Massive Animals You Won’t Believe Are Real
Throughout history, animals like dinosaurs were known for their massive sizes. Many other species were also gigantic, but as human populations and predators grew, the size of animals diminished.
Today, gigantism in animals is mostly seen on islands, where isolation from mainland predators allows for fewer threats and more abundant resources like food and water. Interestingly, many of these giant creatures consume similar portions to their smaller counterparts.
A 3,682-Pound Bull That’s “All Muscle”
In 2009, an English bull named Field Marshall made headlines for weighing an impressive 3,682 pounds—300 pounds heavier than the year before. His owner, 80-year-old Arthur Duckett, commented, “He’s in excellent health and should continue growing unless something unexpected occurs. He’s only eight years old.”
Duckett emphasised that the bull was pure muscle, not fat, and that he was being fed naturally. “I could feed him more, but I want him to be healthy, not grotesque. That’s why he stays outdoors in a field instead of being kept indoors,” he explained.
The Endangered Giant Mekong Catfish.
On May 1, 2005, fishermen in northern Thailand caught a giant catfish in the Mekong River, which weighed 646 pounds and measured nearly nine feet in lengthabout the size of a grizzly bear. This catch set a record as the largest freshwater fish ever documented.
However, the species is now endangered. Zeb Hogan from the World Wildlife Fund remarked, “While setting this new record is exciting, we must remember that these giant fish are under-researched and many, like the Mekong giant catfish, are on the brink of extinction.”
The Giant Percheron Stallion Known as Moose.
Windermere’s North American Maid, affectionately called “Moose,” is a towering Percheron stallion and supreme world champion. Moose has claimed numerous titles across both the U.S. and Canada. His owners at Windermere Farms shared, “We began calling him ‘Moose’ as a colt because of his massive size.
Now, standing at an impressive 19 hands tall, Moose moves with incredible grace.” His value extends beyond the show ring, as he’s an integral part of the farm’s breeding program. “Moose is the complete package for a Percheron stallion, offering competitive size without sacrificing elegance,” they added.
The Titan Longhorn Beetle: A 6.6-Inch Giant.
For those who fear bugs, the Titan longhorn beetle is a nightmare to come to life. Native to the rainforests of South America Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and northern Brazil—this beetle ranks among the largest on Earth, with the largest specimen recorded at 6.6 inches.
Though Hercules beetles can be longer, thanks to their prominent horn, Titan beetles boast much larger bodies.
Their powerful mandibles can slice through pencils, and they hiss and bite when threatened. Interestingly, adult Titans don’t eat but instead spend their lives searching for mates.
World’s Largest Bunnies.
Darius the bunny once held the Guinness World Record for being the longest rabbit at an impressive 4 feet 4 inches.
However, his son Jeff has surpassed him, measuring 4 feet 5 inches, and Darius’s daughter Enya is expected to outgrow both.
This breed, known as continental giants, was once raised for meat but now makes excellent pets. Due to his massive size, Darius lives in a dog crate, and maintaining him is no small feat he devours over 2,000 carrots and 700 apples each year, alongside a hefty amount of rabbit food.
This Crab’s Legs Are Unreal.
The Japanese Spider Crab holds the title for the world’s largest crab. Found naturally in the waters surrounding Japan, their leg span reaches an astonishing 18 feet from claw to claw, making them the largest arthropods on Earth.
While their legs are enormous, their bodies can grow up to 16 inches wide, and they can weigh as much as 42 pounds. In Japan, they are known as “taka-ashi-gani,” which translates to “tall legs crab.”
With an armoured body, these crabs are well-protected against predators like octopi. They are also expert camouflage artists, using shells, sponges, and other materials from the ocean floor to blend into their surroundings. Interestingly, Japanese Spider Crabs are also considered a delicacy.
A Jellyfish Bigger Than a Human!.
In July 2019, biologist Lizzy Daly and underwater cameraman Dan Abbot made a stunning discovery off the coast of England.
While diving, they encountered an enormous barrel jellyfish, larger than Daly herself! Daly shared a photo of the encounter on social media with the caption:
“Woah!!!!! We went diving in Falmouth yesterday to finish off #WildOceanWeek and came across this GIANT barrel jellyfish! What a way to finish off this marine wildlife adventure!”
This extraordinary encounter took place as part of a wildlife filming effort for the Marine Conservation Society. Barrel jellyfish typically grow to about 16 inches in diameter, but some, like this one, can surpass 35 inches!
Chilli the Giant Cow: A 2,750-Pound Marvel.
At Ferne Animal Sanctuary in Somerset, England, Jenny Wheadon cares for Chilli, a massive cow who towers at 6 feet 6 inches tall. In a 2008 interview with Today, Jenny explained, “He’s fed exactly the same as the other cattle just fresh Somerset grass and good air.”
Chilli is 18 inches taller than the average cow and weighs an incredible 2,750 pounds. Along with four other cows, Chilli was abandoned at the sanctuary, but his growth quickly set him apart. “He just grew and continued to grow and grow,” Jenny said, marvelling at his size.
The Largest Fish on Earth: The Ocean Sunfish.
The Ocean Sunfish, or Mola Mola, is the largest and heaviest bony fish in the world. Known for its flattened body and enormous head, this gigantic fish typically weighs over 2,200 pounds, with fins reaching up to eight feet in length.
Some of the largest Ocean Sunfish specimens have been recorded at an astounding 5,100 pounds, with fin lengths of 10.8 to 14 feet.
These gentle giants inhabit tropical and temperate oceans. Despite their size, predators like sea lions, killer whales, and sharks see them as a tasty meal.
The Friendly 15.3 Hands Donkey.
In 2012, Oklahoma Sam earned the title of “Tallest Living Donkey” at just four years old. Measuring an incredible 15.3 hands, she towered over the average donkey, which typically reaches around eight hands.
Living in California, Oklahoma Sam shared her home with her owner and a variety of other animals, including a Macaw, a duck, a goose, and four cats, who seemed unbothered by her size.
Linda Davis, Sam’s owner, told Guinness World Records, “Having a donkey of this size doesn’t cost any more. He doesn’t eat any more, and if I give him extra hay, he’ll just use it to make his bed more comfortable.”
The Giant Oarfish: A Sea Monster in Real Life.
The giant oarfish holds the title of the world’s longest bony fish, capable of growing up to 110 feet long. The largest ever recorded weighed a whopping 600 pounds.
When these enormous deep-sea creatures wash up on shore, they often make headlines due to their astonishing size. Their serpent-like appearance has led to frequent misidentifications as “sea monsters.”
These fish have silver bodies with dark markings and swim in a wave-like, undulating motion. They get their name from their long, oar-shaped fins.
While little is known about their behaviour, their diet includes krill, small crustaceans, fish, and squid. Adult oarfish are generally solitary creatures.
A Red Tibetan Mastiff Sold for $1.5 Million.
Tibetan Mastiffs, which can weigh up to 286 pounds, are known for their massive size and strength. In 2011, a red Tibetan Mastiff made headlines as the most expensive dog in the world when it was sold for a staggering 10 million Chinese yuan, equivalent to $1.5 million.
In China, owning one of these majestic dogs has become a symbol of wealth, with the dogs serving as a status symbol in place of luxury cars or jewellery.
The red colour of the Tibetan Mastiff is considered lucky in Chinese culture, and these dogs are also regarded as holy animals believed to provide their owners with health and protection.
The Giant Freshwater Stingray: A Terrifying Yet Gentle Giant.
Weighing up to 1,300 pounds and stretching over six feet across, the giant freshwater stingray is an awe-inspiring creature.
Found in the Mekong River, these stingrays are native to rivers and estuaries in Indochina and Borneo, though their populations are endangered due to habitat destruction and hunting for meat and sport. They are also often featured in aquariums around the world.
While these stingrays are not typically aggressive, their sting is powerful enough to pierce bone. Tragically, Steve Irwin, the famous Crocodile Hunter, was killed by a stingray in Australia.
These creatures feed on fish and invertebrates, and female stingrays usually give birth to one to four pups. Despite their fearsome appearance, they are gentle giants of the aquatic world.
The 5-Foot Bismarck Flying Fox of New Guinea.
The Bismarck masked flying fox, native to Papua New Guinea, is named after the Bismarck Archipelago and is one of the largest bat species in the world. These bats are referred to as flying foxes because of their head’s striking resemblance to a fox.
Their wingspan can stretch up to 5.25 feet, though it typically measures just under five feet. Distinctive features include pointed ears and the absence of a tail.
Interestingly, males of this species can lactate, a rare trait among mammals. Their diet consists mainly of fruit, nectar, and flowers.
Although they cannot use echolocation, they have excellent vision. These bats live in colonies that can number as many as 200,000 individuals.
From Runt to 245 Pounds: Giant George.
Giant George, a Great Dane, earned the title of the world’s tallest living dog according to Guinness World Records. Standing 3 feet, 7 inches tall at the shoulder and stretching nearly seven feet in length, George weighed an impressive 245 pounds, far surpassing the typical Great Dane weight by about 100 pounds.
Despite his massive size, his owners, Dave and Christie Nasser, revealed that George started as the runt of the litter.
On their website, they noted his gentle yet nervous disposition: “Eager to play… this big Great Dane was scared of water, scared of dogs a fraction of his size, and most of all, scared of being alone.” Giant George passed away in 2013, just before his eighth birthday.
Record-Breaking Pig from China.
Pigs usually weigh between 100 to 240 pounds, depending on the breed, but one extraordinary pig from China tipped the scales at a whopping 1,984 pounds—over ten times the typical weight! This gigantic pig lived a short life,
passing away at the age of five, but was well taken care of, enjoying high-quality meals and residing in a comfortable pigsty.
The Liaoning Provincial Agricultural Museum, proud of this exceptional animal, sought to have the Guinness Book of Records recognize it as the largest pig ever recorded.
The Flemish Giant Rabbit: As Big As the Family Dog.
The Flemish Giant rabbit is one of the largest breeds of domestic rabbits, renowned for its enormous size. These rabbits can weigh up to 22 pounds, with the longest recorded one measuring an impressive 4 feet 3 inches.
In the photo above, you can see how it compares in size to a Collie dog, resting side by side. While often kept as pets due to their gentle and calm nature, Flemish Giants are typically bred for their fur and meat.
Bred since the 16th century in Belgium, these rabbits have a friendly temperament and are easy to handle. Despite their massive size, their diet is similar to that of smaller rabbits, consisting mainly of Timothy hay.
The Three-Foot Long Coconut Crab.
Coconut crabs are the largest crab species in the world, belonging to the hermit crab family. They can weigh up to nine pounds and grow as large as 3 feet 3 inches from leg to leg.
Found on various islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, including the remote Gambier Islands, these crabs have an omnivorous diet, feeding on fruits, nuts, seeds, and even carrion.
Despite their name, coconut crabs rarely eat coconuts and only climb trees when they feel threatened or seek to escape. The sight of one of these massive creatures scaling a wall is enough to strike fear into anyone!
Cinereous Vulture: A Giant of the Skies.
The Cinereous Vulture holds the title as the world’s largest bird of prey. These majestic birds can weigh up to 31 pounds and boast an impressive wingspan of 8 to 10 feet. Native to Europe and Asia, females tend to be slightly larger than males.
Along with being among the heaviest flying birds, the Cinereous Vulture is generally solitary, although pairs are sometimes seen together. On occasion, groups of up to 20 vultures may gather to feed on carcasses. Their diet primarily consists of carrion.
Unfortunately, the species is currently classified as “near threatened” due to habitat loss and the consumption of poisoned bait intended for other animals, such as dogs.
Lion’s Mane Jellyfish: King of the Sea.
The Lion’s Mane Jellyfish is the largest jellyfish species on Earth. Its name comes from the resemblance of its tentacles to the flowing mane of a lion.
The largest known specimen was discovered in Massachusetts Bay in 1870. This giant had a bell diameter of about 7 feet 6 inches, with tentacles stretching up to an astonishing 121 feet.
Preferring cold waters, the Lion’s Mane Jellyfish has a lifespan of about one year. It feeds primarily on smaller jellyfish and other small sea creatures.
World’s Largest Ants.
The giant Amazonian ant, scientifically known as Dinoponera, ranks among the largest ants on the planet. While the bullet ant often garners more attention due to its size and infamous sting, female giant Amazonian ants can grow up to 1.2 to 1.6 inches in length.
These ants are native to South America, and their colonies typically consist of fewer than 100 individuals. Despite not being as famous for their venom as the bullet ant, the giant Amazonian ant delivers an extremely potent sting. The pain can last for up to 48 hours after being stung.
The Maine Coon Cat.
The Maine Coon, the state cat of Maine, is not only one of North America’s oldest domestic breeds but also the largest domesticated cat breed in the world. Male Maine Coons can stand between 10 to 16 inches tall and typically weigh 13 to 18 pounds, with females being slightly smaller.
The record for the longest domestic cat in the Guinness Book of World Records belongs to a Maine Coon named Stewie, who measured an impressive 48.5 inches from nose to tail. Despite their imposing size, Maine Coons are known for their gentle, intelligent, and playful nature.
The World’s Biggest Land Snail.
The giant African snail holds the title of the largest land gastropod. The largest recorded specimen reached 15.5 inches in length and weighed 2 pounds, solidifying its place at the top. However, this species is more than just a curiosity;
it is also considered one of the most invasive species in the world. The United States Department of Agriculture identifies the giant African snail as a significant threat to agriculture and crops. These snails can live for 5 to 7 years, feeding on a diet that includes more than 500 plant species.
The Largest Animal That Ever Lived.
No discussion about massive creatures would be complete without mentioning the largest animal not only alive today but in all of Earth’s history: the blue whale. These ocean giants can reach lengths of up to 98 feet and weigh as much as 190 tons.
Unfortunately, their numbers have greatly dwindled due to extensive whaling, with current estimates ranging between 10,000 and 25,000 individuals left in the world.
Blue whales primarily feed on krill, consuming up to 40 million in a single day. Remarkably, the average blue whale’s heart weighs around 400 pounds, making it the largest heart of any known animal.
Gary the Capybara.
Gary the Capybara holds the title of the world’s largest pet rodent. About the size of a midsize dog, Gary has become a cherished part of his family.
His owners, Melanie Typaldos and Richard Loveman, first encountered Gary during a trip to Venezuela, where they fell in love with him and eventually brought him back to their Texas home.
Gary enjoys his days swimming in the family’s pool and has proven to be quite intelligent. Melanie proudly shares that Gary can perform tricks like turning in circles, standing up, jumping, and shaking hands when prompted. His favourite spot to sleep? Right next to his owners in their family bed.
Sammy the Tortoise.
While Colin Kaepernick is famous for his athletic prowess, his pet, Sammy the tortoise, contrasts him with a slow, steady nature. Weighing 115 pounds, Sammy belongs to the third-largest species of tortoises globally.
These creatures can live for up to 150 years, raising the possibility of a tortoise outliving its owner. For this reason, some pet owners include their tortoises in their wills.
In 2013, when Kaepernick and the San Francisco 49ers were on their Super Bowl run, Sammy even had his own Twitter account, where he shared plenty of “thoughts” with the world.
Largest Land Carnivores.
The polar bear and Kodiak bear are the two largest land carnivores on the planet. A male polar bear can weigh between 772 to 1,543 pounds, while females typically weigh about half that. Polar bears rely on sea ice to hunt seals, their primary food source.
Unfortunately, due to climate change, their conservation status is now listed as vulnerable, with an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 polar bears remaining worldwide.
Despite their reputation for being aggressive, polar bears often avoid confrontation when possible, preferring to flee rather than fight.
The Kodiak bear, which resides on the Kodiak Islands in southwest Alaska, is similar in size to the polar bear, making them co-holders of the largest land carnivore title. While the polar bear’s diet is almost exclusively meat, the Kodiak bear’s diet is more varied and changes with the seasons.
In spring, they feed on fresh vegetation and winter-killed animals, while summer brings a diet rich in vegetation, berries, and salmon. Year-round, Kodiak bears may also eat seaweed, deer, and even human garbage.
Although most adult Kodiak bears die from natural causes, over 90% of adult male Kodiak bears are killed by hunters.
Big Bob the Goldfish
Meet Big Bob, a goldfish the size of a Subway foot-long sandwich. Anne Cooper, his owner, bought him when he was just an inch long, and now Bob towers over the other fish in her tank. In fact, he’s outgrown five tanks since then!
Anne says that if Big Bob isn’t fed on time, he gets so aggressive that he thrashes around violently enough to scare her two cats away from the tank. And, for some reason, Bob has a particular hatred for the colour red.
Largest Amphibian Species.
The Chinese giant salamander, native to the mountain streams and lakes of China, holds the title of the largest amphibian in the world. Adult salamanders typically weigh between 55 to 66 pounds and measure around 3.77 feet in length.
The largest one ever recorded tipped the scales at 110 pounds and measured an impressive 5.9 feet long.These salamanders have a diverse diet, feeding on insects, worms, other amphibians, shrimp, crabs, fish, and water shrews.
Unfortunately, the species is critically endangered, with numbers rapidly declining due to human activity. Their vocalisations are especially interesting, as they reportedly sound like the cries of a child.
Giant Invertebrates.
Once thought to be the stuff of legend, the first live giant squid was photographed by Japanese researchers in 2002, and later, the creature was filmed in the wild in 2004.
The giant squid is the second-largest living invertebrate, with the Colossal squid holding the top spot, though it remains a rare and mysterious creature still under study.
Female giant squids can reach lengths of 43 feet, while males grow up to 33 feet, with females weighing as much as 606 pounds. Their diet consists of deep-sea fish and other squid, but their only known predator is the Sperm whale.
Giants of the Amazon.
The Green Anaconda, a true giant of the Amazon, can weigh up to 550 pounds and grow as long as 30 feet, making it not only the largest snake in the world but also the heaviest reptile. Although it isn’t the longest snake, its massive weight solidifies its status as the biggest overall.
These snakes are native to remote areas in central South America, primarily staying close to water in the Amazon rainforest. Green Anacondas grow continuously throughout their lives and are mainly nocturnal. Their diet consists of large prey such as capybaras, deer, tapirs, caimans, and occasionally even jaguars.
Goliath Frog.
While not the largest amphibian on the planet, the Goliath frog is the largest living species of frog. Weighing over seven pounds, these frogs are found only in Africa, specifically in the rivers of Cameroon and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.
Their diet includes spiders, small snakes, crabs, turtles, smaller frogs, worms, and other insects. Interestingly, while Goliath frogs may eat small snakes, larger snakes prey on them. They have a lifespan of up to 15 years but are now classified as an endangered species.
Supersized Spiders.
The Goliath Spider, also known as the bird-eating spider, holds the title of the world’s largest spider by mass and size. Found in the rainforests of South America, it typically lives in burrows. Female Goliath Spiders can live between 15 to 25 years, while males have a shorter lifespan,
living only 3 to 6 years. Despite its name, this spider rarely feeds on adult birds, instead hunting other spiders, amphibians, snakes, and small rodents. Although venomous, the Goliath Spider’s venom is relatively mild and comparable to a wasp sting.
The Giant Huntsman Spider.
The Giant Huntsman spider holds the title for the largest spider in the world by leg span. Though not as bulky as the Goliath birdeater, its legs can reach up to one foot in length. Native to Laos, the Giant Huntsman is believed to primarily dwell in caves.
Unlike many other spiders, Huntsman spiders do not build webs. Instead, they actively hunt for their prey. While they are venomous, they pose little threat to humans, and some people even keep them as pets. Their diet consists mainly of insects, and sometimes small creatures like geckos.
The Gentle Giant of the Seas.
While the blue whale is the largest creature on Earth, the whale shark holds the title of the world’s largest fish. Despite its massive size, the whale shark is not dangerous and is known to be friendly, occasionally allowing divers to hitch a ride on its back.
These gentle giants are commonly found in tropical waters near the equator and are filter feeders. Their primary diet is plankton, but they sometimes consume small squid, fish, and krill. The largest recorded whale shark measured 41.5 feet long and weighed 47,000 pounds.
The Leatherback Sea Turtle.
The leatherback sea turtle is the largest living turtle and one of the heaviest reptiles on Earth. Unlike other turtles, the leatherback does not have a hard bony shell. Instead, its back is covered by thick, leathery skin.
On average, leatherbacks are 6 to 7 feet long and can weigh between 550 to 1,540 pounds. Leatherbacks in the Caribbean tend to be the largest, with an average weight of 847 pounds. While much about their lifespan remains unknown, their diet mainly consists of jellyfish, and they can be found in oceans across the globe.
The Goliath Beetle: A Colossal Insect.
The Goliath Beetle is one of the largest insects on Earth, both in size and weight. In its larval stage, this beetle can weigh between 2.8 to 3.5 ounces and stretch up to 9.8 inches long. However, upon reaching adulthood, its weight decreases by about half.
Adult male Goliath Beetles typically measure between 2.4 to 4.3 inches in length. These beetles are native to the tropical forests of Africa. One way to differentiate males from females is by the horn on the male, which is used to fight other males for food and potential mates.
In the wild, Goliath Beetles feed on tree sap and require a protein-rich diet. When kept as pets, owners sometimes supplement their diet with cat or dog food to provide the necessary protein.
The African Elephant: Largest Living Land Mammal.
Weighing nearly six tons, the African elephant holds the title of the largest living land animal. To put this into perspective, that’s roughly the weight of three average-sized cars. The largest of these elephants can reach up to 7.5 metres in length and stand 3.3 metres tall at the shoulders.
Their large ears help them dissipate heat, which is crucial given the hot African climate where they spend much of their time grazing.
Unfortunately, their iconic tusks make them a target for poaching, and they also face significant habitat loss, putting the species at risk.
Giraffes: Towering Giants of the Animal Kingdom.
According to the World Wildlife Federation, giraffes are the tallest land mammals on the planet. Males can regularly grow up to five metres tall, comparable to the height of a single-story house.
One of the most fascinating aspects of giraffes is their massive heart, which measures two feet in length. They also have blood pressure three times higher than that of a healthy human, which is necessary to pump blood up their long necks.
Giraffes are so tall that they have difficulty standing up from a seated position, which is why they are usually seen standing. On the bright side, their towering height allows them to reach the highest leaves on trees—an exclusive treat for them.
Frankie the Great Dane: A Gentle Giant.
Frankie, a Great Dane from England, was once crowned the tallest dog in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records in December 2016.
Standing at an impressive seven feet tall, Frankie has an imposing presence but is known for his gentle nature. Although his record was surpassed in 2017 by another dog named Big George, Frankie remains a remarkable figure.
Weighing a hefty 210 pounds, feeding Frankie is no small task—it costs approximately £100 ($134) a week to satisfy his enormous appetite.
His favourite meals include whole roast chickens and peanut butter on toast. Over the years, Frankie has also developed a taste for furniture, having chewed through 23 sofas in his lifetime!
The Largest Butterfly in the World is a Female.
Butterflies are typically small, but the Queen Alexandra’s birdwing butterfly stands out as the largest. With a wingspan of 11 inches—nearly a foot—this enormous insect is exclusively found in the tropical rainforests of Papua New Guinea. It was first discovered in 1906 by naturalist and wildlife collector Albert Steward Meek.
Among these butterflies, the females are particularly remarkable due to their size, being significantly larger than their male counterparts. However, while the males boast vibrant blue and green wings, females are more subdued in appearance, with brown wings featuring white triangular markings.
The Longest Earthworm Reaches Over Nine Feet in Length.
The thought of slimy creatures beneath the soil might be unsettling, but some of nature’s underground inhabitants are truly fascinating. Australia’s Giant Gippsland earthworm is one such example. Growing up to 9.8 feet in length, this massive invertebrate has an impressive lifespan of up to five years.
You’re unlikely to encounter this giant worm under your garden, though. It prefers the wet, clay-rich soils near riverbanks and rarely ventures to the surface, unlike its smaller earthworm relatives that often appear above ground to release waste.
The Largest Living Cat Weighs 922 Pounds.
Weighing in at a staggering 922 pounds, Hercules the liger—offspring of a lion and a tiger—certainly lives up to his name. Residing at the Myrtle Beach Safari wildlife preserve, Hercules measures 131 inches long and stands 49 inches tall at the shoulder.
Despite his imposing size, he’s known for his gentle nature, enjoying bottle feedings from his caretakers and playful kitten-like behaviour.
Ligers are the largest of all big cats, often growing to twice the size of a purebred lion or tiger. While their size might seem intimidating, Hercules is a testament to their surprisingly playful demeanour.
This Earthworm Is So Huge, People Mistook It for a Snake.
In December 2013, a photo of an enormous earthworm went viral on the Internet, sparking disbelief and claims that it must be fake. However, this giant worm was very real.
It was discovered by adventurer Mickey Grosman during his 5,000-mile trek across South America. Grosman found the massive creature in Sumaco National Park but couldn’t determine its species.
Some believe the worm might be a Glossoscolex gigantea, while others suggest it could be a Caecilian, a limbless amphibian. Regardless of its exact identity, one thing is certain: this creature is astonishingly huge.
These Massive, Creepy Bottom-Feeders Are Jaw-Dropping.
Giant isopods, which are neither crabs nor pill bugs but are related to them, hold the title for the largest of the creepy crawlies.
These deep-sea scavengers typically grow up to 14.2 inches in length. In 2010, however, a gigantic isopod measuring 2.5 feet was pulled from the depths.
What’s truly baffling is that scientists aren’t sure why these creatures grow so large. One theory is that their enormous size helps them survive the intense pressure at the ocean’s depths. To top it off, they’re carnivores nightmare fuel for the squeamish.
A Massive 36-Foot Great White Shark Was Caught in South Australia.
Great white sharks are famous for their massive size, usually averaging around 20 feet long and weighing about 5,000 pounds.
However, some have grown far bigger. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the two largest great whites ever caught measured an astounding 36 and 37 feet in length.
The biggest of these sharks was caught off the coast of Port Fairy, South Australia, in the 1870s. A slightly smaller one was caught in New Brunswick, Canada, in the 1930s. Imagine the size of those teeth!
Ludo, the World’s Largest House Cat, Is Enormous.
Maine Coons are known as the largest domesticated cat breed, as well as one of the oldest in the United States.
Legend has it that these cats originated from the mating of a domestic tabby with a raccoon, though that’s biologically impossible. Still, their impressive size can’t be denied.
Ludo holds the record as the biggest of the Maine Coons, measuring nearly four feet in length. Though his predecessor Stewie, a British Maine Coon,
might have been slightly larger, Ludo now claims the title after Stewie’s unfortunate passing. This giant feline could easily outsize many dogs!
This 222-Pound Siamese Carp Is the Real Deal.
At first glance, it may seem like something out of Photoshop, but this massive 222-pound Siamese carp is entirely real. Caught in Ban Pong, Thailand, after an intense 90-minute struggle, it was a feat for 57-year-old fisherman Tim Webb.
Using bread and bran rice as bait (carbs turned out to be the fish’s weakness), Webb managed to reel in the colossal carp.After capturing a photo with two fellow fishermen, Webb decided to release the giant into his own fishery, located 25 miles from the lake.
The fish’s size was so impressive that it took six people to lift it into his truck. Now, the carp presumably lives peacefully in its new home.
This 22-Pound Lobster Got a Taste of Freedom.
In the summer of 2017, an extraordinary 22-pound lobster named Louie was finally given his freedom. Estimated to be around 132 years old, Louie had spent two decades in a tank at a Long Island restaurant.
His owner, Yamali, couldn’t bring himself to let the majestic crustacean end up as someone’s dinner, so instead, he set him free. The town of Hempstead even held an official ceremony to return Louie to the wild.
According to lobster expert Bob Bayer, the executive director at the Lobster Institute in Maine, Louie is expected to thrive in his natural habitat.
After all, what predators would dare tangle with a 22-pound lobster with massive claws (aside from humans with melted butter)? While Louie is only half the size of the largest lobster ever caught, he’s far larger than the typical three to four-pound lobster most people are familiar with.
This Gigantic Goldfish Is Turning Heads.
Though some carp can grow beyond 90 pounds, their relative, the goldfish, isn’t usually known for its size. Goldfish are typically small, but when released into the wild, they can grow to impressive proportions. Many people have the habit of releasing unwanted goldfish into nearby lakes, but this is actually a major environmental problem.
In the wild, goldfish face few natural predators and can continue growing unchecked. Recently, researchers discovered a four-pound goldfish — a far cry from the tiny pet won at the carnival.
Komodo Dragons Are the Closest Thing to Dinosaurs.
While dinosaurs may be extinct, we still have the Komodo dragon, a relic from prehistoric times. This giant lizard, one of the largest in the world, has roamed the Earth for millions of years.
It might not breathe fire like the dragons from fantasy stories, but the Komodo dragon is just as formidable, capable of taking down prey as large as a water buffalo.
Komodo dragons can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh over 300 pounds, though most average around 155 pounds.
The largest recorded Komodo dragon was an astonishing 366 pounds and stretched 10.3 feet in length, making it a true giant in the modern world.
This Dog Has the Longest Tail Ever.
Keon, an Irish wolfhound, may not be the tallest dog around, but he holds an impressive record. He currently boasts the longest tail of any dog, measuring a staggering 30.2 inches. Imagine all the things that tail must knock over as he wags it happily! You probably wouldn’t want to be in its path when he’s excited.
Despite his record-breaking tail, Keon, whose name means “courageous warrior,” is known as a gentle giant. Though he might be a bit clumsy with his massive tail, he’s a beloved family member in Westerlo, Belgium, where he enjoys plenty of belly rubs.
The Heaviest Tortoise Ever Weighed: 919 lbs.
Tortoises are known for their size, but none were larger than Goliath. This massive reptile found a home at Seffner’s Life Fellowship Bird Sanctuary in the 1960s,
where he grew to a whopping 919 lbs. While most tortoises reach their full size by age 30, Goliath just kept growing.
Giant tortoises, like Goliath, thrive in places like the Galapagos Islands and the Aldabra Atoll. Though Goliath passed away in 2002, his legacy as the largest tortoise ever weighed lives on.
These Horns Are Real, Not Photoshopped.
While he wasn’t the largest cow, Lurch the African Watusi steer had horns that seemed straight out of a sci-fi movie. Measuring 37.5 inches in circumference, they hold the record for the biggest horn circumference of any steer in the world. It’s hard to believe, but they were completely natural.
Sadly, Lurch passed away in 2010 after developing cancer at the base of his horns. His memory lives on, and his owner, Janice Wolf of Gassville, Arkansas, continues to care for animals in his honour.
This Massive Sheep Lost 88 lbs. of Wool.
Chris, a wild Australian sheep, may have been one of the largest of his kind. After surviving in the wild for years, his wool grew to extreme lengths, nearly causing him to die from the sheer weight of it. When the RSPCA finally sheared him, he lost an astounding 88 lbs. of wool.
Before his dramatic makeover, Chris was nearly five times the size of an average merino sheep. Now, he’s much more comfortable without all that extra weight.
The Red Kangaroo: Nature’s Bodybuilder.
You wouldn’t want to mess with a red kangaroo. Known for their muscular builds and aggressive behaviour, male red kangaroos can stand up to 5.9 feet tall, with the largest ever recorded measuring nearly seven feet and weighing 201 lbs.
One kangaroo, Roger, gained internet fame in 2015 for his impressive physique. At nearly 200 lbs., Roger could crush metal with his bare hands. Though still growing, Roger is on track to become one of the largest red kangaroos in history. Either way, you wouldn’t want to get on his bad side!
Bandit: The World’s Largest Raccoon.
Bandit, a raccoon suffering from a thyroid problem, became famous for his size. Weighing in at 75 lbs., he holds the record for the world’s fattest raccoon, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
Despite his health challenges, Bandit was part of a loving family. He was raised alongside dogs before finding a human home in Palmerton, Pennsylvania.
Though he sadly passed away due to complications from his thyroid condition, Bandit made a mark. He even appeared on the Food Network and was a regular at Ice Cream World, where he loved slurping slushies through a straw.
Big Jake: The World’s Tallest Horse Weighed 2,600 Pounds.
In 2012, Big Jake was recognized by Guinness World Records as the tallest horse in the world. Standing at an impressive six feet, nine inches tall and weighing 2,600 pounds, he became a global sensation.
His owner, Jerry Gilbert, raised Big Jake on a farm in Michigan. Gilbert recalled the horse’s youthful energy: “He was extremely hard to control when he was young, and when I’d try to let him outside, sometimes he’d end up dragging me along with him!”
Despite his immense size, Big Jake was gentle and got along well with other animals. He enjoyed pulling wagons and lived in a custom-built, extra-large stall measuring 20×20 feet, compared to the standard 12×12 feet stalls for most horses.
11-Year-Old Boy Bags 1,051-Pound Hog.
In 2007, an 11-year-old boy named Jamison Stone made headlines after shooting a massive 1,051-pound hog, measuring nine feet in length.
Jamison shared his experience with ABC News, saying, “He was snarling, popping his jaws as a threat, and that’s when I took my shot.” The hunt, which lasted three hours, ended with the successful capture of the enormous animal.
After a photo of Jamison and the hog went viral, many questioned whether the image was real. However, Jamison and his father stood by their story.
Such a feat seemed plausible, especially after a National Geographic forensics team in 2004 uncovered “Hogzilla,” an 800-pound wild boar that had been killed in Georgia.
