The largest animal in the world is the Blue Whale. These mammals measure in at around 110 feet in length and estimates of weight have been made at around a staggering 200 tons. Compare this to the largest dinosaur which is estimated to have weighed about 100 tons and we have the distinct pleasure of sharing our planet with what is suspected to be the largest animal ever to have lived.
What is really surprising is that the largest creature on Earth feeds almost exclusively on krill. These tiny animals average 1 to 2 cm in length. What they lack in size they make up for in quantity. Blue Whales consume around 40 million krill a day!
Blue Whales can dive for 30 minutes or more, though they typically spend 10-20 minutes submerged when feeding. They can reach speeds up to 30mph but typically cruise at around 12mph. For more Blue Whale facts, visit the American Cetacean Society.