Whale shark
Rhincodon typus
ok. 9 mAdult individual
total length
total length
wzdłuż osi ciała · od pyska do końca ogonaMeasurement: side
- Mass
- kilka do kilkunastu ton zależnie od długościDorosłe osobniki
Whale shark — size comparison
The whale shark is the largest living fish. It has a broad, flattened head and a dark back marked with pale spots and lines. These patterns allow individuals to
Silhouette comparison
Length
wzdłuż osi ciała · od pyska do końca ogonaScale for the stated dimensions · each animal is labelled
Total lengthScale in m
0246810
approx. 9 m
The scale compares the named dimensions. View direction and measurement points are given for each animal.
Whale shark — size comparison — facts and sources
The whale shark is the largest living fish. It has a broad, flattened head and a dark back marked with pale spots and lines. These patterns allow individuals to be identified in photographs. It inhabits warm ocean waters, often where plankton gathers seasonally.
Despite its size, it eats small organisms, including plankton, fish eggs, small fish and squid. Water enters the broad mouth, and a filtering apparatus retains food. It may feed while swimming or actively suck in water where food is particularly abundant.
It migrates long distances and dives much deeper than surface observations suggest. Usually solitary, it can gather in large numbers at seasonal feeding grounds. These gatherings are not permanent groups; individuals may depart along different routes.