Whale Shark is the antithesis of what people think that a Shark should be. Shy, wandering from place to place, Whale Shark cruises the seas in search of Plankton. Despite Whale Shark's immense size, this Shark will swim away to escape people.
Whale Shark is not only the largest Shark but also the largest Fish in the world. Whale Sharks usually weigh about fifteen tons, and are about eighty meters long. Whale Shark feeds by swimming into a mass of Zooplankton with his mouth wide open. He also hangs vertically in the water and feeds by sucking water into His mouth.
Considered good luck by Japanese fisherman, Whale Shark belies people's expectations of Sharks. In fact, this Shark flees when approached by divers. Whale Shark teaches, "Not everybody is what they seem to be."
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Conservation Note: Whales Sharks are endangered and are protected in Australia and the Maldives.
Photo of Whale Shark courtesy of U.S. National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Va. Carper