Creature Feature

Whale Shark The Biggest Fish in the Sea

Fast Facts• Grow up to 60 ft in length• Weigh up to 15 tons • Life span between 70 – 100 years• Found in tropical oceans and in

the open sea

• Filter Feeder• Eats macro-algae,

plankton, krill, and small squid or vertebrates

• Mouth can be up to 5 ft wide and can contain between 300 and 350 rows of tiny teeth.

• Use sense of smell to located lunch

Distribution

Reproduction• Ovoviviparous - the

eggs remain in the body and the females give birth to live young

• Reach maturity around 25 years

Conservation

• Over-fishing and the popularity of shark fin soup have put a dent in the population of all sharks.

• The whale shark is particularly susceptible to reduced numbers because of the late age they reach sexual maturity.

• Sadly, the whale shark stands a decent chance at being harpooned before it can give birth, leading to dwindling numbers.

• Currently, the whale shark is listed as vulnerable by the World Conservation Union.