Whale Shark

Rhincodon typus

Endangered Saltwater

Max Length

1800.0 cm

Max Weight

21500.0 kg

Color

Dark gray to blue-gray back …

Depth Range

0-1928m

Family

Rhincodontidae

About

The whale shark is the largest living fish species, reaching lengths of up to 18 meters. Despite its enormous size, it is a gentle filter feeder that consumes plankton, fish eggs, and small fish by swimming with its wide mouth open.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	1800.0 cm
Maximum Weight	21500.0 kg
Depth Range	0-1928m

Coloration

Dark gray to blue-gray back covered with a distinctive checkerboard grid of pale white or cream spots and transverse stripes; belly white; the unique spot pattern is unique to each individual.

Habitat & Distribution

Neritic, coral reefs

Water Type

Saltwater

Depth Range

0-1928m

Geographic Range

Pantropical in open oceanic and coastal waters between 30°N and 35°S. Aggregates seasonally at feeding sites including Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Gulf of Tadjoura in Djibouti.

Countries

🇵🇭 Philippines

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Distribution Map

Present Not recorded countries

Conservation Status

Endangered IUCN Red List

Whale Shark is classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Whale Shark faces significant threats to its wild populations.

Edibility & Culinary

Taste

Endangered species — consumption is strongly discouraged and illegal in many countries. Historically consumed in parts of Asia; now internationally protected under CITES Appendix II.

Taxonomy

Order	Orectolobiformes (Carpet sharks)
Family	Rhincodontidae (Whale sharks)
Species	Rhincodon typus

Names in Other Languages

Language	Name
French	Requin baleine
Spanish	Tiburón ballena

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat Whale Shark?

Endangered species — consumption is strongly discouraged and illegal in many countries. Historically consumed in parts of Asia; now internationally protected under CITES Appendix II.

How big does Whale Shark get?

Whale Shark can grow up to 1800.0 cm long and weigh 21500.0 kg.

Where is Whale Shark found?

Is Whale Shark endangered?

The conservation status of Whale Shark is Endangered according to the IUCN Red List.

What family does Whale Shark belong to?

Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) belongs to the family Rhincodontidae (Whale sharks) in the order Orectolobiformes (Carpet sharks).