Endangered
Whale Shark
Rhincodon typus
The largest living fish, a gentle filter feeder that eats plankton and small fish.
Category
Fish
Habitat
Tropical ocean
Diet
Filter feeder
Lifespan
70–100+ years estimated
Size
Length 8–12 m commonly; can exceed 18 m
Scientific Name
Rhincodon typus
About Whale Shark
The largest living fish, a gentle filter feeder that eats plankton and small fish.
It belongs to the Fish group and is commonly associated with tropical ocean habitats with a filter feeder diet, with a lifespan of 70–100+ years estimated, a size of Length 8–12 m commonly; can exceed 18 m, a conservation status of Endangered.
Fun Fact
Whale sharks have spot patterns that are unique to each individual.
Videos about Whale Shark
How nuclear bombs tell us how old whale sharks are
Where Whale Shark Lives
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Ningaloo Reef, Australia
, Mexico
Yucatán, Mexico
, Mexico