Rhincodon typus

Whale Shark

8-12 meter
70-100+ år
Truet
Om

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.

Størrelse

8-12 meter (opptil 18m recorded)

Vekt

11,000-20,000 kg

Levetid

70-100+ år

Status

Truet

Hvor du finner dem

Beste dykkelokasjoner

GalápagosøyeneMaldivene (south Ari Atoll)Donsol, FilippineneOslob, FilippineneNingaloo Reef, AustraliaIsla Holbox, MexicoIsla Mujeres, MexicoUtila, HondurasGladden Spit, BelizeTofo Beach, MosambikRødehavet, EgyptMafia Island, TanzaniaThailand (koh Tao, Similan Islands)

Dykketips

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 sesong

June-September (Galápagos), varies by location

Habitat

Warm tropical and temperate oceans worldwide, often near the surface

Kosthold

Plankton, fish eggs, small fish, and squid
Visste du?

Morsomme fakta

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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