Description
The Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) is the largest shark and fish in the ocean and one of the most recognisable. These gentle creatures are known for their massive size and kind nature. They cruise through at a relatively slow speed of 3mph (5kmph). Fully grown adults can grow up to 12m long and beyond. Despite their massive size, these giants filter feed on plankton, krill, and small fish.They can be found in all tropical oceans globally, swimming in shallow water and diving to depths.
Fact Sheet
Habitat
Found in warm seas, these sharks populate all of the world’s tropical oceans, excluding the Mediterranean ocean. Their migration is relatively unknown, although they are known to travel great distances. They are observed in large numbers at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia and the Galapagos Islands.
Diet
Their diet consists of plankton, krill, and small fish that they filter feed through their mouths and gills. Whale sharks feed individually and in groups when there is a large volume of food in an area.
Appearance
They have a distinctive white spotted pattern spread across their grey/blue body and lighter underside, this is unique to each individual. They have a narrow, wide mouth, small eyes, two large dorsal fins, and a large caudal fin at their rear.
Key Features
- Most recognizable for its sheer size and spotted pattern across its upper body.
- The mouth is wide, measuring up to 1 meter in width.
- Small remora fish usually swim alongside the whale shark’s mouth, gills, and underside.
Threats
IUCN Conservation Status: Endangered
Poaching
Unfortunately, illegal poaching can occur for meat, fins, and oils.
Vessel Strike
These creatures are vulnerable to vessel strikes due to feeding at the ocean surface. They can be hit by passing boats and ships, especially if feeding in shipping lanes.
Overfishing
These animals are threatened by illegal fishing practices, bycatch in fishing gear, overfishing of reef fish, and entanglement in fishing nets.
Habitation Loss
The loss of coral reefs and small fish in the reef ecosystem has a knock-on effect, leaving less available prey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Their diet consists of Plankton, krill, and small fish which they filter feed through their large mouths. These sharks feed individually and in groups when there is a large volume of food in an area.
Adults can grow beyond 12 meters. The largest size they can grow to is not known.
These creatures are generally friendly to humans, although they will dive or turn on their sides if they feel threatened.
