Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world. Fortunately they are filter feeders and are harmless to humans.

Statistics
The longest recorded whale shark was 13.5m, but females average 9m and males average 8m.

Physical description
These sharks are dark grey, with random white spots and lines along their back and a white belly. They have large, broad mouths that can be up to 1.4m wide and are filled with 300 tiny file-like teeth.

Their skin can be 102mm thick - the thickest skin of any living animal.

Habitat
Whale sharks inhabit deep, tropical and warm temperate waters and often cruise near the surface.

Diet
Whale sharks are filter feeders. They swim through the water sucking up plankton, squid and small fish and expelling excess water through the gills.

Behaviour
They are relatively slow swimmers. Whale sharks are solitary although they sometimes gather in groups.

Reproduction
Whale sharks are ovoviviparous, giving birth to live young. Three hundred have been found in a female at a time.

Conservation status
Whale sharks are classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List.