Rhincodon typus

Whale Shark

8-12 Meter
70-100+ Jahre
Stark gefährdet
Über

Whale Shark

The whale shark is the largest fish in the ocean, reaching lengths of up to 12 metres or more. Despite their enormous size, these gentle giants feed exclusively on plankton and small fish, filtering vast quantities of water through their huge mouths.

Größe

8-12 Meter (bis zu 18m dokumentiert)

Gewicht

11,000-20,000 kg

Lebenserwartung

70-100+ Jahre

Status

Stark gefährdet

Wo man sie findet

Beste Tauchorte

Galápagos-InselnMalediven (south Ari Atoll)Donsol, PhilippinenOslob, PhilippinenNingaloo Reef, AustralienIsla Holbox, MexikoIsla Mujeres, MexikoUtila, HondurasGladden Spit, BelizeTofo Beach, MosambikRotes Meer, ÄgyptenMafia Island, TansaniaThailand (koh Tao, Similan Islands)

Tauchtipps

Keep a respectful distance (3m minimum). Never touch or ride whale sharks. Swim alongside, not directly at them. Use reef-safe sunscreen as they feed near the surface.

Beste Saison

June-September (Galápagos), varies by location

Lebensraum

Warm tropical and temperate oceans worldwide, often near the surface

Ernährung

Plankton, fish eggs, small fish, and squid
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Fun Facts

1

Whale sharks have over 3,000 tiny teeth, but they're filter feeders

2

Each whale shark has a unique pattern of spots like a fingerprint

3

They can live for over 100 years

4

Females can carry up to 300 embryos at different stages of development

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