Rhincodon typus

Whale Shark

8-12 metros
70-100+ años
En peligro
Sobre

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.

Tamaño

8-12 metros (hasta 18m recorded)

Peso

11,000-20,000 kg

Esperanza de vida

70-100+ años

Estado

En peligro

Dónde encontrarlos

Mejores ubicaciones de buceo

Islas GalápagosMaldivas (south Ari Atoll)Donsol, FilipinasOslob, FilipinasNingaloo Reef, AustraliaIsla Holbox, MéxicoIsla Mujeres, MéxicoUtila, HondurasGladden Spit, BeliceTofo Beach, MozambiqueMar Rojo, EgiptoMafia Island, TanzaniaTailandia (koh Tao, Similan Islands)

Consejos de buceo

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.

Mejor temporada

June-September (Galápagos), varies by location

Hábitat

Warm tropical and temperate oceans worldwide, often near the surface

Alimentación

Plankton, fish eggs, small fish, and squid
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Datos curiosos

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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