The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the largest fish species in the world, with some individuals reaching lengths of over 40 feet (12 meters) and weighing up to 20 tons. Despite its massive size, the whale shark is a gentle giant, feeding primarily on plankton and small fish through filter feeding.

Whale sharks are easily identifiable by their massive size, broad, flat heads, and distinctive colouration—a greyish-blue body covered in unique white spots and stripes, which scientists use to identify individual sharks.

Their wide mouth can open to 5 feet (1.5 meters) across, allowing them to take in large amounts of water and filter out food.

Whale sharks are filter feeders. They open their mouths, draw in water, and then use specialised gill rakers to trap plankton, small fish, and other tiny organisms.

They are known as "ram feeders" and can swim with their mouths open or perform "vertical feeding" by positioning their bodies vertically in the water.

Whale sharks are generally peaceful and pose no threat to humans, making them popular with divers and snorkelers.

Whale sharks are ovoviviparous, meaning females produce eggs that hatch inside the body, and the young are born live. A female whale shark can give birth to hundreds of young, although few survive to adulthood.

Their lifespan is estimated to be around 70–100 years, making them a longer-living fish species.