The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is a slow-moving, filter-feeding carpet shark and the largest known extant fish species. The largest confirmed individual had a length of 18.8 m (61.7 ft). [8]

These giant zoo­plank­ti­vores are usu­ally found in coastal zones with high food pro­duc­tiv­ity. Data col­lected from archival tags demon­strated that this species has the abil­ity to dive to depths …

Mar 19, 2025 · whale shark, (Rhincodon typus), gigantic but harmless shark (family Rhincodontidae) that is the largest living fish. Whale sharks are found in marine environments worldwide but mainly in tropical oceans.

Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are the largest shark, and indeed largest of any fishes alive today. They feed on plankton and travel large distances to find enough food to sustain their huge size, and to reproduce. Whale sharks are found in all the tropical oceans of the world.

Feb 6, 2025 · Rhincodon typus These sharks are recognizable not just for being the largest fish in the sea, but also for their unique patterns. They are filter feeders, often swimming near the surface of the open sea; they gulp in water and filter everything from plankton and fish eggs to crustaceans and schoo

The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is a slow-moving, filter-feeding carpet shark and the largest known extant fish species. The largest confirmed individual had a length of 18.8 m (61.7 ft).

Whale sharks, Rhincodon typus (Smith, 1828), are the biggest sharks and the biggest fishes in the ocean. They are NOT whales nor are they dangerous to humans (like nearly all sharks). They have a distinctively wide mouth at the very front of their …

Facts about the Whale shark - Rhincodon typus from the Shark Research Institute (SRI). SRI conducts and sponsors rigorous, peer-reviewed field research about sharks and uses science-based information to educate and advocate for shark conservation policies and protections by the world’s governing bodies, including CITES.

May 27, 2024 · The whale shark’s scientific name is Rhincodon typus, which is derived from the Latin words for ‘rasp’ and ‘tooth.’ The whale shark has many layers of tiny, raspy teeth that …

It is a slow moving shark that feeds on small crustaceans, squid and fishes from the water using filtering screens on its gills. It can be easily recognised by size and colour pattern. The back and sides are blue to blackish with white stripes and blotches. The ventral surface is whitish.