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Whale Shark
Rhincodon typus
- 3
#2
- Courtesy of SeaWatch.org. http://www.seawatch.org
- A gentle giant being "petted"
Although the term ‘whale’ is used as part of the common name of this animal, it is not a mammal, it is a fish, a shark! ‘Whale’ is used as a description of the size of this shark, the largest fish that exists on Earth
While its large size might suggest a dangerous animal, the whale shark is actually a gentle giant and will permit divers to approach it closely without exhibiting aggressive behavior. A strikingly handsome fish, its colors and markings are impressive and express an individuality that makes possible repeated identification of individuals animals.
Facts and Features
- Geographic Distribution
World wide in tropical and warm temperate waters most commonly between latitudes 30o N and 35o S in oceanic and coastal waters with the exception of the Mediterranean Sea. Reported in about 124 countries
- Amazing Facts
A whale shark photo-identification library uses a software program that ‘analyzes’ photographs of the unique-to-each shark skin patterning behind the gills and any scars of an observed shark to distinguish between individual animals. The database helps researchers to learn more about these awesome and mysterious sharks such as population determinations, migratory patterns, breeding areas, etc.
- At the Aquarium
The awesome whale shark is not exhibited at the Aquarium. This information is available so you can learn more about the largest fish in the world and its conservation needs.
