Whale Shark
About the Whale Shark
The largest fish in the sea, reaching 18 meters and 20 tons. Despite their size, they are gentle filter feeders harmless to humans. They have 300 rows of tiny teeth that serve no function in feeding. They can filter 6,000 liters of water per hour. Each individual has a unique spot pattern, like a fingerprint. They migrate thousands of kilometers. They can live 70-100 years. They are ovoviviparous - one female was found carrying over 300 embryos. Their liver can weigh 600 kg. They are endangered - hunted for their fins in some countries. Swimming with whale sharks generates $50M+ in ecotourism revenue annually.
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