Whale Shark
ExploreFish
Whale Shark
Rhincodon typus
Whale Sharks are the biggest fish in the ocean! They are gentle giants that filter-feed on tiny creatures.
Habitat: Warm ocean waters
Appearance
The Whale Shark is a gigantic, gentle fish with a flattened head and a distinctive checkerboard pattern of pale yellow spots and stripes on its dark grey-blue body. This unique pattern helps distinguish it from other large ocean creatures.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassElasmobranchiiOrderOrectolobiformesFamilyRhincodontidaeGenusRhincodon
Category
FishRarity
Legendary
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Every Whale Shark has unique spots, like a fingerprint!
Their mouth can open over 4 feet wide to gulp water!
They are the largest fish in the entire world!
Whale Sharks don't chew their food; they just swallow it!
Special abilities
Ability
Gentle Giant Filter
Whale Shark can filter-feed by opening its enormous mouth to scoop up tiny plankton and small fish.
Ability
Oceanic Navigator
Whale Shark has a unique spot pattern that helps scientists identify individuals for tracking migrations.
Ability
Deep Dive Master
Whale Shark can dive to incredible depths because its body is adapted to withstand immense pressure.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 550-1800 cm
- Weight
- 9000-19000 kg
- Lifespan
- 70-130 years
- Swim Speed
- 5 km/h
- Maximum Depth
- 1928 m
- Water Type
- Saltwater
Diet & Feeding
Whale Sharks are gentle giants that munch on tiny creatures by filtering huge amounts of ocean water!
Primary Foods
- plankton
- krill
- small fish
- fish eggs
- copepods
Foraging Method
- Filter Feeding
Ecological connections
symbiotic with
Common Remora
Remora remora
Rides along, eating parasites and food scraps.
symbiotic with
Pilot Fish
Echeneis naucrates
Swims near, benefiting from protection and food.
eats
Copepod
Calanus finmarchicus
Filter-feeds on these abundant tiny crustaceans.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Filter Feeder
Filter feeders obtain nutrients by straining suspended food particles and small organisms from water.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Giant
Giant describes organisms or objects of significantly larger size than average for their species or type.
Marine
Marine habitats encompass all saltwater environments of the Earth's oceans, supporting an immense diversity of aquatic life.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Watch quietly from a distance and never try to feed or chase wild animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Whale Shark?
550-1800 cm
How much does Whale Shark weigh?
9000-19000 kg
How long does Whale Shark live?
70-130 years
What does Whale Shark eat?
Whale Sharks are gentle giants that munch on tiny creatures by filtering huge amounts of ocean water!
How fast can Whale Shark swim?
5 km/h
Where is Whale Shark usually found?
Warm ocean waters
How does Whale Shark hunt?
Filter Feeding
How deep can Whale Shark go?
1928 m
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
