Shark Fact Sheet: Whale Shark
The Whale Shark(Rhincodon typus) is the largest species of fish on earth. The Whale Shark is classified in the order Orectolobiformes and the family Rhincodontidae.
| Genus | Rhincodon |
| Species | R. typus |
| Binomial Name | Rhincodon typus |
| Length | About 18 meters(59.1 feet) |
| Weight | About 19,000 kg(41,887.8 lbs.) |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| IUCN Status | Endangered |
Range and Habitat
The Whale Shark inhabits tropical and temperate waters across the world.
Physical Characteristics
Whale Sharks have a wide blunt head; their whole top side a is covered with spots. They also have a filter feeding mouth.
Reproduction
Whale Sharks are ovoviviparous and give birth to live young. Ovoviviparous … Continue