The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the largest living fish, in the familyRhincodontidae. Despite its size it is a filter‑feeder, taking plankton, fish eggs and small schooling fishes viaram‑suction filtering and ram swimming with the mouth agape. Global IUCN status: Endangered (EN).
Basics
Scientific name: Rhincodon typus
Size: commonly 6–12 m (larger extremes recorded)
Mass: roughly 15–30 t (very variable, estimates)
Ecology & Behaviour
Occupies tropical–subtropical coastal–offshore convergence zones and aggregates seasonally at plankton blooms or spawning events (e.g., coral spawning). Generally slow‑cruising; typical dives within<100 m but can exceed several hundred metres. Individuals undertakelong‑distance migrations.
Identification
Blue‑ to grey‑backed with a checkerboard of white spots and lines; each individual’s pattern is unique for photo‑ID. Very wide, terminal mouth; small eyes; triangular dorsal fins and a large caudal fin; tough dermal denticles.
Reproduction
Aplacental viviparous (ovoviviparous): embryos hatch inside the female and pups are born live; early life history remains poorly known.
Threats & Conservation
Bycatch & set‑net entrapment, vessel strikes and propeller injuries.
Targeted fishing & illegal trade (bans/quotas in many countries).
Habitat degradation & pollution; poorly managed tourism (chasing/touching/feeding).
Priorities: dynamic protection of hotspots and migratory corridors, gear and speed management, photo‑ID databases and satellite tagging, and strict wildlife‑tourism codes. Listed on CITES Appendix II and CMS appendices.
