Species · GBIF taxon 2417522
Whale Shark
Rhincodon typusAlso known as Domino Shark, Gentle Giant
Whale sharks glide through warm oceans, filtering plankton, krill, and small fish through their massive, cavernous mouths. Their flat heads and striking patterns of pale spots and stripes, unique to each individual, act as perfect camouflage in sunlit waters. These gentle giants travel thousands of miles across open seas, often gathering in seasonal feeding hotspots near continental shelves.
Filter FeederMarineGiant
- diet
- Plankton, krill, fish eggs, crab larvae, and small schooling fish
- family
- Rhincodontidae
- threats
- Vessel strikes, fisheries bycatch, marine pollution, and unsustainable tourism
- life Span
- 80 to 130 years
EN
Extremely large size poses a physical hazard; maintain a safe distance from the powerful tail.
Listed as Endangered due to vessel strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and disturbance from unregulated swim-with-sharks tourism.
Observe quietly from a distance, never block their path, and only book tours with certified, eco-friendly operators.- Keep your distance: Stay at least three to four meters away to avoid disturbing their natural swimming path.
- Avoid flash photography: Bright flashes can startle these sensitive animals and disrupt their feeding behavior.
- Do not touch: Touching can scrape off their protective mucous layer and introduce harmful bacteria.