 40 kg (88 lb), but all such reports are unverified or dubious.<ref>. Ecoport.org (2005-01-17)</ref>
**The tallest flying bird on earth, also represented in the ], is the ] (''Grus antigone'') of Southern Asia and Australia, which can reach a height of 2 m (6.6 ft).<ref>. gruitag.org</ref> Heavier cranes are reported in other species, the ] (''Grus japonensis'') and the ] (''G. leucogeranus''), both from Northeast Asia and both at up to 15 kg (33 lb), as opposed to a top weight of 12.8 kg (28 lb) in the Sarus.<ref name = "Wood"/><ref name = "CRC">''CRC Handbook of Avian Body Masses'' by John B. Dunning Jr. (Editor). CRC Press (1992), ISBN 978-0-8493-4258-5.</ref><ref>''The Wildlife Year'', The Reader's Digest Association, (1991). ISBN 0-276-42012-8</ref> Wingspan in both the largest cranes and the largest bustards can range up to 2.5–3 m (8.2–10 ft).<ref>. Tumblr.com</ref><ref>. Nationalzoo.si.edu</ref><ref>Sterling, et al., ''Vietnam: A Natural History''. Yale University Press (2006), ISBN 978-0-300-10608-4</ref>
**The most species-rich family in this order, the ], reaches their largest size in the bulky ] (''Porphyrio hochstetteri'') of New Zealand, an endangered species that can weigh up to 4.2 kg (9.3 lb) and measure 0.65 m (2.1 ft) long.<ref>Taylor, Barry, ''Rails: A Guide to the Rails, Crakes, Gallinules and Coots of the World''. Yale University Press (1998), ISBN 978-0-300-07758-2</ref> The afforement-mentioned "terror bird", '']'', has traditionally been classified as a member of this order, although this may not be an accurate classification.
] shares the title of the largest songbird with its common cousin.]]
*'''Songbirds''' (])
**The passerine or songbird order comprises more than half of all bird species, and are known for their generally small size, their strong voices and their frequent perching. ]s are the largest of passerines, particularly the large races of the ] (''Corvus corax'') and the Northeast African ] (''C. crassirostris''). Large ravens can weigh 2&nbsp;kg (4.4&nbsp;lb), attain a 1.5&nbsp;m (5.0&nbsp;ft) wingspan and measure 0.8&nbsp;m (2.6&nbsp;ft) long.<ref>. Oiseaux-birds.com</ref>
**The closest non-corvid contender to largest size is the Australian ] (''Menura novaehollandiae''), which can reach a length of 1&nbsp;m (3.3&nbsp;ft), much of it comprised by their spectacular tail, and a weight of 1&nbsp;kg (2.2&nbsp;lb).<ref>Bambaradeniya, et al., ''The Illustrated Atlas of Wildlife''. University of California Press (2009), ISBN 978-0-520-25785-6</ref>
**The largest species in the most species-rich passerine family, ] or tyrant-flycatchers, is the ] of the South Andes (''Agriornis lividus''), at 99.2&nbsp;g (3.5&nbsp;oz) and 31&nbsp;cm (12&nbsp;in), although the ] (''Tyrannus savana''), to 41&nbsp;cm (16&nbsp;in), is longer thanks to its extreme tail.<ref name = "CRC"/><ref>. eNature</ref>
**The namesake of the previous family, the ]s, reaches its maximum size in the ] of Southeast Asia (''Cochoa viridis''), if it is indeed a proper member of the family, at up to 122&nbsp;g (4.3&nbsp;oz)<ref name = "CRC"/> and a length of 29&nbsp;cm (11&nbsp;in). Closely related to the Old World flycatchers and internationally well-known, the ] family's
**largest representative is the ] of India and Southeast Asia (''Myophonus caeruleus''), at up to 230&nbsp;g (8.1&nbsp;oz) and 36&nbsp;cm (14&nbsp;in).<ref>. Oiseaux-birds.com</ref>
**The largest bird family in ] is the ]s. As previously classified these warblers could get fairly large, up to 57&nbsp;g (2.0&nbsp;oz) and 28&nbsp;cm (11&nbsp;in) in the ] of Southeast Asia (''Megalurus palustris''). The Old World warblers have been split into several families, however, which leaves the ] of central Eurasia (''Sylvia nisoria''), up to 36&nbsp;g (1.3&nbsp;oz) and 17&nbsp;cm (6.7&nbsp;in), as the largest "true warbler".<ref>''Handbook of the Birds of the World, Volume 11: Old World Flycatcher's to the Old World Warblers''. Lynx Edicions (2006), ISBN 978-84-96553-06-4</ref>
**Not to be confused with the previous family, the largest of the well-known ]s is the aberrant ] (''Icteria virens''), which can exceptionally measure up to 22&nbsp;cm (8.7&nbsp;in) and weigh 53&nbsp;g (1.9&nbsp;oz).<ref>. Allaboutbirds.org</ref><ref>. Tnwatchablewildlife.org</ref>
**Another large family is the ]s, the largest of which is the south Asian ] (''Pycnonotus zeylanicus''), to 94&nbsp;g (3.3&nbsp;oz) and 29&nbsp;cm (11&nbsp;in). The diverse, large family of ] can reach 35&nbsp;cm (14&nbsp;in) and 170&nbsp;g (6.0&nbsp;oz) in the south Asian ] (''Garrulax pectoralis'').<ref>. Zootierliste.de</ref>
**The familiar domesticated species, the ] (''Padda oryzivora''), is (in the wild) the largest ], at up to 28.3&nbsp;g (1&nbsp;oz) and 17&nbsp;cm (6.7&nbsp;in).<ref>. Answers.com (2006-05-11)</ref> **The largest ], perhaps the most diverse ]n bird family, is the ] (''Gymnomyza aubryana''), at up to 290&nbsp;g (10&nbsp;oz)<ref name = "CRC"/> and 30&nbsp;cm (12&nbsp;in). The largest of the ] is the ] (''Mycerobas affinis'') of central and south Asia at up to 23&nbsp;cm (9.1&nbsp;in) and 80&nbsp;g (2.8&nbsp;oz).<ref>Clement, Peter, ''Finches & Sparrows''. Princeton University Press (1999), ISBN 978-0-691-04878-9</ref>
**Among the largest bird families, the ], reaches its largest size in the ] (''Pipilo aberti'') of Southwest United States and north Mexico at up to 23&nbsp;cm (9.1&nbsp;in) and 80&nbsp;g (2.8&nbsp;oz).<ref>Byers, Clive, ''Sparrows and Buntings: A Guide to the sparrows and Buntings of North America and the World''. Houghton Mifflin (1997), ASIN B000ZFNLXS</ref>
**Closely related to the previous family is the ]s, which can range up to 140&nbsp;g (4.9&nbsp;oz) in the Andean-forest-dwelling ] (''Sericossypha albocristata'').<ref name="CRC"/> Another species-rich ] family is the ], **the largest of which, the ] (''Xiphocolaptes major'') of the Amazonian rainforests, can weigh up to 162&nbsp;g (5.7&nbsp;oz) and 35&nbsp;cm (14&nbsp;in). The specialized ] family can range up to 156&nbsp;g (5.5&nbsp;oz) and 35.5&nbsp;cm (14&nbsp;in) in the ] (''Batara cinerea'').<ref name = "CRC"/> Among the most variably sized passerine families is the ]s.
**The largest icterid is the ] (''Psarocolius bifasciatus''), in which males can range up to 52&nbsp;cm (1.7&nbsp;ft) and 550&nbsp;g (1.2&nbsp;lb).<ref>Hilty, Steven L., ''Birds of Venezuela''. Princeton University Press (2003), ISBN 978-0-691-09250-8</ref> The latter species competes with the similarly sized ] (''Cephalopterus ornatus'') as the largest passerine in ].
] is one of the world's largest flying birds.]]
*'''Cormorants and allies''' (])
**The ]s rank amongst the largest flying birds. The largest species of pelican is the Eurasian ] (''Pelecanus crispus''), which attains a length of 1.83&nbsp;m (6.0&nbsp;ft) and a body weight of 15&nbsp;kg (33&nbsp;lb). The ] (''P. onocrotalus'') of Europe and Africa is nearly as large. The ] (''P. conspicillatus'') is slightly smaller but has the largest bill of any bird, at as much as 49&nbsp;cm (19&nbsp;in) long.<ref name="birding"/> A large pelican can attain a wingspan of 3.6&nbsp;m (11.8&nbsp;ft), second only to the ]es among all living birds.<ref name="Harrison">Harrison, Peter, ''Seabirds: An Identification Guide''. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (1991), ISBN 978-0-395-60291-1</ref>
**The largest of the ]s is the ] of the Galapagos Islands (''Phalacrocorax harrisi''), at up to 5&nbsp;kg (11&nbsp;lb) and 1&nbsp;m (3.3&nbsp;ft), although large races in the ] (''P. carbo'') can weigh up to 5.3&nbsp;kg (12&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Ecostravel.com</ref><ref>Philip H.R. Stepney. . The Canadian Encyclopedia</ref> The ] of the North Pacific (''P. perspicillatus''), which went extinct around 1850, was larger still, averaging around 6.4&nbsp;kg (14&nbsp;lb) and 1.15&nbsp;m (3.8&nbsp;ft).<ref>. Calacademy.org</ref>
**The widely distributed ] is of note for having an extremely large wingspan, up to 2.5&nbsp;m (8.2&nbsp;ft), for its relatively light body, at up to only 1.9&nbsp;kg (4.2&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Allaboutbirds.org</ref>
**A family of birds, ] or pseudotooth birds, included several species that were behind only '']'' in size among all flying birds. Characterized by the tooth-like protrusions along their bills, this unique family has been variously allied with the ], the ], the ]s and even the ]. Their true linkage to extant birds remains in question, though pelecaniformes are the group most regularly considered related. Some of the largest pseudotooth birds have included, '']'' of the late ] from the North Pacific, '']'', from the ] era in what is now ] and '']'', from Eocene era Europe. A new, unnamed species has been discovered which may outsize even these giants. Superficially ]-like, each of these pseudotooth species may have attained lengths of 2.1&nbsp;m (7&nbsp;ft) long and wingspans of at least 6&nbsp;m (20&nbsp;ft). Body mass in these slender birds was probably only up to around 29&nbsp;kg (64&nbsp;lb).<ref> Encyclopædia Britannica Online</ref><ref>. Dinosaurs.about.com (2011-06-16)</ref><ref>{{cite doi|10.1080/02724634.2010.501465}}</ref>
*'''Flamingos''' (])
:The largest flamingo is the ] (''Phoenicopterus ruber'') of Eurasia and Africa. One of the tallest flying birds in existence when standing upright (exceeded only by the tallest ]s), this species typically weighs 3.5 kg (7.7 lb) and stands up to 1.53 m (5.0 ft) tall. However, at maximum size, a male can weigh up to 4.55 kg (10.0 lb) and stand as high as 1.87 m (6.1 ft).<ref>. tourduvalat.org</ref> Wingspan is relatively small in flamingos, but can range up to 1.65 m (5.4 ft).<ref>. Seaworld.org</ref>
] is the largest species in the ] order as well as one of the most colorful.]]
*'''Woodpeckers and allies''' (])
**The largest species of this diverse order is the ] (''Ramphastos toco'') of the neotropic forest. Large specimens of this toucan can weigh to 870 g (1.9 lb) and 0.65 m (2.1 ft), at which size the magnificent beak alone could measure about 20 cm (7.9 in).<ref name = "Short">Short, Lester & Horne, Jennifer, ''Toucans, Barbets and Honeyguides (Bird Families of the World)''. Oxford University Press (2002), ISBN 978-0-19-854666-5</ref>
**The largest woodpecker was, at least until the 20th century, the ] (''Campephilus imperialis'') of ]. This species had a length of up to 0.6 m (2.0 ft) and is generally believed to have gone extinct following habitat destruction and hunting.<ref>. Birdlife.org</ref> The closely related ] (''Campephilus principalis'') of the Southeast United States and Cuba approached similar sizes at up to 0.5 m (1.6 ft), a 0.78 m (2.6 ft) wingspan and a mass of at least 530 g (1.2 lb). Despite possibilities that it has survived in some deep swamp forests in ] or ], the Ivory-billed is generally considered to have succumed to the same man-made pressures as its larger cousin.<ref>. Birds.cornell.edu</ref> Faring better so far, the ] (''Mulleripicus pulverulentus'') of southeast ] is the largest woodpecker certain to exist, with a weight of up to 500 g (1.1 lb) and a length of up to 0.58 m (1.9 ft).<ref>Winkler, et al., ''Woodpeckers: An Identification Guide to the Woodpeckers of the World''. Houghton Mifflin (1995), ISBN 978-0-395-72043-1</ref>
**Less well-known than the woodpeckers and toucans, the ] can range up to 273 g (9.6 oz) and 33 cm (13 in) in the ] (''Megalaima virens'').<ref name = "Short"/>
*'''Grebes''' (])
:The largest species of grebe is the ]n ] (''Podiceps major''). It can reach a length of 0.8 m (2.6 ft), a 1 m (3 ft) wingspan and a weigh of over 2&nbsp;kg (4.4&nbsp;lb).<ref>del Hoyo, Elliott & Sargatal. ''Handbook of Birds of the World, Volume 1 Ostrich to Ducks''. ISBN 84-87334-10-5</ref>
] is the largest sea bird]]
*'''Tubenoses''' (])
**The largest species is ] (''Diomedea exulans'') of the sub-Antarctica oceans, which also possesses longest wingspan of any living bird. The maximum dimensions in this species are a length of 1.44&nbsp;m (4.6&nbsp;ft) and a wingspan of 3.65 m (12.0 ft).<ref name=birding/> Unverified albatross have been reported to 5.3 m (17 ft).<ref name="Wood"/>
**The ] (''Diomedea epomophora'') lags behind the Wandering only slightly in all aspects of size.<ref name="Harrison"/> These great birds can fly for hours on the ocean winds without flapping or needing to land. Immature wandering albatrosses have weighed as much as 15.9 kg (35 lb) at the time of their first flights, though the maximum reported weigh in adults in 12.7 kg (29 lb).<ref name = "Wood"/>
*'''Hoatzin''' (])
:The ] (''Opisthocomus hoazin''), Hoatzin is a ]-sized South American bird, with a total length of 65 cm (26 in) and a maximum weight of 1 kg (2.2 lb), and has a long neck and small head. It has an unfeathered blue face with ] eyes, and its head is topped by a spiky, rufous crest. The long sooty-brown tail is broadly tipped ]. The upperparts are dark sooty-brown edge
*'''Parrots''' (])
**The largest parrot by length and wingspan is the endangered ] (''Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus'') of the neotropic lowlands, reaching a length of nearly 1.2&nbsp;m (3.9&nbsp;ft) long, and a wingspan of 1.4 m (4.6 ft); it weighs only 2&nbsp;kg (4.4&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Sarapetstudios.com (2011-10-05)</ref> The heaviest parrot is the nearly extinct ] (''Strigops habroptila''),<ref>{{cite doi|10.1676/1559-4491(2006)1182.0.CO;2}}</ref> which is part of the unique ] family. The strange, flightless kakapo may not exceed 0.68 m (2.2 ft) in length, it can however weigh up to 4.1 kg (9 lb).<ref>Elliott, Greaeme P (2006). . ''Society'' 53(1): 164-172</ref>
**The largest species in the ] family is the Australasian ] (''Probosciger aterrimus''), at up to 0.6 m (2.0 ft) long and a weight of 1.2 kg (2.6 lb).<ref>Forshaw, Joseph, ''Parrots of the World''. TFH Publications (1978), ISBN 978-0-87666-959-4</ref>
*'''Sandgrouse''' (])
:The ] (''Pterocles orientalis'') is the largest sandgrouse, at a maximum size of 634&nbsp;g (1.4&nbsp;lb) and 45&nbsp;cm (18&nbsp;in).<ref>del Hoyo, Elliott & Sargatal. ''Handbook of Birds of the World, Volume 4: Sandgrouse to Cuckoos''. ISBN 84-87334-22-9</ref>
] is one of the heaviest living birds as well as the largest penguin.]]
*'''Penguins''' (])
:The largest species is easily the ] (''Aptenodytes forsteri'') of the Antarctic, with a maximum height of 1.35&nbsp;m (4.3&nbsp;ft) and weight of 46&nbsp;kg (102&nbsp;lb).<ref name = "Wood"/> The next largest living species is the ], which grows up to a maximum of 18 kg (40 lb) and 1 m (3 ft) tall.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Field Immobilization of King Penguins with Tiletamine-Zolazepam (Uso de tiletamine-zolazepam para inmobilizar Aptenodytes patagonicus en el campo)|author=Marie-Anne Thil and René Groscolas|journal=Journal of Field Ornithology|volume=73|issue= 3|year=2002|pages=308–317|jstor=4131109}}</ref> At one time, possibly competing with the ]ian ]s, a number of giant penguins existed. The largest is believed to be '']'', having reached a height of 1.8 m (5.9 ft) and a weight of up to 108 kg (240 lb).<ref>. app.pan.pl</ref>
] is one of the biggest owls]]
*'''Owls''' (])
**The most massive owl is certainly either the ] (''Bubo bubo'') or the endangered and similarly sized ] (''Bubo blakistoni'') of coastal Russia and Japan. Record-sized specimens of both species have weighed about 4.5&nbsp;kg (10&nbsp;lb) and measured over 0.75 m (2.5 ft) long.<ref>. Quillcards.com (2009-09-23)</ref> In either species, the wingspan can range up to 2 m (6.6 ft).<ref>. Pauldfrost.co.uk.</ref><ref name= Owl>''A Guide to the Owls of the World'' by Konig, Weick & Becking. Yale University Press (1999), ISBN 0300142277</ref> Longer still, but not as massive as the previous species (never more than 1.8 kg (4.0 lb) in weight), a large female ] (''Strix nebulosa'') from the northern boreal forests can range up to 0.83 m (2.7 ft).<ref>. OwlPages.</ref>
**The largest of the ] family is the Tasmanian subspecies (possibly full species) of the ] (''Tyto novaehollandiae castanops''), which weighs up to 1.4 kg (3.1 lb) and measures to 0.6 m (2.0 ft).<ref name= Owl/> The largest owl known to have existed was '']'' of Cuba, a uniquely ] owl. The giant bird was estimated to stand over 1.1 m (3.6 ft) on the ground and to weigh at least 9.05 kg (20.0 lb).<ref>Arredondo, Oscar (1976) translated Olson, Storrs L. ''The Great Predatory Birds of the Pleistocene of Cuba'' pp. 169–187 in "Smithsonian Contributions to Paleobiology number 27; Collected Papers in Avian Paleontology Honoring the 90th Birthday of Alexander Wetmore"</ref>
] ranks as the largest species]]
*'''Tinamous''' (])
:The largest species of ], a group of chunky, elusive ground-birds from the ] forests, is the ] (''Tinamus tao'') of western South America. It can reach a weight over 2&nbsp;kg (4.4&nbsp;lb) and length of over 55&nbsp;cm (22&nbsp;in).<ref name= Davies>Davies, Stephen, ''Ratites and Tinamous''. Oxford University Press (2002), ISBN 978-0-19-854996-3</ref>
*'''Trogons''' (])
:The ] (''Pharomachrus mocinno'') of the montane cloud of Central America is the largest ], though a few other quetzals approach similar sizes. It can weigh more than 226 g (8.0 oz) and, in females and non-breeding or immature males, measure up to 0.4 m (1.3 ft) from the head to the tail. However, when the adult male develops his spectacular tail streamers, his total length is boasted an extra 0.6 m (2.0 ft).<ref>Johnsgard, Paul A., ''Trogons and Quetzals of the World''. Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press (2000), ISBN 978-1-56098-388-0</ref>

====Amphibians (])====
], the largest of the surviving ]s.]]
The largest living ] is the ] (''Andrias davidianus''). The maximum size of this nearly man-sized river-dweller is 64&nbsp;kg (140&nbsp;lb) and almost 1.83&nbsp;m (6.0&nbsp;ft).<ref name = "Wood"/> Before ]s became the dominant ]s, 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&nbsp;m (30&nbsp;ft).<ref>{{cite journal|author=Cox, C. B. and Hutchinson, P.|year= 1991|title=Fishes and amphibians from the Late Permian Pedrado Fogo Formation of northern Brazil|journal= Palaeontology|volume=34|pages= 561–573|url=http://palaeontology.palass-pubs.org/pdf/Vol%2034/Pages%20561-573.pdf}}</ref>

*'''Frogs''' (])
:The largest member of the largest order of ]s is the African ] (''Conraua goliath''). The maximum size this species is verified to attain is a weight of 3.8&nbsp;kg (8.4&nbsp;lb) and a snout-to-vent length of 39 cm (15 in).<ref name = "Wood"/> The largest of the ]s, the ] (''Bufo marinus''), 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.<ref name = "Wood"/> 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.<ref>. Honoluluzoo.org</ref> However, the toad '']'', found in fossil from the ] era in what is now Madagascar, could grow to be 41&nbsp;cm (16&nbsp;in) long and weigh up to 4.5&nbsp;kg (10&nbsp;lb), making it the largest frog ever known.<ref>. News.nationalgeographic.com (2010-10-28)</ref> 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).<ref>. The Animal Files</ref> 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).<ref>. Bullafina.com (2008-06-11)</ref> 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 kilograms (1.3 lb). 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).<ref>. Animals.nationalgeographic.com</ref> 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 Hill 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).<ref>Zweifel, Richard G. (1998). Cogger, H.G. & Zweifel, R.G.. ed. ''Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians''. San Diego: Academic Press. ISBN 0-12-178560-2.</ref>
] ranks as the largest toad in the world]]
*'''Caecilians''' (])
:The largest of the worm-like ] is the Colombian Thomson's Caecilian ('']''), which reaches a length of 1.5&nbsp;m (5&nbsp;ft), a width of about 4.6 cm (1.8 in) and can weigh up to about 1&nbsp;kg (2.2&nbsp;lb).<ref name = "Wood"/>
*'''Salamanders''' (])
:Besides the previously mentioned Chinese giant salamander, 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 largest of the newts is the ] (''Pleurodeles waltl''), which can grow up to 30 cm (12 in) in length.<ref>. Buzzle.com</ref>

====Lobe-finned fish (])====
] is one of the strangest and most primitive fish]]
The largest living ] is the ]. The average weight of the living ], (''Latimeria chalumnae''), is 80&nbsp;kg (176&nbsp;lb), and they can reach up to 2&nbsp;m (6.5&nbsp;ft) in length. Specimens can measure up to 110&nbsp;kg (240&nbsp;lb). The largest lobe-finned fish of all time was '']'' at up to 5&nbsp;m (16&nbsp;ft).<ref>. PBS (2002-02-26)</ref>
*'''Lungfish''' (])
:The largest lungfish, the ] (''Protopterus aethiopicus''), is smooth, elongated, and cylindrical with deeply embedded ]. The tail is very long and tapers at the end. They can reach a length of up to 2 m (6.6 ft) and may weigh as much as 50 kg (110 lb).<ref name=FB>{{FishBase family|family=Lepidosirenidae|year=2009|month=January}}</ref><ref>. Fishing-worldrecords.com</ref> The pectoral and pelvic fins are also very long and thin, almost spaghetti-like. The newly hatched young have branched external gills much like those of newts. After 2 to 3 months the young transform (called ]) into the adult form, losing the ] for gill openings. These fish have a yellowish gray or pinkish toned ground color with dark slate-gray splotches, creating a marbling or leopard effect over the body and fins. The color pattern is darker along the top and lighter below.<ref>. Animal-world.com.</ref>

====Ray-finned bony fish (])====
] is the largest of the bony fish]]
The largest living ] (] ], which includes both ] and lobe-finned fish) is the widely distributed ] (''Mola mola''), a member of the order ]. The record size sunfish crashed into a boat off ] in 1910 and measured 4.3&nbsp;m (14&nbsp;ft) from fin-to-fin, 3.1&nbsp;m (10&nbsp;ft) in length and weighed about 2,300&nbsp;kg (5,100&nbsp;lb).<ref name = "Wood"/>

] or oarfish, the longest of all ].]]
As to length, the longest ] bony fish on earth is the ] or oarfish (''Regalecus glesne''). Slender and compressed, this fish averages over 6&nbsp;m (20&nbsp;ft) long at maturity. A specimen caught in 1885 of 7.6&nbsp;m (25&nbsp;ft) in length weighed 275&nbsp;kg (610&nbsp;lb). The longest known king of herrings, which was hit by a steamship, was measured as 13.7&nbsp;m (45&nbsp;ft) long, but unverified specimens have been reported up to 16.7&nbsp;m (55&nbsp;ft).<ref name = "Wood"/>

Much larger ] existed prehistorically, the largest ever known having been '']'', of the ] period in what is now England. This species is certainly the largest bony fish ever and perhaps the largest non-] marine animal to have ever existed. Estimates of the size of this fish range from 9&nbsp;m (30&nbsp;ft) to 30&nbsp;m (100&nbsp;ft) and mass from 10 to 150 tonnes. A maximum size of 22&nbsp;m (72&nbsp;ft) and 90-100 tonnes has been deemed to be most realistic.<ref>. News.nationalgeographic.com (2010-10-28)</ref>
], one of the largest bony fish]]
*'''Sturgeons''' (])
:The largest species is the ] (''Huso huso'') of the Caspian and Black seas, the only extant bony fish to rival the massiveness of the Ocean Sunfish. The largest specimen considered reliable (based on remains) was caught in ] estuary in 1827 and measured 7.3&nbsp;m (24&nbsp;ft) and weighed 1,474&nbsp;kg (3,250&nbsp;lb).<ref name = "Wood"/> The slightly smaller ] (''Huso dauricus'') or Great Siberian Sturgeon has been weighed reliably up to 1,140&nbsp;kg (2,500&nbsp;lb) (Berg, 1932) and a length of 5.6&nbsp;m (18.5&nbsp;ft).<ref name = "Wood"/><ref>. fishbase.org</ref> The North American ] (''Acipenser transmontanus''), unverified to 907&nbsp;kg (2,000&nbsp;lb) and 6.1&nbsp;m (20.1&nbsp;ft), and the ] (''A. gueldenstaedtii''), at as much as 1,000&nbsp;kg (2,200&nbsp;lb) and 5.5&nbsp;m (18.2&nbsp;ft) for a 75-year-old female, also can attain great sizes.<ref name = "Wood"/> These fish are sometimes called the largest freshwater fish but sturgeons spend a great deal of time in ] and switch back and forth between saltwater and freshwater environments in their life cycle. Also included in this order are the ] and the ] (''Psephurus gladius''), which may now be extinct and is at least ], is also a very large fish. Reportedly, fisherman as recently as the 1950s have caught paddlefish measuring up to 6.7&nbsp;m (22&nbsp;ft) in total length, although no specimen greater than 3.1&nbsp;m (10&nbsp;ft) has been scientifically measured. The weight of the Chinese Paddlefish is reportedly 300 to 500&nbsp;kg (660 to 1,100&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref><ref name= Paxton>Paxton & Eschmeyer (editors), ''Encyclopedia of Fishes, Second Edition''. Academic Press (1998), ISBN 978-0-12-547665-2</ref>
], the world's most massive eel]]
*'''Bowfins''' (])
:The largest species bowfins ] (''Amia calva'') The most distinctive characteristic of the bowfin is its very long ] consisting of 145 to 250 rays, and running from mid-back to the base of the tail. The ] is a single lobe, though heterocercal.<ref>Nelson, Joseph S. (2006). ''Fishes of the World''. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ISBN 0-471-25031-7</ref> They can grow up to {{convert|109|cm|in}} in length, and weigh {{convert|9.75|kg|lb}}.<ref name=FB>{{FishBase family|family=Amiidae|year=2009|month=January}}</ref>
*'''Eels''' (])
:The largest species of "true eel", if measured in weight and overall bulk, is the ] (''Conger conger''). The maximum size of this species has been reported to 3&nbsp;m (10&nbsp;ft) and a mass of 110&nbsp;kg (240&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref> Several ]s can equal or exceed the previous eel in length but do not weigh as much. The longest fish in the order, at up to 4&nbsp;m (13&nbsp;ft), is the ] (''Strophidon sathete'') of the Indo-Pacific oceans.<ref>. FishBase (2011-11-15).</ref>
*'''Silversides''' (])
:An order best known for its tiny representatives, the largest species is the jacksmelt ('']'') of the Pacific Ocean. Although it reaches 45&nbsp;cm (18&nbsp;in), it is not known to even reach 450&nbsp;g (1&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref>
*'''Barreleyes and Slickheads''' (])'''
:The largest barreleyes is are ] (''Bathylychnops exilis'')found in the northern ] and in the eastern ] near the ] where it is found at depths of around {{convert|640|m|ft}}. This species grows to a length of {{convert|50|cm|in}} ].<ref>{{FishBase species |genus= Bathylychnops|species= exilis| month = February | year = 2012}}</ref>
*'''Grinners''' (])
:The largest member of this order is the ] (''Alepisaurus ferox''), found in all the world's oceans. Slender, with a huge spine, these fish can reach 2.1&nbsp;m (7&nbsp;ft) long and can weigh up to 11&nbsp;kg (24&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Mendeley.com</ref>
*'''Toadfish''' (])
].]]
:The largest ] is the ] (''Batrachoides surinamensis''), reaching a size of up to 5&nbsp;lb (2.3&nbsp;kg) and 23&nbsp;in (58&nbsp;cm).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref>
*'''Flying-fish and allies''' (])
:The largest member of this order, best known for its members' ability to ] the water and zip through the sky, is the pelagic ] (''Tylosurus crocodilus''), a slender fish at up to 1.5&nbsp;m (5&nbsp;ft) and a weight of 6.35&nbsp;kg (14.0&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref> The largest true "]" is the Japanese flying fish ('']''), which can range up to 0.5&nbsp;m (1.6&nbsp;ft) in length and weigh over 1&nbsp;kg (2.2&nbsp;lb).<ref name= Paxton/>
*'''Squirrelfish''' (])
:Best known for their highly ]ous barbs, the ]'s largest representative is the giant squirrelfish (''] spiniferum'') of the tropical oceans, at up to 61&nbsp;cm (24&nbsp;in) and 3.5&nbsp;kg (7.7&nbsp;lb).
*'''Characins''' (])
:The largest species is the African freshwater fish, the ] (''Hydrocynus goliath''). The top size of this fish is 1.5&nbsp;m (5&nbsp;ft) and 50&nbsp;kg (110&nbsp;lb).<ref name="freshwater"> of the International Game Fish Association. </ref><ref>. Fishbase.org</ref> Among the largest of the ] family is the popular sport-fish, the ] (''Salminus brasiliensis''), which can reach up to 1&nbsp;m (3.3&nbsp;ft) in length and weigh 31.4&nbsp;kg (69&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref> Among the characins are the infamous neotropical ]s. Carnivorous species can grow up to 0.43&nbsp;m (1.4&nbsp;ft), although the ] (''Colossoma macropomum''), at up to 1&nbsp;m (3.3&nbsp;ft) and 32.4&nbsp;kg (71&nbsp;lb), is often considered a giant, herbivorous form of piranha.<ref name= Paxton/>
*'''Herring''' (])
:The largest ] is probably the Dorab wolf herring (''] dorab'') of the Indo-Pacific oceans. The maximum size of this species has been reported as much as 1.8&nbsp;m (6&nbsp;ft), but these slender fish have never been recorded as exceeding 3.4&nbsp;kg (7.5&nbsp;lb) in weight.<ref name= Paxton/>
*'''Minnows and allies''' (])
:The minnow family (which includes carp), ], is the largest family of vertebrates, with over 2400 species known today.<ref>. Brooklynaquariumsociety.org (December 2002)</ref> The largest species is probably the ] (''Catlocarpio siamensis''), which is endemic to three river basins in central Asia and reaches a size of as much as 3&nbsp;m (10&nbsp;ft) and a weight of as much as 300&nbsp;kg (660&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref> In centuries past, the ] (''Barbus tor'') of Southern Asia was reported to reach similar or even larger proportions, but these are dubious since specimens nearly as large as the giant barb have never been reported in recent centuries.<ref name= Paxton/>
*'''Pikes and allies''' (])
:The largest species in this small but interesting order (formerly allied with the ]) is the ] (''Esox masquinongy'') of the rivers of North America. These predatory fish can grow up to 1.8&nbsp;m (6.0&nbsp;ft) and 45.4&nbsp;kg (100&nbsp;lb).<ref>R. O. Anderson and R. M. Neumann, ''Length, Weight, and Associated Structural Indices, in Fisheries Techniques'', second edition, B.E. Murphy and D.W. Willis, eds., American Fisheries Society, 1996.</ref><ref>. Fishbase.org</ref>
*'''Killifish and allies''' (])
:The largest species in this relatively small-bodied order is the Pacific four-eyed fish (''] dowei''), reaching a size of 34&nbsp;cm (13&nbsp;in) and 588&nbsp;g (1.3&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref>
*'''Ladyfishes and allies''' (])
:This small order is usually considered closely related to the ] although its members are very different in appearance and behavior from eels. The largest species is much-coveted-sport fish, the ] (''Megalops atlanticus''). The maximum recorded size for this species is 161&nbsp;kg (350&nbsp;lb) and length is up to 2.5&nbsp;m (8.2&nbsp;ft).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref>
*'''Cod''' (])
].]]
:The ] (''Gadus morhua'') grows to 2&nbsp;m (6.7&nbsp;ft) long and 96&nbsp;kg (212&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref>
*'''Sticklebacks and allies''' (])
:The largest form of stickleback, a small, cylindric type of fish, is the ] or Fifteenspine stickleback (''Spinachia spinachia''). This species can range up to 22&nbsp;cm (8.7&nbsp;in) in length and weigh up to 8.5&nbsp;g (0.3&nbsp;oz).<ref name= Paxton/><ref>. Fishbase.org.cn (2008-03-03)</ref>
*'''Clingfish''' (])
:These bottom-dwelling fish reach their maximum size in '']''. This species can reach 30&nbsp;cm (12&nbsp;in) in length and weigh up to 1&nbsp;kg (2.2&nbsp;lb).<ref name= Paxton/>
*'''Shellears and allies''' (])
:The well-known ] (''Chanos chanos'') is the largest member of this order. The maximum size is 22.7&nbsp;kg (50&nbsp;lb) and 1.84&nbsp;m (6.1&nbsp;ft) long.<ref name= Paxton/>
*'''Knifefish and Spiny eels''' (])
:The largest spiny eels ] (''Electrophorus electricus'') The electric eel has an elongated, ] body, typically growing to about {{convert|2|m|abbr=on}} in length, and {{convert|20|kg|abbr=on}} in weight, making it the largest species of the ].<ref name="Albert, 2001">{{cite journal|last=Albert|first=J.S.|year= 2001|title=Species diversity and phylogenetic systematics of American knifefishes (Gymnotiformes, Teleostei)|journal=Misc. Publ.|publisher=Mus. Zool. University of Michigan|issue=190|pages=1–127|id={{hdl|2027.42/56433}}}}</ref> The coloration is dark gray-brown on the back and yellow or orange on the belly. Mature males have a darker color on the belly. They have no scales. The mouth is square, and positioned at the end of the snout. The anal fin extends the length of the body to the tip of the tail. As in other ostariophysan fishes, the swim bladder has two chambers. The anterior chamber is connected to the inner ear by a series of small bones derived from neck vertebrae called the ], which greatly enhances its hearing capability. The posterior chamber extends along the whole length of the body and is used in buoyancy. ''Electrophorus'' has a well-developed sense of hearing. This fish has a vascularized respiratory organ in its oral cavity<!-- (Albert, 2001)-->.{{cn|date=November 2012}} As obligate air-breathers, it rises to the surface every 10 minutes or so, and will gulp air before returning to the bottom. Nearly 80% of the oxygen used by the fish is taken in this way.<ref name="Johansen 1968">{{cite journal|last=Johansen|first=Kjell|year=1968|title=Gas Exchange and Control of Breathing in the Electric Eel, Electrophorus electricus|journal=Z. Vergl. Physiologie|publisher=Springer Berlin / Heidelberg|issue=Volume 61, Number 2 / June, 1968|pages=137–163|url=http://www.springerlink.com/content/v4gx677327634826/}}</ref> from South America are is largest knifefish '']'' <ref>http://www.repository.naturalis.nl/document/149250</ref> It is part of the family ] and is occasionally kept as an ].<ref>http://www.mendeley.com/research/hypopygus-lepturus-little-known-dwarf-gymnotid-fish-south-america-pisces-cypriniformes-gymnotoidei/</ref> It lives in ] and grows up to 10 centimeters long. <ref>http://www.fishbase.org/summary/Hypopygus-lepturus.html</ref>
*'''Mooneyes''' (])
:Only two extant species are known to exist in this relatively new order. The larger of the two is the ] (''Hiodon alosoides'') from the northern rivers of North America, which can reach up to 0.5&nbsp;m (1.7&nbsp;ft) in length and can weigh 1.8&nbsp;kg (4.0&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref><ref>Ross, Stephen T., ''Inland Fishes of Mississippi''. University Press of Mississippi (2002), ISBN 978-1-57806-246-1</ref>
*'''Ribbonfish and allies''' (])
:The largest member of this small but fascinating order is the aforementioned ] or oarfish (''Regalecus glesne''), the longest extant ] on earth. Another interesting big fish in this order is the ] (''Lampris guttatus''), which as opposed to the king of herrings, is massive and has a chunky, rounded shape. Opahs can range up to 2&nbsp;m (6.6&nbsp;ft) in length and weigh up to 270&nbsp;kg (600&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref>
], the largest freshwater fish in North America]]
*'''Gars''' (])
:The largest of the gar, and the largest entirely freshwater fish in North America, is the ] (''Atractosteus spatula''). The largest gar ever known, caught in ] in 1925, was 3&nbsp;m (10&nbsp;ft) in length and weighed 137&nbsp;kg (300&nbsp;lb).<ref name = "Wood"/>
*'''Anglerfish''' (])
:The largest of this diverse order is the common goosefish ('']'') of the Northeastern Atlantic off of Europe and North Africa. This big-mouthed fish can attain a size of 58&nbsp;kg (127&nbsp;lb) and a length of 2&nbsp;m (6.6&nbsp;ft).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref>
*'''Lanternfish''' (])
:The largest of the numerous but small ] is Bolin's lanternfish ('']'') of the Indo-Pacific oceans, at up to 249&nbsp;g (8.8&nbsp;oz) and 35&nbsp;cm (14&nbsp;in).<ref name= Paxton/>
*'''Pearlfish and allies''' (])
:The largest member of this order is the widely distributed giant cuskeel ('']''). A cuskeel can be nearly 2&nbsp;m (6.7&nbsp;ft) long, but even large fish probably aren't much over 10&nbsp;kg (22&nbsp;lb) since they are quite slender.<ref name= Paxton/>
*'''Smelts and allies''' (])
:The largest smelts ] (''Osmerus mordax'') The body of the rainbow smelt is slender and cylindrical. It has a silvery, pale green back and is ] purple, blue, and pink on the sides, with a light underside. When full grown, the rainbow smelt is between {{convert|7|and|9|in|cm}} long and weighs about {{convert|3|oz|g}}. Individuals over {{convert|12|in|cm}} long are known.<ref>{{FishBase species|genus=Osmerus|species=mordax|year=2006|month=June}}</ref>
*'''Bony-tongued fish''' (])
:The largest species is the South American fish usually known as the ] (''Arapaima gigas''). The maximum size this species can attain is a matter of some controversy and some rank it among the world's largest freshwater fishes. No individual arapaima over 3&nbsp;m (10&nbsp;ft) has been verified and measured. The skeleton of a fish reported to have been measured by native hunters as 4.5&nbsp;m (15&nbsp;ft) and weighing 200&nbsp;kg (440&nbsp;lb) when caught, was later examined as a skeleton scientifically and was found to have been roughly within that outsized dimension.<ref name = "Wood"/>
] is one of the largest species of the ]-like fish.]]
*'''Perches and allies''' (])
:The title of the largest member of this order, the most numerous order of all vertebrates, is a matter of some debate. A large ] is the biggest of these fishes: the ] (''Makaira indica'') of the Indo-Pacific, the ] (''Makaira nigricans'') and the Indo-Pacific blue marlin (''Makaira mazara''). All of these similarly sized species can exceptionially reach up to 5&nbsp;m (16&nbsp;ft) in length and weight may be as much as 907&nbsp;kg (2,000&nbsp;lb) or even 1,106&nbsp;kg (2,440&nbsp;lb).<ref name= Paxton/><ref>. Fishbase.org</ref><ref>. Marlin Magazine (2007-03-27)</ref> Another notable giant of the perch order is the ] (''Thunnus thynnus'') of the Northern Atlantic ocean, which has been verified at up to 4.4&nbsp;m (14&nbsp;ft) and 679&nbsp;kg (1,500&nbsp;lb), although can reportedly reach 910&nbsp;kg (2,000&nbsp;lb).<ref name="Burnie"/><ref>James R. Chambers. . Bigmarinefish.com (2010-05-24)</ref> The ] (''Xiphias gladius'') can reach a maximum weight of 650&nbsp;kg (1,400&nbsp;lb) and length of 4.5&nbsp;m (15&nbsp;ft).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref> Due to heavy fishing of both species, swordfish and tuna of great sizes are increasingly rare. One of the largest freshwater fishes is the ] (''Lates niloticus''), which grows up to 200&nbsp;kg (440&nbsp;lb) and 2&nbsp;m (6.6&nbsp;ft).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref> The biggest of ] is the ] (''Lutjanus cyanopterus'') of the Caribbean sea and east coast of South America, at a maximum size of 57&nbsp;kg (130&nbsp;lb) and 1.6&nbsp;m (5.2&nbsp;ft) in length.<ref> Fishsanibel.com</ref><ref>. Fishbase.org</ref> The largest species of ] is the White margate (''Haemulon album'') of the Caribbean sea and east coast of South America, at up to 7.14&nbsp;kg (15.7&nbsp;lb) and 0.8&nbsp;m (2.6&nbsp;ft) in length.<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref><ref>. Theoutdoorlodge.com</ref> The ] can range up to 0.55&nbsp;m (1.8&nbsp;ft) in the hairtail blenny ('']'') of the Indo-Pacific.<ref name= Paxton/> The ] reach their maximum size in the ] (''Scomberomorus commerson''), which can attain 70&nbsp;kg (150&nbsp;lb) and 2.4&nbsp;m (7.9&nbsp;ft).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref> The largest ] are either the ] (''Chaetodon lineolatus'') or the ] (''C. ephippium''), both of the Indo-Pacific and both of which can measure up to 30&nbsp;cm (12&nbsp;in).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref> The ] (''Percina lenticula'') of the United States, the biggest of the ], reaching 20&nbsp;cm (7.9&nbsp;in) and 70&nbsp;g (2.5&nbsp;oz).<ref>Freeman, B. J. and Wenger, S. J. . UGA River Basin Center, November, 2006</ref><ref>Craig, John, ''Percid Fishes: Systematics, Ecology and Exploitation (Fish and Aquatic Resources)''. Wiley-Blackwell (2000), ISBN 978-0-632-05616-3</ref> The largest ] is the ] (''Totoaba macdonaldi'') of the Gulf of California, at up to 100&nbsp;kg (220&nbsp;lb) and 2&nbsp;m (6.6&nbsp;ft) long.<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref> Among the ], many of which can grow quite large, the greatest size are reached in the ] (''Epinephelus itajara''). It can reaches a maximum known length of 2.5&nbsp;m (8.2&nbsp;ft) and weight of 455&nbsp;kg (1,000&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref> The species-rich ] reaches their maximum size in the ]n ] (''Boulengerochromis microlepis''), at up to 0.8&nbsp;m (2.6&nbsp;ft) long and 5&nbsp;kg (11&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Practical Fishkeeping</ref> The ] (''Cheilinus undulatus'') of the Indo-Pacific's coral reefs is by far the largest ], and it can reach a maximum size of 191&nbsp;kg (420&nbsp;lb) and 2.3&nbsp;m (7.5&nbsp;ft).<ref>. ARKive</ref> Among a fairly small-bodied family, the ], the ] (''Hypsypops rubicundus'') of the Pacific coast of America is the biggest, reaching up to 35.5&nbsp;cm (14.0&nbsp;in) and 1.2&nbsp;kg (2.6&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Bss.sfsu.edu</ref> The ] (''Oxyeleotris marmorata'') of East Asia is the largest member of the family or sub-order that almost certain contains the smallest living vertebrate, and can reach 0.66&nbsp;m (2.2&nbsp;ft) long and weigh 9.9&nbsp;kg (22&nbsp;lb).<ref name= Paxton/><ref>. Fishing-worldrecords.com</ref>
*'''Trout-perch and allies''' (])
:The largest species in this small order (both by number of species and body size) is the ] (''Percopsis transmontana'') of North America. This species can range up to 20&nbsp;cm (7.9&nbsp;in) in length and can weigh over 11&nbsp;g (0.4&nbsp;oz).<ref name= Paxton/>
], largest of the flatfish, displays its effective camouflage.]]
*'''Flatfish''' (])
:The largest of the well-known and heavily fished flatfish is the ] (''Hippoglossus stenolepis''). This giant can reach 363&nbsp;kg (800&nbsp;lb) and 3&nbsp;m (10&nbsp;ft), although fish even approaching this size would be extraordinary these days.<ref>. Fishbase.sinica.edu.tw</ref> The ] (''Hippoglossus hippoglossus'') is also sometimes titled the largest flatfish, although it has a slightly smaller maximum size, at 320&nbsp;kg (710&nbsp;lb) and 2.8&nbsp;m (9.1&nbsp;ft).<ref name= Paxton/><ref>. Fishbase.org</ref>
*'''Beardfish''' (])
:The little-known beardfish are sometimes classified with the ]. The largest beardfish is ''Polymixia busakhini'' of the Indo-Pacific, which can range up to 0.6&nbsp;m (1.9&nbsp;ft) in length.<ref name= Paxton/>
] is one of the largest species of ].]]
*'''Bichirs and allies''' (])
:The largest bichirs ] (''Polypterus ornatipinnis'') has black and yellow patterning on its body, head, and fins, with 9 to 11 dorsal spines. It is the largest of the ''Polypterus'' species with a protruding upper jaw,<ref name="Evans"/> reaching {{convert|24|in|cm}} in length.
*'''Gulper eels''' (])
:The largest gulper eels of eel ] (''Eurypharynx pelecanoides'') of the from The pelican eel grows to about {{convert|1|m|ft|abbr=on}} in length.
*'''Salmon and allies''' (])
:The largest species of salmonid is the ] (''Hucho taimen''). The biggest taimen was from the Kotui River in ], measuring 2.1&nbsp;m (6.9&nbsp;ft) and weighing of 105&nbsp;kg (230&nbsp;lb).<ref>Holcik, J., Hensel, K., Nieslanik, J., and L. Skacel. 1988. ''The Eurasion Huchen, Hucho hucho: largest salmon of the world''. Dr. W. Junk Publishers (Kluwer), Dordrecht, Netherlands ISBN 9061936438</ref> Some sources claim the largest is the ] (''Oncorhynchus tshawytscha'') of America's Pacific Northwest, although this species falls behind the taiman in maximum size.<ref name= Paxton/> The maximum size of this fish is 61.4&nbsp;kg (135&nbsp;lb) and 1.5&nbsp;m (5&nbsp;ft) long.<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref>
*'''Sculpins''' (])
:Although less venomous than many smaller fish in the same order, the ] (''Erilepis zonifer'') of the North Pacific, is largest ]. The maximum size is 1.9&nbsp;m (6.2&nbsp;ft) and the weight can be up to 91&nbsp;kg (200&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref> The ] (''Ophiodon elongatus'') of the west coast of North America is sometimes listed as the largest sculpin but it is not known to exceed 1.5&nbsp;m (5.0&nbsp;ft) in length or 60&nbsp;kg (130&nbsp;lb) in weight.<ref name= Paxton/><ref>. Fishbase.org</ref> The ] can range up to 0.7&nbsp;m (2.4&nbsp;ft) and 11&nbsp;kg (24&nbsp;lb) in the ] (''Scorpaenicthys marmoratus'') of coastal North America.<ref name= Paxton/>
] is a rival for the title of the largest catfish.]]
*'''Catfish''' (])
:Most authorities now give the crown of the largest ] to the ], ''Pangasianodon gigas'', which is also considered the heaviest completely freshwater fish.<ref name = "Wood"/> This fish has been recorded at sizes up to 350&nbsp;kg (770&nbsp;lb) and 3&nbsp;m (10&nbsp;ft).<ref>. National Geographic News (2005-06-29)</ref><ref name="msnbc">. MSNBC (2005-07-01)</ref><ref name="iht">Seth Mydans. . International Herald Tribune (2005-08-25)</ref><ref>. Fishbase.org</ref> Closely related to that species, the Asian ] (''Pangasius sanitwongsei'') can grow to 3&nbsp;m (10&nbsp;ft) and 300&nbsp;kg (660&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref> However, the ] (''Silurus glanis'') of Europe, at least challenges the proceeding species in massiveness and may surpass them in length. While wels have been confirmed to 3.1&nbsp;m (10&nbsp;ft), other whiskered giants have been reliably reported to grow to 3.7&nbsp;m (12&nbsp;ft) and 265&nbsp;kg (580&nbsp;lb) and more dubiously to 4.3&nbsp;m (14&nbsp;ft).<ref name = "Wood"/> Another giant of the catfish world is the South American ''] filamentosum'', which can reportedly reach 3.6&nbsp;m (12&nbsp;ft) and 200&nbsp;kg (440&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref>
]
*'''Ridgeheads and allies''' (])
:Known for flesh that fells flabby to the touch, this order reaches largest sizes in the ] (''Gyrinomimus grahami'') of all southern oceans. This species, which can range up to 0.45&nbsp;m (1.5&nbsp;ft) in length and weigh 1.5&nbsp;kg (3.3&nbsp;lb), is sometimes commercially fished.<ref name= Paxton/><ref>{{cite doi|10.1016/j.dsr2.2007.09.013}}</ref>
*'''Bristlemouths''' (])
:The largest of the deep-sea ]s is the short-tailed barbeled dragonfish ('']''). The top size of a female of this species is probably over 452&nbsp;g (1&nbsp;lb) and 50&nbsp;cm (20&nbsp;in) long.<ref name= Paxton/> In species like the barbeled dragonfish ('']''), the worm-like females can measure up to 0.5&nbsp;m (1.7&nbsp;ft) long, about 50 times as long as the male.<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref> Although '']'' is much more slender and is lighter than '']''.<ref name= Paxton/>
*'''Swamp-eels''' (])
:The tropic-dwelling swamp-eels, which are not closely related to true eels, reaches their largest size in the ] (''Synbrachus marmoratus'') of Central and South America. This fish can range up to 1.5&nbsp;m (4.9&nbsp;ft) and weigh 7&nbsp;kg (15.4&nbsp;lb).<ref name= Paxton/>
*'''Seahorses and allies''' (])
:The largest of this diverse order is the ] (''Fistularia petimba''), a long, thin species found in all tropical oceans. This fish can reach a length of 2&nbsp;m (6.6&nbsp;ft) and a weight of 4.65&nbsp;kg (10.3&nbsp;lb).<ref name= Paxton/> The largest of the famous, petite ]s is the ] (''Hippocampus abdominalis'') found off of Australia and New Zealand, which can grow to 35&nbsp;cm (14&nbsp;in) high and weigh over 60&nbsp;g (2.1&nbsp;oz).<ref>Will Wooten. . seahorse.org (2004-01-26)</ref>
*'''Dories''' (])
:The largest species of dory is the Cape dory (''] capensis'') reaching a size of 90&nbsp;cm (36&nbsp;in) and a weight of 20&nbsp;kg (44&nbsp;lb).<ref name= Paxton/><ref>. Fishbase.org</ref>

====Cartilaginous fish (])====
] and a human.]]
:The cartilaginous fish are not directly related to the "bony fish", but are sometimes lumped together for simplicity in description. The largest living ], of the order ], is the ] (''Rhincodon typus''), of the world's tropical oceans. It is also the largest living animal that is not a ] and, like the largest whales, it is a docile creature that filter-feeds on tiny ]. An average adult species measure 9.7&nbsp;m (32&nbsp;ft) long and weigh an average of 9 tonnes. The largest verified specimen was caught in 1949 off ] and was 12.7&nbsp;m (42&nbsp;ft) long and weighed 21.5&nbsp;tonnes. Although many are dubious, there are several reports of larger whale sharks, with reliable sources citing unverified specimens of up to 37&nbsp;tonnes and 17&nbsp;m (56&nbsp;ft).<ref name = "Wood"/><ref>.{{dead link|date=January 2012}} Homepage.mac.com</ref>
] ranks as the biggest of ground sharks.]]
*'''Ground sharks''' (])
:The largest species of this order is the widely distributed ] (''Galeocerdo cuvier''). Specimens have been verfied to at least 5.5&nbsp;m (18&nbsp;ft) but even larger ones have been reported. One specimen, a gravid female caught off Australia and measuring only 5.5&nbsp;m (18&nbsp;ft) long, weighed an exceptional 1,524&nbsp;kg (3,360&nbsp;lb).<ref name = "Wood"/> A female caught in 1957 reportedly measured 7.4&nbsp;m (24&nbsp;ft) and weighing 3,110&nbsp;kg (6,900&nbsp;lb), although this very outsized shark is not known to have been confirmed.<ref>. Homepage.mac.com</ref> The largest of the infamous "requiem sharks" (in the '']'' genus) seems to be the ] (''C. obscurus''), at up to 4.2&nbsp;m (14&nbsp;ft) and a weight of 350&nbsp;kg (770&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Fishbase.org (2012-07-03)</ref> However, the bulkier ] (''C. leucas'') has been estimated to weigh about 575&nbsp;kg (1,270&nbsp;lb) in recent specimens that measured over 4&nbsp;m (13&nbsp;ft) long.<ref>. Homepage.mac.com</ref> The largest ] is the ] (''Sphyrna mokarran''), which can reach 6.1&nbsp;m (20&nbsp;ft) and weigh 500&nbsp;kg (1,100&nbsp;lb).<ref>. ARKive</ref> The most species-rich shark family, the ], are fairly small-bodied. The largest, the ] (''Scyliorhinus stellaris''), can grow up to 1.7&nbsp;m (5.6&nbsp;ft) and a weight of at least 10.8&nbsp;kg (23.7&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref><ref>. Irish-trophy-fish.com</ref>
*'''Chimaeras''' (])
:These odd, often translucent cartilaginous fish are typically quite small. The largest species is the ] (''Chimaera lignaria'') of the oceans near Australia and New Zealand. It can reach up to 1.5&nbsp;m (4.9&nbsp;ft) in length and weigh 15.4&nbsp;kg (34&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Iucnredlist.org</ref>
*'''Bramble sharks''' (])
:These two, prickly-skinned species have been traditionally classified with the ], but are now considered unique. The larger species is the ] (''Echinorhinus cookei''), a bottom-dwelling shark of the Pacific ocean. They can reach a maximum length of 4&nbsp;m (13&nbsp;ft).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref> This species can weigh over 266&nbsp;kg (590&nbsp;lb).<ref name= Castro>Castro, José I., ''The Sharks of North America''. Oxford University Press (2011), ISBN 978-0-19-539294-4</ref>
*'''Frill sharks and cow sharks''' (])
:The largest frill sharks and cow shark is the ] (''Hexanchus griseus''). This large species typically inhabits depths greater than 90&nbsp;m (300&nbsp;ft), and has been recorded as deep as 1,875&nbsp;m (6,150&nbsp;ft). The largest specimen known (caught off of Cuba) reportedly weighed 763&nbsp;kg (1,680&nbsp;lb) and measured 4.82&nbsp;m (15.8&nbsp;ft) long.<ref name = "Wood"/>
*'''Bull-headed sharks''' (])
:These tropical, small sharks are noted for their broad head shape. The largest species is the ] (''Heterodontus portusjacksoni'') of Australasian waters, at up to 1.65&nbsp;m (5.4&nbsp;ft) long and weighing up to 20&nbsp;kg (44&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref>
], the second largest living fish.]]
*'''Mackerel sharks''' (Lamniformes)
:Most species in this order grow quite large. The largest living species is the ] (''Cetorhinus maximus'') of the world's Northern temperate oceans, also the second largest fish. The largest specimen, which was examined in 1851, measured 12.3&nbsp;m (40&nbsp;ft) long and weighed 16 tonnes.<ref name = "Wood"/> Perhaps the most famous "big fish", is the ] (''Carcharodon carcharias''). Specimens have been measured up to 6.4&nbsp;m (21&nbsp;ft) and weighing 3,312&nbsp;kg (7,300&nbsp;lb), with great whites of at least 7&nbsp;m (23&nbsp;ft) long generally accepted.<ref name = "Wood"/><ref>. Fishbase.org</ref> The ] (''Alopias vulpinus''), can grow to 7.6&nbsp;m (25&nbsp;ft) and weigh over 510&nbsp;kg (1,100&nbsp;lb), but much of its length is comprised by its extreme tail.<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref><ref>. BBC News (2007-11-22)</ref> Odd and recently discovered giants also live in this order: the slender, sword-snouted ] (''Mitsukurina owstoni''), with unweighed specimens of up to approximately 6.17&nbsp;m (20.2&nbsp;ft), and the massive ] (''Megachasma pelagios''), up to 5.6&nbsp;m (18&nbsp;ft) long and a weight of 1,215&nbsp;kg (2,680&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Homepage.mac.com</ref><ref>. Flmnh.ufl.edu (2010-11-06)</ref>

:The largest shark in the fossil record is the ] (''Carcharodon megalodon'' or ''Carcharocles megalodon''), a ] relative of the great white shark. The range of estimates of the maximum length for this giant shark are from {{convert|17|to|20.3|m|ft|abbr=on|0}}, with a mass ranging from {{convert|65|to|114|ST|tonne}}.<ref name="BOC">{{Cite book|last1=Klimley|first1=Peter|last2=Ainley|first2=David|title=Great White Sharks: The Biology of Carcharodon carcharias|publisher=Academic Press|year=1996|isbn=0-12-415031-4}}</ref><ref name="AN">{{Cite journal|last=Pimiento|first=Catalina|coauthors=Dana J. Ehret, Bruce J. MacFadden, and Gordon Hubbell|editor1-last=Stepanova|editor1-first=Anna|title=Ancient Nursery Area for the Extinct Giant Shark Megalodon from the Miocene of Panama|journal=PLoS ONE|volume=5|issue=5|pages=e10552|publisher=PLoS.org|location=Panama|pmid=20479893|date=May 10, 2010|pmc=2866656|doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0010552}}</ref><ref name="JM">{{cite journal|last=Wroe|first=S.|coauthors= Huber, D. R. ; Lowry, M. ; McHenry, C. ; Moreno, K. ; Clausen, P. ; Ferrara, T. L. ; Cunningham, E. ; Dean, M. N. ; Summers, A. P.|title=Three-dimensional computer analysis of white shark jaw mechanics: how hard can a great white bite?|volume=276|issue=4|pages=336–342|year= 2008|doi=10.1111/j.1469-7998.2008.00494.x|journal=Journal of Zoology}}</ref> ''C. megalodon'' is also regarded as the largest macro-predatory fish ever.

], here seen at Hin Daeng, ], is the largest ray.]]
*'''Stingrays and allies''' (])
:Both the largest species of this order and the largest of all rays is the ] (''Manta birostris''). This peaceful leviathan can reach a size of 3,000&nbsp;kg (6,600&nbsp;lb), a "disk" width of 9.1&nbsp;m (30&nbsp;ft) and a total length of 5&nbsp;m (16&nbsp;ft).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref> A related species reaches barely smaller sizes, the ] (''Mobula mobular''). It can grow up to a 5.2&nbsp;m (17&nbsp;ft) disk width, a total length of 6.5&nbsp;m (21&nbsp;ft) and a weight of at least 1,000&nbsp;kg (2,200&nbsp;lb).<ref>. ARKive</ref><ref>. Docstoc.com</ref> The largest ] is the generally accepted to be the ] (''Dasyatis brevicaudata''), found off the southern tip of Africa and Australasia, at up to 4.3&nbsp;m (14&nbsp;ft) across the disk and weighing more than 350&nbsp;kg (770&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Australian Museum (2011-10-20)</ref> Although there are several large stingrays that at least approach this species' size. One, the ] (''Himantura chaophraya''), of the large rivers of South Asia, can weigh up to 600&nbsp;kg (1,300&nbsp;lb), measure up to 5&nbsp;m (16&nbsp;ft) in total length and have a disc span of 2.4&nbsp;m (7.9&nbsp;ft).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref><ref>. ARKive</ref>
*'''Carpet sharks''' (])
:The whale shark is the largest species in this order. No other species in the order even approaches this size. The next largest species is the ] (''Ginglymostoma cirratum''), which can grow up to 4.3&nbsp;m (14&nbsp;ft) across the disk and weighing more than 350&nbsp;kg (770&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Animals.nationalgeographic.com</ref>
*'''Sawfish''' (Pristiformes)
:Distinguished by a long snout decorated with sharp teeth on the sides, these little-known cartilaginous fishes are often reported to attain huge sizes. The definitive largest species is not known, although the ] (''Pristis pectinata'') and the ] (''P. zijsron''), at up to reportedly 7.6&nbsp;m (25&nbsp;ft) and 7.3&nbsp;m (24&nbsp;ft), respectively, may be the largest.<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref><ref>. Fishbase.org</ref> Weights of up to 1,955&nbsp;kg (4,310&nbsp;lb) have been reported, possibly for the smalltooth species, but are not verified.<ref>. Elasmo-research.org</ref> The ] (''P. perotteti'') and ] (''P. microdon'') can both exceed 6.5&nbsp;m (21&nbsp;ft).<ref>. Flmnh.ufl.edu (2003-04-01)</ref><ref>. Fishbase.org</ref>
*'''Sawsharks''' (])
:Despite sharing a similar appearing snout adapted in both to shred fish prey, the sawsharks are typically much smaller than ]. The largest sawshark is the ] (''Pliotrema warreni'') of the South Indian ocean, which can grow up to 1.7&nbsp;m (5.6&nbsp;ft) and weigh 15&nbsp;kg (33&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref>
] is largest species in the skate order.]]
*'''Skates and allies''' (])
:The largest and most diverse order of ]' largest species is the ] (''Rhynchobatus djiddensis'') of the Red Sea and the eastern Indian ocean. The top size of the species is 227&nbsp;kg (500&nbsp;lb) and 3.1&nbsp;m (10&nbsp;ft).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref> The largest of the skates is the ] (''Dipturus batis''). This species can grow up to 2.85&nbsp;m (9.4&nbsp;ft) in length and weigh 97.1&nbsp;kg (214&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref>
*'''Dogfish and allies''' (])
:The largest known member of this order is the ] (''Somniosus microcephalus''), a giant predator of sub-Arctic waters. This species has been confirmed to as much as 6.4&nbsp;m (21&nbsp;ft) in length and a weight of 1,397&nbsp;kg (3,080&nbsp;lb), although specimens of up to 7.3&nbsp;m (24&nbsp;ft) have been reportedly caught.<ref name = "Wood"/><ref>. Fishbase.org</ref> The ] (''Somniosus pacificus'') has been measured only to 4.4&nbsp;m (14&nbsp;ft) and 888&nbsp;kg (1,960&nbsp;lb) in a gravid female, although specimens up to an estimated 7&nbsp;m (23&nbsp;ft) have been scientifically observed.<ref name = "Wood"/><ref name= Castro/> The ] (''Squalus acanthias''), a very common species, reaches the largest sizes of the "]" family. Specimens have been measured at up to 1.6&nbsp;m (5.2&nbsp;ft) and 9.1&nbsp;kg (20&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref>
*'''Angelsharks''' (])
:The largest of the bottom-dwelling angelsharks (named for their shape rather than disposition) is the ] (''Squatina squatina'') of the northeast Atlantic ocean. This species can grow up to 2.4&nbsp;m (8.0&nbsp;ft) long and weigh more than 90&nbsp;kg (200&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref>
*'''Electric rays''' (])
:The largest of the electric rays is ] (''Torpedo nobiliana''). This fish can measure 1.8&nbsp;m (6&nbsp;ft) long and weigh 90&nbsp;kg (200&nbsp;lb).<ref name="burton">{{cite book |title=International Wildlife Encyclopedia |author=Burton, R. |edition=third |publisher=Marshall Cavendish |year=2002 |isbn=0-7614-7266-5 |page=768}}</ref> However, a length of 0.6–1.5&nbsp;m (2.0–4.9&nbsp;ft) and weight of 30&nbsp;lb (14&nbsp;kg) is more typical.<ref name="bigelow and schroeder">{{cite book |title=Fishes of the Western North Atlantic, Part 2 |author=Bigelow, H.B. and W.C. Schroeder |publisher=Sears Foundation for Marine Research, Yale University |year=1953 |pages=80–104}}</ref><ref name="bester">Bester, C. . Florida Museum of Natural History Ichthyology Department. Retrieved on November 30, 2009.</ref> Females attain a larger size than males.<ref name="capape et al">{{cite journal |title=Biological observations on the black torpedo, ''Torpedo nobiliana'' Bonaparte 1835 Chondrichthyes: Torpedinidae, from two Mediterranean areas |author=Capapé, C., O. Guélorget, Y. Vergne, J.P. Quignard, M.M. Ben Amor and M.N. Bradai |year=2006 |journal=Annales Series Historia Naturalis Koper |volume=16 |issue=1 |pages=19–28 |url=http://www.zrs.upr.si/sl/zaloznistvo/annales/Annales_Naturalis_16-1/capape-et%20al.pdf}}</ref>

====Spiny sharks (])====
The largest spiny sharks '']'' . Some species were of large size, up to 2 m in length.<ref>http://palaeos.com/vertebrates/acanthodii/teleostomi.html#Teleostomi</ref>

====Armored fishes (])====
The largest known fishes of the now-extinct class ] was '']'' and '']''. These particular animals may have reached lengths of 10&nbsp;m (33&nbsp;ft) and are estimated to have weighed in at 3.6 tons.

====Hagfish (])====
The hagfish, which are not taxonomically true fish, are among the most primitive extant vertebrates. There is only one order and family in this animal class. All of the 77 known species have elongated, eel-like bodies but can immediately be distinguished by their strange downward-facing mouth, among other unique morphological features. The largest form is the Goliath hagfish (''Eptatretus goliath''). This species can range up to 1.28&nbsp;m (4.2&nbsp;ft) in length and weigh to 6.2&nbsp;kg (14&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref>

====Lampreys (])====
] as seen feeding on a lake trout.]]
As with the similarly unique hagfish, lampreys appear eel-like in shape but are unique enough to earn their own class. These creatures have cartlaginous skeletons and have been evolving separately from any other group for over 400 million years. They are predatory and often attach themselves to a fish or other small animal and gradually drain blood and organs. The largest species is the ] (''Petromyzon marinus''), which can grow to 1.2&nbsp;m (3.9&nbsp;ft) and weigh 2.5&nbsp;kg (5.5&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Fishbase.org</ref>

===Invertebrates===

====Sponges (])====
]'' is indeed an animal]]
Arguably the most primitive form of animals in existence, the largest species of ] is the giant barrel sponge, '']''. These massively built sponges can reach 8&nbsp;feet (2.4&nbsp;m) in height and can be of about the same number of feet across at the thickest part of the "body".<ref>. Care2.com (2009-03-04)</ref> Some of these creatures have been estimated to be over 2,400 years of age.<ref>. Encyclopedia of Life</ref>
*'''Calcareous sponges''' (])
:The largest of these small, inconspicuous sponges is probably the species '']'', attaining a height of 30&nbsp;cm (1&nbsp;ft). Most ]s do not exceed 10&nbsp;cm (4&nbsp;in) tall.<ref>. Jiffynotes.com (2003-07-02)</ref>
*'''Hexactinellid sponges''' (])
:A relatively common species, '']'', can reach a height of 1&nbsp;m (3.3&nbsp;ft) once they are of a very old age.<ref>{{cite doi|10.3354/ame045181}}</ref> This is the maximum size recorded for a hexactinellid sponge.

====Cnidarians (])====
], one of the longest living animals]]
The ] (''Cyanea capillata'') is the largest ] species, of the class ]. The largest known specimen of this giant, found washed up on the shore of ] in 1870,<ref>. waterford-today.ie</ref><ref>{{dead link|date=October 2011}}</ref><ref>. redOrbit (2003-06-12)</ref> had a bell diameter of 2.5&nbsp;m (8&nbsp;ft), a weight of 150&nbsp;kg (330&nbsp;lb). The ]s of this specimens were as long as 37&nbsp;m (121&nbsp;ft) and were projected to have a tentacular spread of about 75&nbsp;m (246&nbsp;ft) making it one of the longest extant animals.<ref name = "Wood"/>

*'''Corals and sea-anemones''' (])
:The largest individual species are the ]s of the genus '']'', which can attain a mouth disc diameter of 60&nbsp;cm (2&nbsp;ft).<ref>. Northrup.org</ref> Longer, but much less massive overall, are the anemones of the genus '']'', at up to 2&nbsp;m (6.6&nbsp;ft) tall.<ref>. Seawater.no</ref> Communities of ] can be truly massive, a single colony of the '']'' genus can be over 10&nbsp;m (33&nbsp;ft), but the actual individual organisms are quite small.
*'''Box jellyfish''' (])
:The largest of the ] is the species '']'' of the Australasian and South Pacific oceans, which can attain a mass of 6&nbsp;kg (13&nbsp;lb), a 30&nbsp;cm (1&nbsp;ft) bell and a ] length up to 2&nbsp;m (6.6&nbsp;ft). This species is also the most common and dangerous box jelly.<ref>. Outback-australia-travel-secrets.com</ref>
*'''Hydrozoans''' (])
:The colonial ] '']'' can attain lengths of 40–50&nbsp;m :(130–160&nbsp;ft).<ref>. Lifesci.ucsb.edu</ref> The ]'s (''Physalia physalis'') tentacles can attain a length of up to 50 m (170 ft).<ref>. Animals.nationalgeographic.com</ref>

====Flatworms (])====
], the largest flatworm]]
The largest terrestrial species of this phylum of mostly ]s, called ]s in common language, is the ] (''Bipalium kewense''). This planarian can reach a length of 60&nbsp;cm (2&nbsp;ft) and is quite massive for a ].<ref>. Earthlife.net</ref>

*'''Monogenean flatworms''' (])
:The largest members of this group of very small parasites are among the genus of ], '']'', reaching a length of 2&nbsp;cm (0.8&nbsp;in).<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.actaparasitologica.pan.pl/archive/PDF/Kearn.pdf|title=Neoentobdella gen. nov. for species of ] in Lamarck, 1818 (Monogenea, Capsalidae, Entobdellinae) from stingray hosts, with descriptions of two new species|journal=Acta Parasitologica|year= 2005|volume=50|issue=1|pages=32–48}}</ref>
*'''Flukes''' (])
:The largest species of ] is '']'', which most often attacks ]s and ]. One of these flukes can be up to 7.5&nbsp;cm (3&nbsp;in) long and 2 cm (0.79 in) thick.<ref>. Dpd.cdc.gov</ref>
*'''Tapeworms''' (])
:The largest species of ] is the whale tapeworm, '']'', which can grow to over 30 m (98 ft).<ref name="time-1957">. ] (1957-04-08)</ref><ref name="hargis">Hargis, William J. . ] (1985)</ref>

====Roundworms (])====
The largest ], '']'',<ref>Gubanov N.M. Giant nematode from the placenta of ]; Placentonema gigantissima nov. gen., nov. sp. Dokl Akad Nauk SSSR. (1951) 21;77(6):1123-5. .</ref> is a ] found in the ]s of ]s which can reach up to 9&nbsp;m (30&nbsp;ft) in length.<ref>. Nhc.ed.ac.uk</ref>

====Segmented worms (])====
The largest of the ]s (commonly called earthworms) is the ] (''Microchaetus rappi''). Although it averages about 1.36&nbsp;m (4.5&nbsp;ft) in length, this huge worm can reach a length of as much as 6.7&nbsp;m (22&nbsp;ft) and can weigh over 1.5&nbsp;kg (3.3&nbsp;lb).<ref>. Worm Digest (2005-10-02).</ref> Only the ], '']'', and a few giant ]s reach nearly comparable sizes, reaching 4&nbsp;m (13&nbsp;ft) and 3.6&nbsp;m (11.9&nbsp;ft), respectively.<ref name = "Wood"/>

====Echinoderms (])====
The largest species of ] in terms of bulk is the ] species '']'', of the class ], which reaches a weight of over 6&nbsp;kg (13&nbsp;lb). However, at a maximum span of 63&nbsp;cm (25&nbsp;in), it is quite a bit shorter than some other echinoderms.<ref name = "Wood"/> The longest-bodied echinoderm is the brisingid sea star '']'', reaching a span of 1.4&nbsp;m (4.5&nbsp;ft), despite being quite slender.<ref name = "Wood"/> '']'' is another giant echinoderm and can measure up to 1&nbsp;m (3&nbsp;ft) across and weigh 5.1&nbsp;kg (11&nbsp;lb).<ref name = "Wood"/>

*'''Crinoids''' (])
:The largest species of ] is the unstalked feather-star ('']''), reaching a total width of 78&nbsp;cm (31&nbsp;in) and an individual arm length of 35&nbsp;cm (14 &nbsp;in). A width of 91.4 cm (36.0 in) was claimed for one unstalked feather-star but is not confirmed.<ref name = "Wood"/> The genus '']'' has a stalk span of 61 cm (24 in) but, due to its bulk and multiple arms, it is heavier than '']''.<ref name = "Wood"/> In the past, ] grew much larger, and stalk lengths up to 40&nbsp;m (130&nbsp;ft) have been found in the fossil record.<ref>Ponsonby, David and Dussart, George ''The Anatomy of the Sea'', Raincoast Books (2005) ISBN 0-8118-4633-4 p. 129</ref>
*'''Sea urchins and allies''' (Echinoidea)
:The largest ] is the species '']'', which can reach a ] width of 33&nbsp;cm (13&nbsp;in).
*'''Sea cucumbers''' (Holothuroidea)
:The bulkiest species of ] is '']'', weighing several pounds, being about 21&nbsp;cm (8.3&nbsp;in) in diameter, and reaching a length of 1&nbsp;m (3.3&nbsp;ft) when fully extended. Species of sea cucumber in the genus '']'' can reach an extended length of 2&nbsp;m (6.6&nbsp;ft), but are extremely slender and weigh much less than ''Stichopus''.<ref name = "Wood"/>
*'''Brittle stars''' (])
:The largest known specimen of ] is ''] agassizii''. This species can grow to have a span of 1 m (3 ft).<ref name = "Wood"/> Sometimes, ''Gorgonocephalus stimpsoni'' is considered the largest but the maximum this species is can measure 70&nbsp;cm (28&nbsp;in) and a disk diameter of about 14.3&nbsp;cm (5.63&nbsp;in).

====Ribbon worms (])====
The largest ] and possibly the longest animal is the ], ''Lineus longissimus''. A specimen found washed ashore on a beach in ], ] in 1864 was recorded at a length of 55&nbsp;m (180&nbsp;ft).<ref>] 1995. ''The Guinness Book of Animal Records''. Guinness Publishing. p. 232.</ref>

====Mollusks (])====
].]]
Both the largest mollusks and the largest of all ]s are the largest squids. The ] (''Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni'') is projected to be the largest invertebrate.<ref>. News.nationalgeographic.com (2010-10-28)</ref> Current estimates put its maximum size at 12 to 14 m (39–46&nbsp;ft) long, based on analysis of smaller specimens. On February 22, 2007, authorities in New Zealand announced the capture of the largest known colossal squid specimen. It was later measured at 10&nbsp;m (33&nbsp;ft) long and 495&nbsp;kg (1,091&nbsp;lb) in weight.<ref name="NZ_Herald_10430435">Kathy Marks. . ] (2007-03-23)</ref> The mantle alone can be 5&nbsp;m (16&nbsp;ft) long based on a transverse slice of the pen of one specimen.<ref name = "Wood"/>

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 18&nbsp;m (60&nbsp;ft) in total length (from the tip of the mantle to the end of the long tentacles), 4.6&nbsp;m (15&nbsp;ft) in diameter at the thickest part of mantle, and weighed about 900&nbsp;kg (2,000&nbsp;lb). This specimen is still often cited as the largest invertebrate that has ever been examined.<ref name = "Wood"/><ref>. Marinebio.org</ref><ref>. Animals.nationalgeographic.com (2006-12-04)</ref> 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.<ref name=OShea>O'Shea, S. 2003. The Octopus News Magazine Online.</ref>

*'''Aplacophorans''' (Aplacophora)
:The largest of these worm-like, shell-less ]s are represented in the genus '']'', which can reach 30&nbsp;cm (12&nbsp;in) long. Most aplacophorans are less than 5&nbsp;cm (2&nbsp;in) long.<ref>{{cite doi|10.1093/mollus/63.2.131}}</ref>
*'''Chitons''' (Polyplacophora)
:The largest of the ]s is the ], ''Cryptochiton stelleri'', which can reach a length of 33&nbsp;cm (13&nbsp;in) and weigh over 2 kg (4.4 lb).<ref>. alaska.gov</ref>
], the largest bivalve]]
*'''Bivalves''' (Bivalvia)
:The largest of the ] ]s 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).<ref name = "Wood"/> The largest bivalve ever was '']'', a ] giant that reached an axial length of up to 3&nbsp;m (nearly 10&nbsp;ft).<ref>{{cite doi|10.1666/0022-3360(2007)812.0.CO;2}}</ref>
*'''Gastropods''' (])
:The "largest" of this most diverse and successful ] class of ]s and ]s 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&nbsp;cm (38&nbsp;in).<ref>John D. Taylor and Emily A. Glover. , in F. E. Wells, D. I. Walker and D. S. Jones (eds.) 2003. The Marine Flora and Fauna of Dampier, Western Australia. Western Australian Museum, Perth.</ref><ref>. largestfastestsmartest.co.uk</ref> Another giant species is '']'', which in a 1974 specimen from West 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).<ref name = "Wood"/>
: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&nbsp;kg (2.2&nbsp;lb) and 35&nbsp;cm (14&nbsp;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 (160 lb),<ref>Cosgrove, J.A. 1987. Aspects of the Natural History of ''Octopus dofleini'', the Giant Pacific Octopus. M.Sc. Thesis. Department of Biology, University of Victoria (Canada).</ref> 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).<ref>. octopus.com</ref> Specimens have been reported up to 125 kg (280 lb) but are unverified.<ref name = "Wood"/>

====Arthropods (])====
] is the largest of all arthropods.]]
The ] (''Macrocheira kaempferi''), a ] of the class ], is the largest ] in the world in overall size and the largest member of ] (crabs). The record-sized specimen, caught in 1921, had an extended arm span of 3.8&nbsp;m (12&nbsp;ft) and weighed about 18.6&nbsp;kg (41&nbsp;lb).<ref name = "Wood"/>

However, the ] (''Homarus americanus''), another ] and the largest member of ] (lobsters and crayfish), rivals the Japanese spider crab in mass, if not overall dimension. The largest verified ], also the heaviest verified arthropod, was caught in 1977 off of ] and weighed 20.13&nbsp;kg (44.4&nbsp;lb) at a length of 1.07&nbsp;m (3.5&nbsp;ft) long. An even heavier specimen of 21.8&nbsp;kg (48&nbsp;lb) was caught off ] but this weight was not confirmed.<ref name="Wood"/>

The ] (''Birgus latro''), also a crustacean, is the largest land arthropod and the largest land invertebrate, up to 40&nbsp;cm (1.3&nbsp;ft) long and weighing up to 4&nbsp;kg (8.8&nbsp;lb) on average. Its legs may span 1&nbsp;m (3&nbsp;ft).<ref name = "Wood"/>

The largest arthropod ever known to exist was either the ] (sea scorpion) '']'' or the Carboniferous millipede '']'', which were both between 2.5 and 2.6 m (8.2–8.5&nbsp;ft) in length and weigh 180&nbsp;kg (400&nbsp;lb).<ref>{{cite doi|10.1098/rsbl.2007.0491}}</ref><ref>. Planetdi.startlogic.com</ref> They were closely followed by '']'', an aquatic eurypterid that was up to 2.3&nbsp;m (7.5&nbsp;ft) in length.<ref>. Walkingwith.wikia.com (2011-10-14)</ref> The closest living relatives of ] are the ], ]s, and ]s.

] was considered in the December 2008 ] report as "the world's largest Huntsman spider."<ref>. ]</ref>]]
*'''Arachnids''' (])
: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 spider by leg-span. However the most massive arachnids, of comparable dimensions and possibly even greater mass, are the ], '']'', and the ], '']''. The huntsman spider may span up to 29 cm (11 in) across the legs, while in the ] "]s" like ''Theraphosa'' it can range up to 26 cm (10 in).<ref name = "Wood"/> 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).<ref>. Library.thinkquest.org</ref> The largest of the ]s 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 oz) but is not known to exceed a length of 23 cm (9.1 in).<ref name = "Wood"/> 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 weight of 15 kg (33 lb), and the aquatic '']'', at up to 1 m (3.3 ft) and a similar weight.<ref>. SDNHM</ref><ref>{{cite journal|jstor=1302906|title=Brontoscorpio anglicus: A Gigantic Lower Paleozoic Scorpion from Central England| author= Erik N. Kjellesvig-Waering|journal=Journal of Paleontology|year= 1972|volume=46|pages=39–42}}</ref><ref>. Animalesprehistoricos.com (August 2009)</ref>
*'''Branchiopods''' (])
:The largest of these primarily freshwater ]s is probably '']'', which can reach a length 10&nbsp;cm (3.9&nbsp;in).<ref>. Britannica Online Encyclopaedia</ref>
]'', which can exceed a foot in length]]
*'''Centipedes''' (Chilopoda)
:The biggest of the ]s is '']'' of the neotropics, reaching a length of 33&nbsp;cm (13&nbsp;in).<ref>. Arachnoboards.com (2003-08-13)</ref>
*'''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&nbsp;cm (11&nbsp;in) and measure over 2 cm (0.79 in) in diameter.<ref name = "Wood"/> The 300-million year old '']'', either a primitive ] or a close relative, was the largest land ] ever, having measured at least 2.5&nbsp;m (8.2&nbsp;ft) long, 45&nbsp;cm (18&nbsp;in) wide and weighed an estimated 225 kg (500 lb).<ref>. Earth Facts</ref>
*'''Barnacles and allies''' (])
:The largest species is a ] (''Pennella balaenopterae''), known exclusively as a ] from the backs of ]s (''Balaenoptera physalus''). The maximum size attained is 32&nbsp;cm (about 13&nbsp;in).<ref>. Animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu</ref> The largest of the ]s is the ], ''Balanus nubilis'', reaching 7&nbsp;cm (2.8&nbsp;in) in diameter and 12.7&nbsp;cm (5&nbsp;in) high.<ref>. Oregon Coast Aquarium</ref>
*'''Horseshoe crabs''' (])
:The four modern ]s are of roughly the same sizes, with females measuring up to 60&nbsp;cm (2&nbsp;ft) in length and 5 kg (11 lb) in weight.<ref>. Marinebio.org</ref> Easily the best known species is '']'' of North America.
*'''Ostracods''' (])
:The largest living representative of these small and little-known but numerous ]s is the species ''Gigantocypris australis''<ref>. Species.wikimedia.org</ref> females of which reaching a maximum length of 3&nbsp;cm (1.3&nbsp;in).
]]]
*'''Amphipods, isopods, and allies''' (])
:The largest species is the ] (''Bathynomus pergiganteus''), which can reach a length of 45&nbsp;cm (18&nbsp;]es) and a weight of 1.7&nbsp;kg (3.7&nbsp;]).<ref>Knight, J.D. . Seasky.org</ref>
*'''Sea spiders''' (])
:The largest of the ]s is the deep-sea species ''Colossendeis colossea'', attaining a leg span of nearly 60&nbsp;cm (2&nbsp;ft).<ref>. work=Encyclopedia.com (2004-10-22)</ref>
*'''Remipedes''' (])
:The largest of these cave-dwelling ]s is the species ''Godzillius robustus'', at up to 4.5&nbsp;cm (1.8&nbsp;in).<ref>. Crustacea.net (2002-10-02)</ref>
*'''Trilobites''' (])
:Some of these extinct marine arthropods exceeded 60&nbsp;cm (24&nbsp;inches) in length. A nearly complete specimen of ''] rex'' from ] attained a length over 70&nbsp;cm (27&nbsp;in), and a ''Ogyginus 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&nbsp;cm (36&nbsp;in) long.<ref>{{cite doi|10.1130/G25513A.1}}</ref><ref>. Dsc.discovery.com (2009-05-07).</ref>

=====Insects (])=====
] is arguably the world's heaviest insect]]
]s, a ] of ]a, are easily the most numerous class of organisms, with over one million identified species, and probably more undescribed species. The heaviest insect is almost certainly a species of ], which incidentally is the most species-rich order of organisms. Although heavyweight ]s (''Deinacrida heteracantha'') are known, the ]s of Central and South America, (''Megasoma elephas'') and (''M. actaeon''), the ] (''Titanus giganteus'') of the neotropical rainforests or the ]s, (''Goliathus goliatus'') and (''G. regius''), of Africa's rainforests are believed to reach a higher weight.<ref name="weta"> (2011). source: The University of Florida Book of Insect Records</ref> The most frequently crowned are the Goliath beetles the top known size of which is at least 100 g (3.5&nbsp;oz) and 11.5&nbsp;cm (4.5&nbsp;in).<ref name = "Wood"/> The elephant beetles and titan beetle can reach greater lengths than the Goliath, at up to 13.1&nbsp;cm (5.2&nbsp;in) and 15.2&nbsp;cm (6.0&nbsp;in), respectively, but this is in part thanks to their rather large horns. The Goliath beetle's wingspan can range up to 25&nbsp;cm (9.8&nbsp;in).<ref name = "Wood"/>

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 ] '']'' of what is now France and the ] '']'' of what is now North America are the largest ] species yet known to have existed. These creatures had a wingspan of some 75&nbsp;cm (30&nbsp;in) and a mass of over 1&nbsp;lb (450&nbsp;g), making them about the size of a ].<ref name = "Wood"/>

] is the world's largest cockroach]]
*'''Cockroaches and termites''' (])
:The largest ] is the Australian ] (''Macropanesthia rhinoceros''). This species can attain a length of 8.3&nbsp;cm (3.3&nbsp;in) and a weight of 36&nbsp;g (1.3&nbsp;oz).<ref>. Abc.net.au</ref> The giant cockroach ('']'') of the neotropics reaches comparable lengths although is not as massive as the burrowing species.<ref>. Bio.umass.edu (2005-05-03)</ref> The termites, traditionally classified in their own order (]), have recently been re-considered to belong in ]. The largest of the ]s 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.<ref name = "Wood"/>
*'''Beetles''' (])
:The ]s 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 rainforests 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 (0.6 oz).<ref name = "Wood"/> The longest overall beetle is ] (''Batocera wallacei'') of 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.<ref name = "Wood"/>
*'''Earwigs''' (])
:The largest of the ]s is the ] (''Labidura herculeana''), endemic to the island of its name, which is up to 8 cm (3.1 in) in length.<ref>. Earwig Research Centre. Earwigs-online.de</ref>
], the species '']'' is the world's largest fly]]
*'''True flies''' (])
:The largest species of this order, which includes the common ], is the neotropical species '']'', which can reach a length of 6&nbsp;cm (2½&nbsp;in) and a wingspan of 10&nbsp;cm (4&nbsp;in).<ref name = "Wood"/> Species of ], the largest of which is ''] brobdignagius'', can attain a length of 23&nbsp;cm (9&nbsp;in) but are extremely slender and much lighter in weight than ''Gauromydas''.
*'''Mayflies''' (])
:The largest mayflies are members of the genus ''Proboscidoplocia'' from ]. These insects can reach a length of 7 cm (2.8 in).<ref>. The BioFresh blog (2011-05-24)</ref>
] as seen walking over land]]

*'''True bugs''' (])
:The largest species of this diverse order is usually listed as the ] (''Lethocerus maximus'') of the West Indies and neotropics. This species can attain a length of 11.6&nbsp;cm (4.6&nbsp;in), although it is more slender and less heavy than most other insects of this size (principally the huge ]s). Challenging or surpassing this size, the ] ''] imperatoria'' which can reportedly grow to 15 cm (5.9 in) in length.<ref>. Bugman123.com</ref> The cicadas of the genus '']'' can also grow to comparably large sizes. The largest type of ] is the Giant oak aphid (''Stomaphis quercus''), which can reach an overall length of 2 cm (0.79 in).<ref>. The Telegraph (2007-08-08)</ref> The biggest species of ] is ''Ledromorpha planirostris'', which can reach a length of 2.8 cm (1.1 in).<ref>. Bugs.bio.usyd.edu.au</ref>
]'' is the largest species of bee]]
*'''Ants and allies''' (])
:The largest of the ]s, and the heaviest species of the order, are the females of the African ''] helvolus'', reaching a length of 5.1 cm (2.0 in) and a weight of 8.5 g (0.3 oz).<ref name = "Wood"/> The ant that averages the largest for the mean size of the whole colony is ] (''Dinoponera gigantea'') of South America, averaging up to 3.3 cm (1.3 in) from the mandibles to the end of abdomen.<ref name = "Wood"/> Workers of the ] (''Mymecia brevinoda'') of Australia are up to 3.7 cm (1.5 in) in total length, although much of this is from their extremely large mandibles.<ref name = "Wood"/> The largest of the ] species, also in the order ], is '']'' 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 ]s can range up to 2.53 cm (1.00 in).<ref name = "Wood"/> 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.<ref name = "Wood"/>
] is the largest species of butterfly.]]

*'''Moths and allies''' (])
:The largest species overall is probably 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&nbsp;cm (11&nbsp;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.<ref name = "Wood"/> The larvae in the previous species can weigh up to 58 g (2.0 oz) and 54 g (1.9 oz), respectively. However, the ] (''Thysania agrippina'') of Central and South America, has the longest recorded wingspan of the order, and indeed of any living insect. Although the White Witch is exceeded in surface area and mass by both '']'' and '']''. The verified record-sized ''Thysania'' spanned 30.8 cm (12.1 in) across the wings, although specimens have been reported to 36 cm (14 in).<ref name = "Wood"/> This challenged by the ] (''Coscinocera hercules'') of New Guinea and Northern Australia, which is confirmed to 28 cm (11 in) while unconfirmed specimens have spanned up to 35.5 cm (14.0 in). The heaviest mature moths have been cited in the giant carpenter moth (''Xyleutes boisduvali'') of Australia, which has weighed up to 20 g (0.71 oz) although the species doesn't surpass 25.5 cm (10.0 in) in wingspan.<ref name = "Wood"/>
*'''Praying mantises''' (])
:The largest species of this order is ''] denticulata'' from ], which has been measured up to 20 cm (7.9 in) in overall length.<ref>. Bugsincyberspace.com</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite book|author=Craig Glenday|title=Guinness World Records 2009|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=aHYt0RNSDfgC&pg=PA53|year=2009|publisher=Random House Digital, Inc.|isbn=978-0-553-59256-6|page=53}}</ref> 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).

*'''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.<ref>. Real Monstrosities (2011-01-26)</ref>
] is one of the largest net-winged insects]]
*'''Net-winged insects''' (])
:These flying insects reach their largest size in ''Palparellus voeltzkowi'', which can have a wingspan over 16 cm (6.3 in).<ref>. Researcharchive.calacademy.org</ref> The largest ] is the ] (''Nymphes myrmeleonides'') of Australia, which can measure up to 4 cm (1.6 in) in length and span 11 cm (4.3 in) across the wings.<ref>, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta</ref> Some forms of this ancient order could grow extremely large during the ] and may have ranked among the largest insects ever.<ref>{{cite journal|author=Michael S. Engel|year=2005|title=A remarkable kalligrammatid lacewing from the Upper Jurassic of Kazakhstan (Neuroptera: Kalligrammatidae)|journal= Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science |volume=108 |issue=1|pages= 59–62|jstor=3628206}}</ref>

*'''Dragonflies''' (])
:The largest living species of ] is '']'' of the ]s, attaining a size of as much as 19&nbsp;cm (7.5&nbsp;in) across the wings and a body length of over 12&nbsp;cm (4.7&nbsp;in).<ref name = "Wood"/> Spanning up to 17.6 cm (6.9 in) and measuring up to 11.8 cm (4.6 in) long, ''] plagiata'' of Southeast Asia is bulkier and heavier than ''Megaloprepus'' at up to 7 g (0.25 oz).<ref name = "Wood"/> The largest species of dragonfly ever is the extinct aforementioned '']'', although it is not certain to be included in the modern dragonfly order.

] displays its large, bulky appearance]]
*'''Grasshoppers and allies''' (])
:The largest of this widespread, varied complex of insects are the ]s 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.<ref name = "Wood"/> The largest grasshopper species is often considered to be the Australian Giant Grasshopper (''Valanga irregularis''), which ranges up to 9 cm (3.5 in) in length.<ref>. Brisbaneinsects.com</ref> The American ] (''Romalea guttata'') can allegedly range up to 10 cm (3.9 in) in length.<ref>. Wildflorida.com</ref> However, the greatest grasshopper sizes known, to 12 cm (4.7 in), have been cited in the South American Giant Grasshopper ('']'').<ref>. Bobbybok.mysites.nl</ref> The longest members of this order (although much less heavier than the giant wetas) is the ] ''Macrolyristes corporalis'' 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).<ref>. Animals.jrank.org</ref><ref>. Hmns.org</ref>
]'', the world's second longest insect, employs remarkable camouflage]]
*'''Stick insects''' (])
:The longest known ], and indeed the longest insect ever known, is '']'' of the Bornean rainforests, with one specimen held in the ] in London measuring 56.7 cm (22.3 in) in total length.<ref>. Natural History Museum (2008-10-16)</ref> This measurement is, however, with the front legs fully extended. The body alone still measures 35.7 cm (14.1 in).<ref>{{cite journal |authors= Hennemann, F.H. & Conle, O.V.|title= Revision of Oriental Phasmatodea: The tribe Pharnaciini Günther, 1953, including the description of the world's longest insect, and a survey of the family Phasmatidae Gray, 1835 with keys to the subfamilies and tribes (Phasmatodea: "Anareolatae": Phasmatidae)|journal= Zootaxa|volume= 1906|pages= 1–316|publisher= Magnolia Press|place= Auckland, New Zealand|url= http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2008/f/z01906p316f.pdf|format=PDF|year=2008}}</ref> The species with the second longest body is '']'', also of Borneo, which measures up to 32.8 cm (12.9 in),<ref name=Brock>Brock, P.D. 1999. ''The amazing world of stick and leaf-insects''. Cravitz Printing Co., Essex, England.</ref> while the overall length (from the hind to the front legs) is up to 54.6 cm (21.5 in).<ref name=Brock /> The second longest insect in terms of total length is '']'' of Malaysia and Singapore, measuring up to 55.5 cm (21.9 in).<ref>{{Cite journal|last1 = Seow-Choen|first1 = F.|year = 1995|title = The longest insect in the world|journal = Malayan Nat.|volume = 48|page = 12}}</ref> Another extremely long stick insect is ''Pharnacia maxima'', which measured 51 cm (20 in) with its legs extended.<ref name = "Wood"/> The ] (''Heteropteryx dilatata'') 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 ''Heteropteryx'' weighed about 65 g (2.3 oz) and was 3.5 cm (1.4 in) wide across the thickest part of the body.<ref name = "Wood"/>
*'''Louse''' (])
:These insects, which live parasitically on other animals, are as a rule quite small. The largest known variety is ''] suis'', a "sucking lice" species that favors large livestock like ]s and ]. It can range up to 6 mm (0.24 in) in length.<ref>. Animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu</ref>
]'']]
*'''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 inch) and a wingspan of over 9.5 cm (3.7 in).<ref>. Riverwood Blog – Fly Fishing Gear & Guided Fishing Trips in Oregon (2009-04-20)</ref>
*'''Booklice''' (])
:The largest of this order of very small insects are the barklouse of the genus ''Psocus'', the top size of which is about 1 cm.<ref>. Brc.ac.uk</ref>
*'''Fleas''' (])
:The largest species of ] is ''Hystrichopsylla schefferi''. This parasite is known exclusively from the fur of the ] (''Aplodontia rufa'') and can reach a length of 1.2&nbsp;cm (0.5&nbsp;in).<ref name = "Wood"/>
*'''Silverfishes and allies''' (])
:These strange-looking insects, known to 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).<ref>. Animals.jrank.org</ref>
*'''Thrips''' (])
:Members of the genus ''Phasmothrips'' are the largest kinds of ]s. The maximum size these species attain is approximately 1.3&nbsp;cm (0.5&nbsp;in) in length.<ref>. Paulsquiz.com</ref>
*'''Caddisflies''' (])
:The largest of the small, moth-like caddisflies is ''Eubasilissa maclachlani''. This species can range up to 7 cm (2.8 in) across the wings.<ref>.</ref>

==Fungi==
]'']]
The largest living fungus may be a ]<ref name=amarilla>. Botit.botany.wisc.edu.</ref> of the ] '']''.<ref name=BBCfungus>. BBC News (2000-08-07).</ref>
A mushroom of this type in the ] in the ] of eastern ], U.S. was found to be the largest fungal colony in the world, spanning 8.9&nbsp;km² (2,200 acres) of area.<ref name=UW> at the University of Wisconsin, Department of Botany.</ref><ref name=ABCfungus>Beale, Bob. 10 April 2003. at Environment & Nature News, ABC Online.</ref> This organism is estimated to be 2400 years old. The fungus was written about in the April 2003 issue of the '']''. While an accurate estimate has not been made, the total ] of the colony may be as much as 605 ]s{{Vague|which tons?|date=January 2010}}. If this colony is considered a single organism, then it is the largest known organism in the world by area, and rivals the aspen grove "]" as the known organism with the highest living ]. It is not known, however, whether it is a single organism with all parts of the ] connected.<ref name=ABCfungus/>

In '']'' each individual mushroom (the fruiting body, similar to a flower on a plant) has only a 5&nbsp;cm (2&nbsp;inch) stipe, and a pileus up to 12.5&nbsp;cm (5&nbsp;in) across. There are many other fungi which produce a larger individual size mushroom. The largest known fruiting body of a fungus is a specimen of '']'' found on ].<ref name=BBCFungalFruitingBody>Walker, Matt. (2011-08-01) . Bbc.co.uk</ref> The fruiting body weighs up to 500&nbsp;kg (1100&nbsp;lb).<ref name=ScienceFruitingBody>{{cite doi|10.1016/j.funbio.2011.06.008}}</ref>

Until ''F. ellipsoidea'' replaced it, the largest individual fruit body came from '']''. ''R. ulmarius'' can grow up to 284&nbsp;kg (630&nbsp;lb), 1.66&nbsp;m (5.4&nbsp;ft) tall, 1.46&nbsp;m (4.8&nbsp;ft) across, and has a circumference of up to 4.9&nbsp;m (16&nbsp;ft).


==Protists== ==Protists==
]'', the largest species of giant kelp]] ]'', the largest species of giant kelp|283x283px]]
(Note: the group '']'' is not used in current taxonomy.) (Note: the group ] is not used in current taxonomy.)


===Amoebozoans (])=== ===Amoebozoans (])===
:Among the organisms that are not ], the largest are the ]s, such as '']'', some of which can cover an area of more than 1,000&nbsp;cm² (1 sq ft).<ref>. Waynesword.palomar.edu</ref> These organisms are ], but they are ]. :Among the organisms that are not ], the largest are the ]s, such as '']'', some of which can reach a diameter over {{convert|12|in|cm|abbr=on|order=flip}}.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630192009/http://waynesword.palomar.edu/slime1.htm |date=2015-06-30 }}. Waynesword.palomar.edu</ref> These organisms are ], but they are ].


===Euglenozoans (])=== ===Euglenozoans (])===
Line 887: Line 64:


===Rhizarians (])=== ===Rhizarians (])===
:The largest species traditionally considered ] are giant ]s like ]ns. One such species, the ] '']'', can attain a size of 20&nbsp;cm (8&nbsp;in).<ref>. Deep Sea News (2008-10-10).</ref> :The largest species traditionally considered ] are giant ]s like ]ns. One such species, the ] '']'', can attain a size of {{convert|20|cm|in|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2008-10-10|title=The 27 Best Deep-Sea Species: #22 Xenophyophores &#124; Deep Sea News|url=https://www.deepseanews.com/2008/10/the-27-best-deep-sea-species-22-xenophyophores/|access-date=2022-12-26|website=www.deepseanews.com|language=en-US}}</ref>


===Alveolates (])=== ===Alveolates (])===
:The largest ]s, such as '']'', can attain a length over 4 mm (.16").<ref>Wim van Egmond. . Microscopy-uk.org.uk.</ref> :The largest ]s, such as '']'', can attain a length over {{convert|4|mm|in|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Micscape Microscopy and Microscope Magazine|url=http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/indexmag.html?http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/artoct98/spiro.html|access-date=2022-12-26|website=www.microscopy-uk.org.uk}}</ref>


===Stramenopiles (])=== ===Stramenopiles (])===
:The largest ] are giant ] from the northwestern Pacific. The floating stem of ''] pyrifera'' can grow to a height of over 45&nbsp;m (150&nbsp;ft).<ref>. Nhm.ac.uk.</ref><ref>. Montereybayaquarium.org</ref> :The largest ] are ] from the northwestern Pacific. The floating stem of ''] pyrifera'' can grow to a height of over {{convert|45|m|ft|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Discover|url=https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover.html|access-date=2022-12-26|website=www.nhm.ac.uk|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Giant kelp|url=https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/animals-a-to-z/giant-kelp|access-date=2022-12-26|website=www.montereybayaquarium.org}}</ref>
:Macrocystis also qualifies as the largest ], the largest ], and the largest protist generally. :Macrocystis also qualifies as the largest ], the largest ], and the largest protist generally.


==Bacteria== ==Bacteria==
The largest known species of ] is named '']'', which grows to {{convert|1|cm|in|abbr=on}} in length,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wong |first=Carissa |title=Largest known bacteria in the world are visible to the naked eye |url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/2325909-largest-known-bacteria-in-the-world-are-visible-to-the-naked-eye/ |access-date=2022-06-24 |website=New Scientist |language=en-US}}</ref> making it visible to the naked eye and also about five thousand times the size of more typical ].<ref name="science1">{{cite web|url=https://www.science.org/content/article/largest-bacterium-ever-discovered-has-unexpectedly-complex-cells |first = Elizabeth |last = Pennisi|author-link = Elizabeth Pennisi|title=Largest bacterium ever discovered has unexpectedly complex cells |date=|work=]|publisher=science.org|accessdate=2022-02-24|language=en}}</ref> ] described it as possessing the "size and shape of a human ]."<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-06-23 |title=Record bacterium discovered as long as human eyelash |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-61911817 |access-date=2022-06-24}}</ref> ] published a new paper on the bacterium on June 23, 2022.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Volland |first1=Jean-Marie |last2=Gonzalez-Rizzo |first2=Silvina |last3=Gros |first3=Olivier |last4=Tyml |first4=Tomáš |last5=Ivanova |first5=Natalia |last6=Schulz |first6=Frederik |last7=Goudeau |first7=Danielle |last8=Elisabeth |first8=Nathalie H. |last9=Nath |first9=Nandita |last10=Udwary |first10=Daniel |last11=Malmstrom |first11=Rex R. |date=2022-06-24 |title=A centimeter-long bacterium with DNA contained in metabolically active, membrane-bound organelles |url=https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abb3634 |journal=Science |language=en |volume=376 |issue=6600 |pages=1453–1458 |doi=10.1126/science.abb3634 |pmid=35737788 |bibcode=2022Sci...376.1453V |s2cid=249990020 |issn=0036-8075}}</ref> According to a study coauthored by Jean-Marie Volland, a marine biologist and scientist at California's Laboratory for Research in Complex Systems, and an affiliate at the US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, ''T. magnifica'' can grow up to 2 centimeters long.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Amarachi Orie |date=June 23, 2022 |title=World's largest bacterium discovered is the size of a human eyelash |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/23/world/worlds-largest-bacteria-magnifica-intl-scli-scn/index.html |access-date=2022-06-28 |website=CNN}}</ref>
]'', a rare bacterium visible to the naked eye]]
The largest known species of ] is '']'', which grows to 0.75&nbsp;mm (0.03&nbsp;in) in diameter, making it visible to the naked eye and up to a million times the size of more typical ].


*'''Cyanobacteria'''
'''Cyanobacteria''', one of the largest "]" is '']'', whose filamentous cells can be 50 μm wide.<ref name = Stal2007>{{Cite book|last = Stal|first = Lucas J.|year = 2007
|contribution = Diversity and Versatility, Clues to Life in Extreme Environments|title = Algae and Cyanobacteria in Extreme Environments|series = Cellular Origin, Life in Extreme Habitats and Astrobiology|volume = Volume 11, Part 7|editor= Seckbach, J.|pages = 659–680 (666)|place = Dordrecht, The Netherlands|publisher = Springer :One of the largest "]" is '']'', whose filamentous cells can be 50 μm wide.<ref name = Stal2007>{{Cite book|last = Stal|first = Lucas J.|year = 2007|contribution = Diversity and Versatility, Clues to Life in Extreme Environments|title = Algae and Cyanobacteria in Extreme Environments|series = Cellular Origin, Life in Extreme Habitats and Astrobiology|volume = 11, Part 7|editor = Seckbach, J.|pages = |place = Dordrecht, The Netherlands|publisher = Springer|doi = 10.1007/978-1-4020-6112-7_36|isbn = 978-1-4020-6111-0|url = https://archive.org/details/algaecyanobacter0000unse/page/659}}</ref>
|url = http://www.springerlink.com/content/g868700080j14466/|doi = 10.1007/978-1-4020-6112-7_36}}</ref>


==Viruses== ==Viruses==
]
The largest known ] is the ] (the ''Megavirus chilensis'' megavirus), with a ] diameter of 440&nbsp;], and a genome of 1,259,197 base pairs; containing 1120 ]s.<ref>{{cite doi|10.1073/pnas.1110889108}}</ref>
The largest virus on record is '']'', with the length of 4 micrometres, comparable to the typical size of a bacterium and large enough to be seen in light microscopes. It was discovered in 2018 (being mistaken for ]s beforehand), having been found on an ] in the genus '']''.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Barthélémy |first1=Roxane-Marie |title=Serendipitous Discovery in a Marine Invertebrate (Phylum Chaetognatha) of the Longest Giant Viruses Reported till Date |journal=Biology |date=8 January 2019}}</ref> Prior to this discovery, the largest virus was the peculiar virus genus '']'', which have a size of approximately 1 ] and whose genome contains 1,900,000 to 2,500,000 base pairs of DNA.<ref name="Brumfiel">{{cite news | url=https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2013/07/18/203298244/worlds-biggest-virus-may-have-ancient-roots | title=World's Biggest Virus May Have Ancient Roots | work=National Public Radio | date=18 July 2013 | access-date=18 July 2013 | author=Brumfiel, Geoff}}</ref>

'']'' infects ] specifically, however '']'' infects '']'' ].


==See also== ==See also==
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*]
*] * ]
*] * ]
* ]
*]
*] * ]
*] * ]
*] * ]
*] * ]
*] * ]
* ]
*]
* ]
*]
* ]
{{clear}}
* ]
* ]
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* ]
{{div col end}}
{{Records|state=collapsed}}


==References== ==References==
===Notes===
{{Notelist}}

===Citations===
{{Reflist|35em}} {{Reflist|35em}}

== External links ==
* Melissa Breyer. ] April 28, 2015
{{Records}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Largest Organisms}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Largest Organisms}}
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Revision as of 16:02, 25 December 2024

List of largest organisms on Earth
Although it appears to be multiple trees, Pando is a clonal colony of an individual quaking aspen with an interconnected root system. It is widely held to be the world's most massive single organism.

This article lists the largest organisms for various types of life and mostly considers extant species, which found on Earth can be determined according to various aspects of an organism's size, such as: mass, volume, area, length, height, or even genome size. Some organisms group together to form a superorganism (such as ants or bees), but such are not classed as single large organisms. The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest structure composed of living entities, stretching 2,000 km (1,200 mi) but contains many organisms of many types of species.

When considering singular entities, the largest organisms are clonal colonies which can spread over large areas. Pando, a clonal colony of the quaking aspen tree, is widely considered to be the largest such organism by mass. Even if such colonies are excluded, trees retain their dominance of this listing, with the giant sequoia being the most massive tree. In 2006, a huge clonal colony of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica was discovered south of the island of Ibiza. At 8 kilometres (5 mi) across, and estimated at 100,000 years old, it may be one of the largest and oldest clonal colonies on Earth.

Among animals, the largest species are all marine mammals, specifically whales. The blue whale is believed to be the largest animal to have ever lived. The living land animal classification is also dominated by mammals, with the African bush elephant being the largest of these.

Plants

Main article: List of largest plants

The largest single-stem tree by wood volume and mass is the giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), native to Sierra Nevada and California; it typically grows to a height of 70–85 m (230–280 ft) and 5–7 m (16–23 ft) in diameter.

The largest organism in the world, according to mass, is the aspen tree whose colonies of clones can grow up to 8 kilometres (5 mi) in size. The largest such colony is Pando, in the Fishlake National Forest in Utah.

A form of flowering plant that far exceeds Pando as the largest organism on Earth in area and potentially also mass, is the giant marine plant, Posidonia australis, living in Shark Bay, Australia. Its length is about 180 km (112 mi) and it covers an area of 200 km (77 sq mi). It is also among the oldest known clonal plants.

Another giant marine plant of the genus Posidonia, Posidonia oceanica discovered in the Mediterranean near the Balearic Islands, Spain may be the oldest living organism in the world, with an estimated age of 100,000 years.

The largest individual flower in the world is Rafflesia arnoldii, while the flowering plant with the largest unbranched inflorescence in the world is Amorphophallus titanum. Both are native to Sumatra in Indonesia.

Green algae

Green algae are photosynthetic unicellular and multicellular green plants that are related to land plants. The thallus of the unicellular mermaid's wineglass, Acetabularia, can grow to several inches (perhaps 0.1 to 0.2 m) in length. The fronds of the similarly unicellular, and invasive Caulerpa taxifolia can grow up to a foot (0.3 m) long.

Animals

The blue whale is the largest animal alive today.
Bruhathkayosaurus is potentially the largest animal to have walked the earth.
This section is an excerpt from Largest and heaviest animals. Clockwise from top left: an African bush elephant, the largest extant terrestrial animal; a blue whale, the largest animal ever to exist; and a colossal squid, the largest invertebrate

The largest animal currently alive is the blue whale. The maximum recorded weight was 190 tonnes (209 US tons) for a specimen measuring 27.6 metres (91 ft), whereas longer ones, up to 33 metres (108 ft), have been recorded but not weighed. It is estimated that this individual could have a mass of 250 tonnes or more. The longest non-colonial animal is the lion's mane jellyfish (37 m, 120 ft).

In 2023, paleontologists estimated that the extinct whale Perucetus, 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 sauropod Bruhathkayosaurus suggest it was around 110–170 tons, with the highest estimate being 240 tons, if scaled with Patagotitan, although actual fossil remains no longer exist, and that estimation is based on described dimensions in 1987. In April 2024, Ichthyotitan severnensis was established as a valid shastasaurid 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 metres (85 ft) whilst the Aust specimen was an even more impressive 30 to 35 metres (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 African bush elephant (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 metres (35.0 ft) from trunk to tail and 4.17 metres (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 metres (13.0 ft). This male had a computed weight of 10.4 to 12.25 tonnes.

Fungi

Armillaria ostoyae
Main article: Largest fungal fruit bodies

The largest living fungus may be a honey fungus of the species Armillaria ostoyae. A mushroom of this type in the Malheur National Forest in the Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon, U.S. was found to be the largest fungal colony in the world, spanning 8.9 km (2,200 acres) of area. This organism is estimated to be 2,400 years old. The fungus was written about in the April 2003 issue of the Canadian Journal of Forest Research. If this colony is considered a single organism, then it is the largest known organism in the world by area, and rivals the aspen grove "Pando" as the known organism with the highest living biomass. It is not known, however, whether it is a single organism with all parts of the mycelium connected. Approximations of the land area of the Oregon "humongous fungus" are 3.5 square miles (9.1 km) (2,240 acres (910 ha), possibly weighing as much as 35,000 tons as the world's most massive living organism.

A spatial genetic analysis estimated that a specimen of Armillaria ostoyae growing over 91 acres (37 ha) in northern Michigan, United States weighs 440 tons (4 x 10 kg).

In Armillaria ostoyae, each individual mushroom (the fruiting body, similar to a flower on a plant) has only a 5 cm (2.0 in) stipe, and a pileus up to 12.5 cm (4.9 in) across. There are many other fungi which produce a larger individual size mushroom. The largest known fruiting body of a fungus is a specimen of Phellinus ellipsoideus (formerly Fomitiporia ellipsoidea) found on Hainan Island. The fruiting body masses up to 500 kg (1,100 lb).

Until P. ellipsoideus replaced it, the largest individual fruit body came from Rigidoporus ulmarius. R. ulmarius can grow up to 284 kg (626 lb), 1.66 m (5.4 ft) tall, 1.46 m (4.8 ft) across, and has a circumference of up to 4.9 m (16 ft).

Lichen

Umbilicaria mammulata is among the largest lichens in the world. The thallus of U. mammulata is usually 4 to 15 cm (1.6 to 5.9 in) in diameter, but specimens have been known to reach 63-centimetre (2.07 ft) in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.

The longest lichen is Usnea longissima, which may grow to exceed 20 feet (6.1 m) in length.

Protists

Macrocystis pyrifera, the largest species of giant kelp

(Note: the group Protista is not used in current taxonomy.)

Amoebozoans (Amoebozoa)

Among the organisms that are not multicellular, the largest are the slime molds, such as Physarum polycephalum, some of which can reach a diameter over 30 cm (12 in). These organisms are unicellular, but they are multinucleate.

Euglenozoans (Euglenozoa)

Some euglenophytes, such as certain species of Euglena, reach lengths of 400 μm.

Rhizarians (Rhizaria)

The largest species traditionally considered protozoa are giant amoeboids like foraminiferans. One such species, the xenophyophore Syringammina fragilissima, can attain a size of 20 cm (7.9 in).

Alveolates (Alveolata)

The largest ciliates, such as Spirostomum, can attain a length over 4 mm (0.16 in).

Stramenopiles (Stramenopila)

The largest stramenopiles are giant kelp from the northwestern Pacific. The floating stem of Macrocystis pyrifera can grow to a height of over 45 m (148 ft).
Macrocystis also qualifies as the largest brown alga, the largest chromist, and the largest protist generally.

Bacteria

The largest known species of bacterium is named Thiomargarita magnifica, which grows to 1 cm (0.39 in) in length, making it visible to the naked eye and also about five thousand times the size of more typical bacteria. BBC News described it as possessing the "size and shape of a human eyelash." Science published a new paper on the bacterium on June 23, 2022. According to a study coauthored by Jean-Marie Volland, a marine biologist and scientist at California's Laboratory for Research in Complex Systems, and an affiliate at the US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, T. magnifica can grow up to 2 centimeters long.

  • Cyanobacteria
One of the largest "blue green algae" is Lyngbya, whose filamentous cells can be 50 μm wide.

Viruses

A collection of viruses, including M. horridgei - the largest virus

The largest virus on record is Megaklothovirus horridgei, with the length of 4 micrometres, comparable to the typical size of a bacterium and large enough to be seen in light microscopes. It was discovered in 2018 (being mistaken for bristles beforehand), having been found on an arrow worm in the genus Spadella. Prior to this discovery, the largest virus was the peculiar virus genus Pandoravirus, which have a size of approximately 1 micrometer and whose genome contains 1,900,000 to 2,500,000 base pairs of DNA.

Pandoravirus infects amoebas specifically, however Megaklothovirus infects Spadella arrow worms.

See also

Records
World records
People
Sporting records
Athletics
Weightlifting
In Australia
In the US
In India
National records
Motion records
Speed
Vehicle
Distance
Endurance
Structures
Physical phenomena

References

Notes

  1. The organism sizes listed are frequently considered "outsized" and are not in the normal size range for the respective group.

Citations

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External links

Records
World records
People
Sporting records
Athletics
Weightlifting
In Australia
In the US
In India
National records
Motion records
Speed
Vehicle
Distance
Endurance
Structures
Physical phenomena
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