Whale Sharks

The whale shark although imposing in size is a gentle, filter feeding animal. It is the largest known fish and for that reason alone it needs to be protected. This shark is found in tropical and warm temperate oceans (species range). It is both a pelagic species (feeding in open waters) and a benthic species feeding near the coasts.This shark has been found roaming about as far inland as estuaries and lagoons helping to show its great adaptablility to a multitude of habitats.This shark along with the megamouth and basking sharks is one of three known filter feeding shark species on Earth today. The Whale shark is commericially fished in many areas of the world and for that reason it is considered to be a vulnerable species.Although their enormous size Whale sharks are one of the most friendly creaturs in the sea and divers can play with these sharks with minimal risk of being injured. A magnificant species