The biggest fish in the ocean is the Rhincodon typus or whale shark. Despite their tremendous size and intimidating appearance, whale sharks are commonly docile and approachable.
A whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is a fish and 'breathes' via its gills. The name “whale shark” comes from the fact these animals are so large (as big as whales) and that they filter-feed (like large humpback whales). However, they have cartilage instead of bone – a true shark.
Little is still known about the whale shark's life cycle or exactly how long they live. It is estimated that whale sharks may live to over 100 years of age, reaching maturity at around 30 years.
Whale sharks are one of the most amazing animals in the world — and while they may be sharks, they're also one of the most gentle fish in the sea. In fact, whale sharks are so gentle, they're completely safe to swim around.
Each whale shark has its own unique pattern of spots, much like human fingerprints. A whale shark's mouth is about 5 feet wide (1.5 m). They have rows of over 300 teeth, but as filter feeders they do not use these teeth to eat.
Often the whale shark is used as an indicator of waters rich in plankton-feeding fish that will, in turn, attract more valuable species such as tuna. Whale sharks have been kept in aquaria in Japan, but their large size and specialized diet precludes this species from being mainstream aquarium species. According to Metro, whale sharks are filter feeders and won't eat any humans they encounter. They feed only on plankton and very small fish.
While the name "whale shark," might be a bit confusing, whale sharks are in fact sharks, not whales. Whale sharks bear many of the defining characteristics of sharks, including a cartilaginous skeleton, five to seven-gill slits on the sides of the head, and pectoral fins that are not fused to the head.
Whale sharks are the longest non-mammalian vertebrae. While the average length of these sharks is just under 10 meters, specimens have been reported to exceed that length considerably. In fact, the largest whale shark ever measured was found off the coast of Pakistan and measured 12.65 meters (41.50 feet) in length and had a girth of 7 m (23.0 ft).
They are the heaviest fish in the sea. Estimates put the average weight of whale sharks at just around 9 tonnes (20,000) pounds. However, several larger specimens have been recorded. The same whale shark mentioned in the section above weighed about 21.5 tonnes (47,000 lb), according to measurements by researchers.
Whale sharks feed on microscopic sea life called plankton and small oceanic animals called nekton.
They are the ocean's largest fish, but they feed on some of the ocean's tiniest creatures. A whale shark's diet consists exclusively of microscopic sea life called plankton and small oceanic animals called nekton.
Little is still known about the whale shark’s life cycle or exactly how long they live. It is estimated that whale sharks may live to over 100 years of age, reaching maturity at around 30 years. They are thought to have a fast growth rate when very young, which then slows down, taking them a long time to reach maturity and adding to the vulnerability of this iconic species. Like all shark species, male whale sharks can be distinguished by the presence of two claspers near the pelvic fin, which are absent in females. Whale sharks are extremely difficult to age, but evidence suggests that both sexes may reach sexually maturity when they are around eight or nine metres in length. The size of maturity of female whale sharks cannot be determined through external observation.Female sharks give birth to fully-formed live young that develop from eggs in the mothers’ uteri prior to birth. About 300 young are born, between 40 and
These have a broad distribution in tropical and warm temperate seas, usually between latitudes 30°N and 35°S. They are known to inhabit both deep and shallow coastal waters and the lagoons of coral atolls and reefs. Australia is one of the most reliable locations to find whale sharks.
Whale sharks occur throughout the Indian Ocean and have also been reported near the Maldives, Seychelles and Comoros Islands, and along the coastlines of Madagascar, Mozambique, Kenya, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Threat to Whale Shark
It is thought that the most significant threat to whale sharks is habitat loss or degradation in the form of overfishing of reef fish, coastal development, land-based pollution, increased boat traffic and noise pollution. Fishing for meat and fins, harassment and boat strikes also pose serious threats to whale sharks.
The whale shark is identified as a migratory species under the International Convention on Migratory Species. Whale sharks are protected throughout Australian Commonwealth waters under fully protected in Western Australia under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and the Fish Resource Management Act 1994. Therefore, it is an offence to disturb, harm or fish for whale sharks in any way.
Respecting the Oceans is so important if we are to help save not only whale sharks but all marine species. Reducing the amount of energy we use can also help slow the rate of global warming which is also posing a huge threat to our Oceans.
Whale Shark
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