Rhincodon typus

Whale Shark

8-12 metros
70-100+ anos
Em perigo
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.

Tamanho

8-12 metros (até 18m recorded)

Peso

11,000-20,000 kg

Expectativa de vida

70-100+ anos

Estado

Em perigo

Onde encontrá-los

Melhores locais de mergulho

Ilhas GalápagosMaldivas (south Ari Atoll)Donsol, FilipinasOslob, FilipinasNingaloo Reef, AustráliaIsla Holbox, MéxicoIsla Mujeres, MéxicoUtila, HondurasGladden Spit, BelizeTofo Beach, MozambiqueMar Vermelho, EgitoMafia Island, TanzaniaTailândia (koh Tao, Similan Islands)

Dicas de mergulho

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.

Melhor época

June-September (Galápagos), varies by location

Habitat

Warm tropical and temperate oceans worldwide, often near the surface

Alimentação

Plankton, fish eggs, small fish, and squid
Você sabia?

Curiosidades

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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