  The Whale Shark, classified as Rhincodon typus, is the largest of all fishes. The name 'whale shark' refers to the animal's appearance and large size; it is a fish, not a mammal, and (like all sharks) is not closely related to whales. Whale sharks range in length anywhere between 4 metres to 12 metres, but the species can possibly reach a length of 18 metres. They can weigh as much as 36 tonnes. As if their size isn't enough, whale sharks are easily recognised by their colour pattern. The ventral surface is whitish, and the back and sides are blue to blackish with white stripes and blotches. They have prominent ridges on the side of the body. Unlike many other sharks, whale shark mouths are located at the front of the head rather than on the underside. It is unknown how long whale sharks can live, however scientists theorize that they can live anywhere from 60 to 100 years. Whale sharks are found in all tropical and warm-temperate seas around the world, with water temperatures of 20-25° Celsius. Whale sharks have very large mouths, and are filter feeders, feeding almost exclusively on plankton and small fishes and squid, which they strain from the water as they swim with their meter-long mouths and specialized filter pads. 
 Whale sharks pose no threat to humans. Younger whale sharks are gentle and can play with divers. Underwater photographers have photographed them swimming close to humans without any danger.  |