Whale Shark: The Gentle Giant of the Ocean

Whale sharks are the largest fish species in the world, with some individuals reaching lengths of 40 feet (12 meters) or more. Considering their enormous bodies, it might seem that they would require huge quantities of food. Surprisingly, however, whale sharks have a relatively modest diet and rely primarily on plankton.

Arwen Lowell

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These enormous but peaceful fish often swim close to the ocean's surface with their giant mouths open, filtering tiny plants and animals from the surrounding water. In addition to plankton, they may unintentionally swallow small fish and other minute marine creatures that are present in the water.

Filter Feeding

Like the basking shark, which is the world's second-largest fish, the whale shark is a highly specialized filter feeder.

While feeding, a whale shark opens its enormous mouth and swims forward, drawing large volumes of seawater inside. Specialized filtering structures capture food particles while allowing the filtered water to pass through and exit the body.

Researchers believe whale sharks rely on a feeding technique called cross-flow filtration. A similar filtering process can also be found in certain bony fish and baleen whales.

Physical Characteristics

Whale sharks have broad, flattened heads and exceptionally wide mouths positioned toward the front of their bodies. Near their nostrils are small sensory structures known as barbels.

Their skin generally ranges from gray to brown and is marked with an unmistakable pattern of light-colored horizontal and vertical lines along with numerous white spots. The underside of the body is considerably paler and is usually white.

Unlike many other shark species, the whale shark's two dorsal fins are located relatively far back on its body. Its strong tail terminates in a large, crescent-shaped caudal fin with two separate lobes, allowing the animal to propel itself effectively through the ocean.

Distribution and Population

Whale sharks favor warm tropical seas and occur across tropical waters in many parts of the world's oceans.

Every year, numerous whale sharks travel to seasonal feeding grounds, including the continental shelf along the central western coast of Australia near Ningaloo Reef. During periods when corals spawn, plankton can become exceptionally abundant in these waters, providing an excellent source of food for the giant sharks.

Despite their extraordinary size, whale sharks are peaceful and pose little danger to humans. Their calm temperament sometimes allows swimmers and scuba divers to approach and observe them from relatively close distances.

Whale sharks are currently listed as a vulnerable species. Although they receive legal protection in many parts of their range, they continue to be hunted in certain regions, including parts of Asia such as the Philippines.

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