The oceans are teeming with life in its most amazing forms, they are the habitat of the largest producer of oxygen on Earth of a tiny size, but they are also home to the most majestic creatures on the entire planet, such as the blue whale. Hundreds of species flow through its waters, but among so many fish there is one that stands out for its large size that gives it a closer look to its relatives the sharks, the whale shark.
Although it has a very similar shape to a whale, actually the whale shark (Rhincodon typus), It is the largest fish in the world. It is greyish in color with a large multitude of white spots that resemble a starry sky that is never repeated between specimens. Its spots represent a unique pattern in each specimen, it is something like its own fingerprint and the way in which an individual can be identified among the crowd.
This large fish dominated the oceans 60 million years ago, when they appeared in the depths of the ocean, so they are extremely ancient creatures that inhabit tropical waters. They are also very long-lived, they live up to 100 years, so it can also be said that they are among the longest-lived fish in the world.
They have an elongated body but quite hydrodynamic to move to the rhythm of ocean waters. Its head is very wide and has a peculiar flat shape that helps it when feeding. It is believed that they reach sexual maturity around 30 years of age, although their reproductive habits are not very clear, but the latest research suggests that they are ovoviviparous animals. That is to say, that the young are born from an egg, but they do so inside the body of their mother, who gives birth to them alive.
How big is the whale shark?
The whale shark is the largest fish in the world and lives up to this title, as it can measure up to 12 meters in length. Although there are many stories about this great animal, which ensure that there are specimens that measure lengths above 18 meters. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this last fact.
How do whale sharks feed?
Despite being majestically large fish, whale sharks feed solely on plankton, using a filter-feeding mechanism. Its huge mouth can measure up to 1.5 meters, enough space to house a seal inside. But fortunately for the latter, plankton, krill and algae are the only things that interest the whale shark for food.
In their jaws they have a large number of rows of small teeth that they use to filter the water and obtain food from the small organisms that inhabit the ocean. When it opens its huge mouth, it sucks in a large amount of water, which it then filters to obtain its food.
Where is the whale shark found?
They usually live in tropical and semitropical waters, although they have been observed in colder waters such as off the coast of New York. They like to venture into the sea, but from time to time they also come close to the coast, even reaching the mouths of rivers or lakes interconnected with the sea.
Although it can be easily spotted, it also likes the depths. It usually remains submerged up to 700 meters below the surface and acts solitary.
The whale shark is one of the most amazing species in the ocean, with an appearance of a starry sky and an imposing mouth, it is actually a very peaceful species that gives us the most beautiful views of its species.
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