Whale shark

Whale shark

Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is a slow-moving, filter-feeding carpet shark and the largest known extant fish species.

Whale shark
Whale shark

Males on average reach 8 to 9 meters in length. Females reaching a length of around 14.5 m (48 ft) on average. Although this does not represent the maximum possible size.

Studies looking at vertebral growth bands and the growth rates of free-swimming sharks have estimated whale shark lifespans at 80–130 years.

R. typus mouths can contain over 300 rows of tiny teeth and 20 filter pads which it uses to filter feed.

Growth, longevity, and reproduction of the whale shark are poorly understood.

Whale sharks exhibit late sexual maturity. One study looking at free-swimming whale sharks estimated the age at maturity in males at ~25 years.

Pupping of R. typus has not been observed, but mating has been witnessed twice in St Helena. Mating in this species was filmed for the first time in whalesharks off Ningaloo Reef via airplane in Australia in 2019, when a larger male unsuccessfully attempted to mate with a smaller, immature female.


Rescue the Ocean with your Purchase!

All income goes towards our Marine Life Conservation Projects!

Have a look at our other merchandise!


Interested to join us as a Marine Life Conservation Volunteer?
Check it out here

Another way to help us is with your donation or buy one of our merchandise items. All income from the Items sold goes to our Marine Life Conservation Projects.

Are you interested in Scuba Diving? Come Join us at Poseidon Dive Center and do a Dive Course or Join us for a FunDive as a certified Diver.

Leave a Reply