Rhincodon typus

Whale Shark

8-12 mètres
70-100+ ans
En danger
À propos

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.

Taille

8-12 mètres (jusqu'à 18m enregistré)

Poids

11,000-20,000 kg

Durée de vie

70-100+ ans

Statut

En danger

Où les trouver

Meilleurs sites de plongée

Îles GalápagosMaldives (south Ari Atoll)Donsol, PhilippinesOslob, PhilippinesNingaloo Reef, AustralieIsla Holbox, MexiqueIsla Mujeres, MexiqueUtila, HondurasGladden Spit, BelizeTofo Beach, MozambiqueMer Rouge, ÉgypteMafia Island, TanzanieThaïlande (koh Tao, Similan Islands)

Conseils de plongée

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.

Meilleure saison

June-September (Galápagos), varies by location

Habitat

Warm tropical and temperate oceans worldwide, often near the surface

Régime alimentaire

Plankton, fish eggs, small fish, and squid
Le saviez-vous ?

Faits amusants

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

Commencez votre aventure

Prêt à plonger avec cet animal ?

Explorez nos expéditions en croisière vers les meilleures destinations de plongée