The whale shark is the worlds largest fish, they can grow up to 12 metres in length, which is the size of a large bus. It is believed they reach a maximum size of 15 metres.

Western Australia is the only place in the world known to be visited by the whale shark regularly. No one knows why but most of the visiting whale sharks are immature males. This usually occurs in March and April after the coral has spawned. It is believed they like to feed on the coral spawn.

Whale sharks eat by opening their large mouth and taking in seawater containing their food. Then the animals are filtered out and the excess water is pushed out through their gills. To ensure they have enough food, the whale sharks like to eat where there are large amounts of food in one place.

Whale sharks have 300 rows of teeth but they are not known to be aggressive and don't chew or bite their food. Whale sharks have been known to hang up-side-down in the water and 'vacuum' water into their mouths to eat.

Not much is known about baby whale sharks. It is thought they are born live and are about 50cm in size at this time. It is thought the females have 300 young at one time. The young are known as pups and will grow to about 2 metres in 4 months.

Scientific and other names
Whale Shark (Rhiniodon typus)

What they look like
Whale sharks have patterns of light spots and stripes on a dark background. Adults grow to 12 metres or more in length. Their tail is shaped like a half moon.

Where they live
Whale sharks roam the ocean, going from one reef area to another and feeding on zooplankton, small fish and squid.