Premium Only Content
Whale Sharks will swim through you if you don't get out of the way
The Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) is the largest fish species in the world, reaching 10 meters in length, and weighing 9 tons! But in spite of its impressive size, the whale shark is a filter feeder, which means that it only eats plankton, and it is harmless to us. Of all animals in the world, the Whale Shark is the one with the thickest skin, reaching up to 15 cm (6 in), covered in dermal denticles, which are tough, tooth-like scales, and it regenerates quickly after an attack.
Because Whale Sharks don't really have to worry about predators, they aren't scared of people, and won't bother to swim around you if you are in its way, so even though Whale Sharks are harmless, you might want to move out of the way if you see one movin towards you!
It is the sole species in the Rhincodon genus, and the only member of the Rhincodontidae family, although it shares the Orectolobiformes order with a diverse group of sharks from all over the world, including the 30 cm long Barbelthroat Carpet Shark (Cirrhoscyllium expolitum), with a total of 43 species.
Whale Sharks are endangered, and major threats include fisheries catches, bycatch in nets, and boat strikes. Unfortunately, recent studies show that Whale Shark fins are now demanding high prices, which should result in increased targeting.
-
1:03
NataliaCara
2 years agoBeing a foster mom to monkeys and anteaters is... an interesting job...
2661 -
0:44
ViralHog
6 years agoLemon Sharks Swim Through Crystal Clear Waters
129 -
0:58
WildCreatures
6 years ago $12.24 earnedMassive whale sharks swims right through group of scuba divers
4.83K1 -
0:52
WildCreatures
5 years ago $24.17 earnedWhale Sharks Surround Boat In The Open Ocean
8.83K -
10:32
smoothcoffee
5 years ago $12.90 earnedExhilarating close swim with entire whale family
2.39K1 -
0:52
WildCreatures
6 years ago $3.66 earnedEnormous whale shark descends through divers from above
2.35K1 -
0:18
ViralHog
5 years ago $0.02 earnedBear Tries to Get Through Gate
271 -
1:07
WildCreatures
5 years ago $5.25 earnedDivers swim with hundreds of scalloped hammerhead sharks
1.11K -
1:37
WildCreatures
5 years ago $7.68 earnedPhotographer has once in a lifetime swim with giant whale shark
4.86K1 -
0:41
ViralHog
5 years ago $0.31 earnedMoose Frolics Through a Field
1.45K