Fin's Fish Guide
The Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is a saltwater fish of the family Rhincodontidae that grows up to 1700 cm.
Worldwide in tropical and warm-temperate oceans; oceanic and nearshore.
Description
The whale shark is the largest fish in the world; it can reach a length of over 12 metres and possibly up to about 18-20 metres. It has a bulky, grey-blue body with a striking pattern of light spots and stripes and an enormous, broad mouth at the front of the head. Despite its size it is completely harmless to humans: it is a filter feeder that sifts large volumes of water with its widely gaping mouth and so extracts plankton, small crustaceans, fish eggs and small fishes. It lives oceanically but also comes close inshore, sometimes into lagoons and atolls. Owing to fishing and bycatch the species is regarded as endangered.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Whale shark?
The Whale shark has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Largest fish in the world; harmless filter feeder with a striking spotted pattern.
Where does the Whale shark live?
The Whale shark lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Worldwide in tropical and warm-temperate oceans; oceanic and nearshore.
How big does the Whale shark get?
The Whale shark grows to a maximum of about 1700 cm. On average the species is around 1000 cm.
Is the Whale shark dangerous to humans?
No, the Whale shark is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Whale shark edible?
The Whale shark is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Want the complete picture on the Whale shark?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Whale shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.