whale shark whale shark slow moving filter feeding shark largest known extant fish species largest confirmed individual length weight unconfirmed claims considerably larger individuals long weighing uncommon holds records sheer size animal kingdom notably far largest living sole member genus extant member family called belongs class species originated million years ago whale shark found open waters tropical oceans rarely found water modeling suggests lifespan years measurements proven difficult large mouths filter feeding mode occurs sharks shark shark feed exclusively completely harmless humans species distinguished april specimen south_africa military doctor associated british troops stationed cape_town described following year whale shark directly refers fish size large species filter like distribution habitat whale shark inhabits tropical warm temperate seas fish primarily living open sea greater depths ocean seasonal feeding occur coastal sites southern eastern parts south_africa belize western australia gulf coast india honduras philippines baja california national park indonesia bay national park indonesia madagascar reef near islands mafia gulf islands rarely israel jordan typically seen offshore found closer land entering coral near mouths rivers range generally restricted latitude capable diving depths migratory february large whale shark found floating kilometres coast pakistan length specimen said weight whale sharks gathered largest gatherings whale sharks recorded area reliable seasonal gatherings known whale sharks large numbers occurring years september associated grown rapidly levels description whale sharks mouth wide containing rows tiny teeth filter pads uses filter feed whale sharks large pairs gills head wide flat small eyes whale sharks grey white belly skin marked pale yellow spots stripes unique individual whale shark prominent ridges sides skin thick shark pair dorsal fins pectoral fins juveniles tails larger upper fin lower fin adult tail whale shark eyes whale shark largest non animal world average size adult whale sharks estimated specimens length reported largest verified specimen caught november near pakistan long weighed stories exist vastly larger specimens quoted lengths common popular literature scientific records support existence irish natural scientist obtained small whale shark specimens claimed observed specimens excess tells shark specimens surpassing publication described huge animal caught bamboo fish trap thailand shark heavy pull ashore smith estimated shark long weighed measurements exaggerated precise recent years shark caught southern taiwan reportedly weighed claims whale sharks metres tonnes ship named came whale shark southern pacific_ocean rammed shark stuck ship supposedly reliable documentation exists claims remain fish stories diet whale shark filter known filter feeding shark species shark shark feeds including fish eggs red crab larvae small life small squid fish feeds clouds eggs mass spawning fish rows teeth play role feeding feeding occurs ram animal opens mouth forward pushing water food mouth active feeding animal opens closes mouth volumes water expelled gills cases filter pads serve separate food water unique black like structures presumed modified gill food separation whale sharks cross flow water travels nearly parallel filter pad surface passing outside food particles continue throat extremely efficient method filter pad surface whale sharks observed presumably clear build particles filter pads whale sharks migrate feed possibly breed whale shark active targeting concentrations fish able ram filter feed stationary position contrast passive feeding shark pump water instead force water gills juvenile whale shark estimated eat pounds day bbc program filmed whale shark feeding school small fish documentary showed footage whale shark timing arrival coincide mass spawning fish feeding resultant clouds eggs sperm behavior divers despite size whale shark pose significant danger humans whale sharks fish allow swimmers catch ride practice discouraged shark scientists disturbance sharks younger whale sharks gentle play divers underwater photographers photographed swimming close humans danger shark seen divers places including honduras thailand philippines red_sea western australia christmas island taiwan panama belize greater wetland park south_africa baja california sur mexico islands eastern malaysia india sri_lanka puerto_rico juveniles found near shore near captivity whale sharks featured main attraction osaka whale sharks captivity okinawa japan japan features single adult whale shark major attraction display taiwan display china whale sharks males females alice live atlanta usa male whale sharks died captivity georgia january june respectively females added june males whale sharks imported taiwan whale sharks called sharks taste texture flesh fishery came closed whale sharks live china whale shark atlantis hotel released march whale sharks mexico_city reproduction mating whale sharks observed capture female july pregnant pups indicated whale sharks eggs remain body females birth live young long evidence indicates pups born female retains sperm mating produces steady stream pups prolonged period reach sexual maturity years lifespan estimated years march marine scientists philippines discovered believed smallest living specimen whale shark young shark measuring found tail tied stake beach philippines released wild based discovery scientists longer believe area feeding ground site ground young whale sharks pregnant females seen waters numerous whale sharks spotted summer conservation status currently robust estimate global whale shark population species considered vulnerable iucn long life span late maturation listed species sharks memorandum understanding philippines banned fishing selling whale sharks commercial purposes followed india taiwan currently listed vulnerable species continue hunted parts asia taiwan china listed endangered announced plans bring whale sharks marine life park met opposition seven notable conservation societies plan shelved favour search alternatives gulf_of_mexico oil spill resulted barrels oil flowing area south whale shark sightings northern gulf occurred recent years sightings confirmed whale sharks unable avoid oil slick situated surface sea whale sharks feed hours time dead whale sharks found species added convention international trade endangered species wild fauna flora cites regulate international trade live specimens parts human culture vietnamese culture whale shark revered deity called literally translates lord fish philippines called whale shark featured reverse philippine bill law maintain distance feet sharks fine possible jail time touches animals
Whale shark