Whale sharks are truly amazing creatures. Check out our whale shark fast facts to learn some jaw-dropping facts about them…
Ten Amazing Facts About Whale Sharks
- The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the largest fish and shark in the world
- The whale shark is found in warm open waters of the tropical oceans
- The lifespan of the whale shark ranges from 70 to 100 years
- The whale shark is also the largest non-cetacean animal in the world
- The average length of an adult whale sharks is 9.7 meters and they weigh on average 9 tonnes
- Whale sharks have over 300 rows of tiny teeth – not used for eating!
- Whale sharks are solitary creatures
- Whale sharks spend most of their time near the surface
- The whale shark is a filter feeder, feeding mainly on plankton
- Whale sharks can process over 6,000 litres (1,500 gallons) of water each hour
Want to know more about sharks?
Check out our Amazing Sharks Online Shark Course
Check out our Shark Resources
Further reading…
Save Our Seas – Whale Sharks Down Under