Whale Shark

Whale Sharks are the world's largest fish and largest shark. They are the only species in the family Rhincodontidae. They are related to carpet sharks.

Characteristics and Size
Whale sharks are one of the filter-feeding sharks, so they have huge mouths and gills to feed on plankton. Their mouths can be 4-5 feet wide. They are usually 20,000 lbs and can be more than 30 feet, sometimes more than 40 ft. They have little eyes like basking sharks. They have spots and are gray or blueish. They are named whale sharks because they look like whales.

Eating habits
Whale sharks like to feed on plankton and krill, but also have been seen eating tiny fish and cephalopods. They have tiny teeth but no purpose for the teeth. Scientists think whale sharks travel several thousands of miles to get enough food.



Habitat and Range
The whale shark is found in tropical and subtropical oceans (Pacific, Atlantic, Indian) as well as some seas such as the Red Sea, but not the Mediterranean. It is pelagic, but may go near beaches, continental shelves, and seamounts.