Where did the whale shark originate?
South Africa
The whale shark is the largest living shark. It is the only member of the Rhincodontidae family. The species was first described in 1829 from a specimen caught off South Africa. As testimony to their rarity, until the mid-1980’s, there had been only 320 documented sightings of whale sharks worldwide.
When was the whale shark first discovered?
1828
It was not until 1828 when the first whale shark specimen known to science was discovered off the South African coast. Dr Andrew Smith formally described this species later that year as the largest living shark in the ocean. This species is rare.
What country eats whale sharks?
However, they have been caught accidentally as bycatch in some areas, and they have been caught for food in Pakistan, India, Taiwan, the Philippines, and China, where they are eaten fresh or dried and salted. Since 2016 the whale shark has been listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Why is a whale shark called that?
The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) earns the name “whale” solely because of its size. Just as the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) is the largest living mammal*, the whale shark is the largest species of any fish, known to reach more than 40 feet in length.
Where do whale sharks migrate?
In Australia, several whale species migrate north from the Southern Ocean into the warm tropical waters of the north to breed during the winter months. Whale sharks can dive more than a kilometre deep and they migrate to the waters of neighbouring countries, thousands of kilometres of away.
Who named the whale shark?
It was not until 1828 when the first whale shark specimen known to science was discovered off the South African coast. Dr Andrew Smith formally described this species later that year as the largest living shark in the ocean.
How old are whale sharks?
The study found an age of 50 years for a 10 m (33 ft) female and 35 years for a 9.9m male. Various studies looking at vertebrae growth bands and measuring whale sharks in the wild have estimated their lifespans from ~80 years and up to ~130 years.
Are whale shark friendly?
Swim With Whale Sharks at Cabo Adventures Whale sharks are one of the most amazing animals in the world — and while they may be sharks, they’re also one of the most gentle fish in the sea. In fact, whale sharks are so gentle, they’re completely safe to swim around.
Why is the name whale shark incorrect?
The name “whale shark” can be confusing because they’re not really whales. They’re a species of shark, which is classified as a fish. Whales are mammals, but whale sharks are the largest fish in the world.
How much is a whale shark worth?
Whale Shark selling price – 13,000 Bells.
How did the whale shark get its name?
The name “whale shark” comes from the fish’s size, being as large as some species of whales and also that it is a filter feeder like baleen whales. The whale shark inhabits all tropical and warm-temperate seas. The fish is primarily pelagic, living in the open sea but not in the greater depths of the ocean.
How big was the largest whale shark in the world?
The largest confirmed individual had a length of 12.65 m (41.5 ft) and a weight of about 21.5 t (47,000 lb). The whale shark holds many records for size in the animal kingdom, most notably being by far the largest living nonmammalian vertebrate.
What do they call whale sharks in the Philippines?
Human culture. In the Philippines, it is called butanding and balilan. The whale shark is featured on the reverse of the Philippine 100-peso bill. By law snorkelers must maintain a distance of four feet from the sharks and there is a fine and possible prison sentence for anyone who touches the animals.
How long has a whale shark been in captivity?
The record for a whale shark in captivity is an individual that, as of 2021, has lived for more than 26 years in the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium from Okinawa Ocean Expo Aquarium. Following Okinawa, Osaka Aquarium started keeping whale sharks and most of the basic research on the keeping of the species was made at these two institutions.