Rhincodon typus

Whale Shark

8-12 metri
70-100+ anni
In pericolo
Informazioni

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.

Dimensioni

8-12 metri (fino a 18m recorded)

Peso

11,000-20,000 kg

Durata della vita

70-100+ anni

Stato

In pericolo

Dove trovarli

Migliori siti di immersione

Isole GalápagosMaldive (south Ari Atoll)Donsol, FilippineOslob, FilippineNingaloo Reef, AustraliaIsla Holbox, MessicoIsla Mujeres, MessicoUtila, HondurasGladden Spit, BelizeTofo Beach, MozambicoMar Rosso, EgittoMafia Island, TanzaniaTailandia (koh Tao, Similan Islands)

Consigli per le immersioni

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.

Stagione migliore

June-September (Galápagos), varies by location

Habitat

Warm tropical and temperate oceans worldwide, often near the surface

Alimentazione

Plankton, fish eggs, small fish, and squid
Lo sapevi?

Curiosità

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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