Despite its massive size, it feeds mostly on plankton. The distribution of whalesharks indicates the presence of plankton and the overall health of our oceans, which we heavily depend on. Read on to discover more.
The whaleshark is the largest shark and indeed the largest of any fish alive today. While the maximum size of this species is not known, they can reach the length of a school bus!
These gentle marine giants roam across the tropical oceans of the world, generally alone. However, large numbers of whalesharks often gather in areas with abundant plankton food—making them prime tourist attractions. Because whalesharks feed on plankton, they will travel large distances to find enough food to sustain their huge size, and to reproduce.
Their white spotted colouration makes these gentle giants easy to distinguish, and are popular with snorkelers and divers at sites where they gather off the coast.
However, the whaleshark is facing big challenges today.
These majestic creatures, which are an IUCN endangered species, are at risk from being caught as bycatch and struck by ships, and are still hunted in some parts of the world for their fins and meat.
Poorly managed whaleshark tourism also presents a threat to the species as it may interrupt their feeding and sharks can be injured by boat propellers, highlighting the importance of responsible tourism practices.
To secure the future of this species and safeguard the health of our oceans, WWF is working to protect whalesharks.
WWF experts continue to study shark habits and gather information in the Coral Triangle on individual sharks by using satellite tags, sonar devices, and digital cameras to create further protection for whalesharks. In addition, we support whaleshark studies to learn more about the population, their habitat use and migratory pathways in the waters surrounding Mafia Island, Coastal East Africa.
The whaleshark is the biggest fish and shark in the world. These gentle marine giants roam the oceans around the globe, generally alone. However, large numbers of whalesharks often gather in areas with abundant plankton food.
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