Whale Sharks Giant Fish

Whale Sharks Giant Fish

The Biggest Fish in the Sea When people think about sharks, images of sharp teeth and blood often come to mind. Have no fear! The biggest shark in the world- also the biggest fish-is a gentle giant. The whale shark is so peaceful that people can safely swim beside it. This harmless creature gets its name because, like a whale, it's big-really big.

Watch Your Mouth! Whale sharks have a wide, flat head and a blunt snout with a huge mouth. They often swim with their mouth open. Like other sharks, whale sharks have rough skin and sharp scales. Their back is dark-bluish, grayish, or brownish- with a pattern of cream-colored spots and stripes. People often describe the pattern as similar to a checkerboard or domino. Scientists don't know the purpose of this unusual color pattern. It could be for camouflage, but adults are so large that they don't really need protection from predators. The color pattern may help keep young whale sharks safe. It may also help shield whale sharks from too much sunlight at the water's surface.

On the Go Whale sharks live in warmer parts of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They swim in the open ocean as well as close to shore. These giants are often seen swimming at the surface, and they're also known to dive deep. They can dive as deep as 6, 000 feet (1, 829 m) below the water's surface. Whale sharks do not usually travel with other whale sharks, but other types of fish may keep them company. They may travel with groups of large fish that have similar feeding habits. Whale sharks are also seen with remoras, a type of fish with suckers. Remoras attach themselves to whale sharks and eat parasites off their skin.

Whale sharks migrate long distances. They commonly swim more than 1, 240 miles (2, 000 km). One whale shark was recorded migrating 8, 077 miles (13, 000 km) over a period of more than three years. Scientists don't know why whale sharks migrate such long distances. It could be related to breeding, finding food, or other reasons. Whale sharks have gathering places around the world. The largest, called the Afuera (Spanish for “ out" or “ outside" ), is located off the coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Over four hundred whale sharks have been observed there at the same time, feeding on large quantities of fish eggs.

Big Fish, Small Food Unlike most other sharks, whale sharks don't actively hunt for food and are not considered predators. They eat tiny ocean animals that drift or swim in the water. Krill, which are similar to shrimp, are among their favorite foods. They may also eat small fish, squid, plants, fish eggs, and occasionally larger fish. Whale sharks use a process called filter feeding to collect food. When they open their mouth, their food flows in with the water. As the water flows toward their gills, filter pads catch the small animals and plants. Then the water flows out through their gill slits.