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.