Whale Shark
Meet the largest fish in the world!
These awe-inspiring giants grow to an average of 10-12 metres, making them the largest species of fish alive today. Each March sightings are likely to occur on Ningaloo Reef as the coral spawning season begins and food becomes plentiful.
Despite their enormous size and a mouth that can stretch more than 1.5m wide, whale sharks are filter feeders. They glide slowly through the water, straining tiny organisms from the sea.
Besides their breathtaking scale, the most striking feature of this fish is their stunning array of spots. Just like your finger prints, this pattern is unique to each whale shark.
These magnificent animals are an endangered species, threatened by bycatch in commercial fisheries, vessel strikes, and climate-induced habitat changes.
Female whale sharks produce eggs that are internally hatched. When ready, the female gives birth to live young over a period of time. They can live for up to 100 years.
AMCS works every day to protect species like the whale shark. Read page 13 to find out how your support is protecting whale sharks in Australia.
Facts & Figures
COMMON NAME: Whale shark
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Rhincodon typus
FAMILY: Rhincodontidae
BODY SIZE: Typically 10-12m!
DIET: Krill, crab and fish larvae, small schooling fish, jellyfish
LOCATION: Warm, tropical oceans
CONSERVATION STATUS: Endangered
POPULATION TREND: Declining
Did you know?
The largest ever accurately measured whale shark was 18.8 metres long. That’s almost as long as a bowling lane!