If you fall into the ocean, steer clear of these animals. Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down the strongest animals and insects in or around the world’s oceans, whether in absolute or pound-for-pound terms.
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00:00 The ancient Romans called him Orca Orcinus, Latin for the bringer of death.
00:04 Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're counting down the strongest animals and insects in or
00:09 around the world's oceans, whether in absolute or pound-for-pound terms.
00:14 He holds his ground and forces the intruder back out to sea.
00:19 Number 10. Mantis Shrimp
00:22 This mighty mite is a fascinating marine crustacean known for its remarkable punching ability,
00:28 making it one of the fastest and most powerful strikers in the animal kingdom.
00:32 He's actually neither a shrimp nor a mantis, but stomatopod just doesn't have the same ring to it.
00:39 With specialized raptorial appendages known as dactyl clubs,
00:43 mantis shrimp can strike with incredible speed and force. They use this ability for hunting prey,
00:48 breaking open shells, and defending their territory.
00:51 With an acceleration of well over 100,000 meters per second squared.
00:57 This is an acceleration greater than a .22 caliber bullet fired from a pistol.
01:02 The acceleration of their strike creates cavitational bubbles,
01:06 leading to small bursts of light and heat.
01:08 Did you catch it? It happens fast.
01:11 This remarkable punching mechanism has been studied for potential applications
01:15 in engineering and materials science due to its incredible speed and impact.
01:20 Number 9. Sperm Whale
01:23 It may have a name that makes people snicker, but this mighty marine mammal is the largest
01:28 toothed whale and possesses one of the most powerful sonar systems in the animal kingdom.
01:33 The sperm whale possesses the largest known brain of any living or extinct mammal,
01:37 weighing an average of 17 pounds and measuring about 2.1 gallons in volume.
01:42 Their massive heads house spermiceti organs, which help focus and amplify echolocation clicks.
01:48 Sperm whales use this sonar to navigate the ocean depths,
01:52 locate prey, and communicate with each other.
01:54 These deep-sea divers can reach astounding depths in search of prey.
02:07 The spermiceti oil was historically sought after for its use in oil lamps,
02:12 contributing to the intense whaling activities of the past.
02:15 Perfumers also look for ambergris, a hard, waxy, combustible substance produced when
02:20 the defecation with sperm whales' intestinal systems bursts out.
02:23 Today, conservation efforts aim to protect these magnificent marine mammals.
02:27 Number 8. Giant Squid
02:30 Tentacle alert! The giant squid is a deep-sea-dwelling cephalopod
02:35 that has intrigued scientists and storytellers alike for centuries.
02:42 Known for its enormous size and elusive nature,
02:45 the giant squid possesses remarkable physical attributes, with eyes the size of basketballs,
02:51 and tentacles equipped with powerful suckers and sharp hooks.
02:54 It's a formidable predator in the dark depths.
02:57 Direct observations of live giant squids are rare.
03:00 We've got something, you know, the size of a two to four-story house
03:05 in the deep ocean that we've never seen. That's crazy.
03:10 Until now.
03:11 Until now.
03:11 But studies of specimens washed ashore and encounters with the aforementioned sperm whales,
03:17 their natural predators, contribute to our understanding of these mysterious
03:21 creatures that inhabit the abyssal zones of the ocean.
03:24 Scientists only made six sightings, but believe there could be millions of
03:28 the creatures lurking in the mysteries of the deep.
03:31 Number 7. Saltwater Crocodile
03:33 The saltwater crocodile, also known as a "salty" in Australia,
03:38 is the largest living reptile and a formidable apex predator in coastal habitats.
03:43 Found in brackish and saltwater environments, these crocodiles possess incredible strength
03:53 and a powerful bite. Their jaws are equipped with numerous sharp teeth,
03:57 and they have a reputation for ambush hunting.
03:59 When it comes to food, the saltwater crocodile is not picky.
04:03 It is a carnivorous animal that eats whatever it can bite.
04:07 Saltwater crocodiles are known to tackle prey much larger than themselves,
04:11 displaying both strength and cunning in their hunting strategies.
04:14 Unfortunately, their aggressive nature and territorial behavior sometimes brings them
04:19 into conflict with humans, necessitating conservation efforts to protect both
04:23 crocodiles and local communities.
04:25 This is looking good. We've seen our large male crocodile,
04:29 but as we approach him, he submerges and seems to go up the other end.
04:33 Number 6. Wandering Albatross
04:36 Look out, fish! The amazing albatross deserves recognition for its incredible wingspan
04:41 and endurance, making it one of the most powerful flyers in the avian world.
04:46 "Looked me straight in the eye, then turned around and opened up its wings,
04:51 looking out over a moody sky and snow-capped mountains."
04:55 With a wingspan that can reach up to 11 feet,
04:58 these strong seabirds are highly adapted for long-distance oceanic flights.
05:03 Wandering albatrosses are known to cover vast distances in search of food,
05:07 often circumnavigating the southern ocean.
05:09 "An adult wanderer may travel 5,000 miles, sometimes to Brazil and back,
05:15 in order to collect squid for its young."
05:17 Their ability to cover thousands of miles without flapping their wings extensively
05:22 is attributed to dynamic soaring, a technique that utilizes wind gradients over the ocean's surface.
05:28 Because the energy is consistently renewed by the wind,
05:32 the cycle can be repeated almost endlessly.
05:35 Number 5. Goliath Grouper
05:37 With a name like Goliath, you know you're strong.
05:41 "Goliath groupers! They're among the largest reef fish in the world!"
05:46 The Goliath grouper is a massive fish found in the Atlantic Ocean,
05:50 and is well-known for its impressive size and strength.
05:53 Growing up to hundreds of pounds, these groupers have powerful jaws
05:57 and are capable of engulfing large prey with a single strike.
06:00 "And if you linger for too long in one area, this predator could eat you alive!"
06:08 Once a target for fishing, Goliath groupers are now protected in many areas due to overfishing
06:13 concerns. They play a crucial role in maintaining the health of coral reef ecosystems, showcasing
06:19 the interconnectedness of marine life and the importance of conservation efforts to preserve
06:24 these powerful and ecologically significant creatures.
06:27 In less than 20 years, they've made a strong comeback.
06:30 And although their population has not yet fully recovered, they're well on their way.
06:37 Number 4. Boxer Crab
06:39 These crabs may be diminutive in size, but possess remarkable strength in their ability
06:44 to carry sea anemones in each claw. "Those gloves are in fact sea anemones!"
06:50 Also known as the pom-pom crab, this small marine crustacean truly has a fascinating
06:56 symbiotic relationship with sea anemones. The crab uses its strong pincers to carry
07:02 these stinging sea anemones, utilizing them for both defense and offense.
07:06 "They have a cocktail of powerful toxins in their tiny tendrils!"
07:10 The partnership benefits both species, as the sea anemones gain mobility and access to food,
07:16 while the crab gains protection. This unique interaction
07:20 highlights the diverse and intricate relationships that can exist in the marine ecosystem.
07:25 The pufferfish won't try that again in a hurry.
07:27 Number 3. Elephant Seal
07:29 Elephant seals, particularly the males, are among the largest seals,
07:34 and showcase significant upper body strength. "Elephant seals are the biggest seals on the
07:40 planet. The largest can be 6 meters long and a whopping 4 tons!"
07:47 Named for their trunk-like proboscis, which becomes pronounced in males during the breeding
07:51 season, these seals use their size and strength during territorial battles.
07:56 "Blubber, 15 centimeters thick, is protection against the cold, but not from the impact of a
08:03 four-ton opponent." Male elephant seals engage in intense and noisy fights to establish dominance
08:10 and breeding rights. While their large bodies and strength serve them well in these competitions,
08:15 they are also remarkable deep-sea divers, undertaking long migrations and spending
08:20 extended periods at sea. Number 2. Giant Pacific Octopus
08:25 This incredible ocean beast is a highly intelligent and powerful marine invertebrate,
08:31 known for its remarkable strength and problem-solving abilities. "Wow, she is strong,
08:37 man!" With three hearts and a flexible body, the giant Pacific octopus is a master of disguise
08:43 and escape. Its strength lies in its muscular arms, each equipped with suckers that allow it
08:48 to manipulate objects, open jars, and capture prey. "Suction cups!"
08:53 These octopuses also display impressive problem-solving skills, adapting to various
09:01 environments and even engaging in complex behaviors such as using coconut shells for
09:06 protection. Their intelligence and strength make them captivating subjects for marine biologists
09:11 and enthusiasts alike. "It's good to be the king!"
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09:29 Number 1. Orcas Orcas, known as killer whales even though
09:36 they are actually a type of dolphin, are apex predators found in oceans worldwide and are known
09:41 for their intelligence, complex social structures, and powerful physical attributes. And it's not
09:47 just what they hunt, but how they do it that sets them apart from every other animal. They have
09:52 strong bodies, streamlined shapes, and powerful tails that enable them to swim at high speeds.
09:59 Orcas are formidable hunters, preying on various marine mammals including seals and even other
10:05 whales. Their cooperative hunting strategies, such as beaching themselves to catch seals on ice,
10:11 demonstrate their advanced problem-solving skills. Orcas also communicate through a sophisticated
10:30 system of vocalizations, displaying a high level of intelligence among marine species.
10:36 Which of these creatures impresses you the most with their strength? Let us know in the comments.
10:44 And now, with the addition of two, count 'em, two marshmallows!
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10:58 [Music]