The largest animal in the world is the blue whale (*Balaenoptera musculus*). These magnificent marine mammals can reach lengths of up to 100 feet (30 meters) and can weigh as much as 200 tons or more. Blue whales are filter feeders, primarily consuming krill, which they filter from the water using baleen plates. Despite their immense size, blue whales are known for their graceful swimming and can be found in oceans worldwide, often migrating long distances. Unfortunately, they are listed as endangered due to historical whaling practices and continue to face threats from ship strikes and climate change.