When it comes to feasting the whale shark is more whale than shark—this filter feeder simply opens its enormous mouth and swims to collect plankton and small fish. The ocean’s largest fish, whale sharks grow to lengths rivaling those of a typical school bus (40 feet/12 meters). The sharks are gentle giants, but their vulnerable populations are targeted by fisheries of Asian nations like Taiwan and the Philippines.
When it comes to feasting the whale shark is more whale than shark—this filter feeder simply opens its enormous mouth and swims to collect plankton and small fish. The ocean’s largest fish, whale sharks grow to lengths rivaling those of a typical school bus (40 feet/12 meters). The sharks are gentle giants, but their vulnerable populations are targeted by fisheries of Asian nations like Taiwan and the Philippines.