Whale shark (Rhincodon typus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Rhincodon typus
- Common name
- Whale shark
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Rhincodontidae
- Genus
- Rhincodon
- Size
- 600–1800 cm
- Depth
- 0–1928 m
- IUCN status
- Endangered (EN)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- open-water
- Behaviours
- solitary, slow-mover
- Ocean zones
- Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Macaronesia, Mediterranean, Eastern Pacific, East Atlantic
Description
Rhincodon typus reaches 18 m and 20 tons, the largest fish in the world. Massive dark blue-gray body on back with unique white spot and line patterns (fingerprint of each individual), white belly, very wide flattened head with huge terminal mouth. Filter feeder of plankton, krill and small fish. Circumtropical distribution, predictable seasonal aggregations at Donsol (Philippines), Ningaloo (Australia), Yucatán (Mexico), Mafia Island (Tanzania), Maldives, Red Sea, Galápagos, Cocos. IUCN Endangered. Mythical dive and snorkel photo subject, memorable respectful encounter at minimum 5 m distance.
Photo of Whale shark
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Whale shark?
- Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) reaches 600–1800 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Whale shark?
- Whale shark is found between 0–1928 m deep.
- Is the Whale shark dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Whale shark?
- IUCN status: Endangered (EN).
- Where can you find the Whale shark?
- Found in: Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Macaronesia, Mediterranean, Eastern Pacific, East Atlantic.
Similar species
- Haemulon flavolineatum - French grunt
- Haemulon sciurus - Bluestriped grunt
- Haemulon plumierii - White grunt
- Haemulon parra - Sailor's choice
- Carcharhinus melanopterus - Blacktip reef shark
- Hippocampus guttulatus - Long-snouted seahorse
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 105847)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2417522)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia