Scientific Name
Rhincodon typus
Common Name
Whale shark
Biology
World's largest fish, which is harmless to humans. Specimens rarely above 12 m. Often seen offshore but coming close inshore, sometimes entering lagoons or coral atolls. Sometimes seen cruising near outer wall. Reported to frequent shallow water areas near estuaries and river mouths, sometimes during seasonal shrimp blooms. Found singly, or in aggregations of over 100 individuals. Often associated with groups of pelagic fishes, especially scombrids. Highly migratory between ocean basins and national jurisdictions, but returns to the same sites annually. Feed on planktonic and nektonic prey, such as small fishes , small crustaceans and squids. Often seen in a vertical position with the head at or near