The world's largest fish is the whale shark (Rhincodon typus).
Despite their immense size, often exceeding 40 feet in length, whale sharks are filter feeders and are known for their gentle nature. They pose no threat to humans, though it is always important to respect their space and observe them from a safe distance. Their diet primarily consists of plankton, small fish, and crustaceans, which they filter from the water using specialized gill rakers.
While their size is impressive, it's important to remember that whale sharks are not whales (which are mammals) but rather true sharks (cartilaginous fish).
Here's a quick overview:
- Name: Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus)
- Type: Fish (Shark)
- Diet: Filter feeder (plankton, small fish, crustaceans)
- Temperament: Generally docile
- Key Feature: Largest fish species in the world
You can learn more about these gentle giants at NOAA's Ocean Service website.
