20 Interesting Facts About Whale Sharks

The whale shark is the biggest fish in the ocean . It can reach a length of up to 40 ft. They are present in all tropical and warm-temperate seas around the globe. ( Source ) Whale sharks are not dangerous to humans . Juvenile sharks may run away from humans, but adults remain calm in the company of human divers. Though whale sharks are not dangerous, they can act strangely under stress. A large whale shark almost swallowed a diver before forcefully spitting her outside its mouth. ( Source ) Whale sharks have an extremely long lifespan. The latest research shows that these fish can live for up to 130 years . ( Source ) Whale sharks are named so due to their large size and whale-like filter-feeding habit of plankton. Whale sharks are one of only three filter-feeder sharks, along with megamouth sharks and basking sharks. Their mouth is around 5 ft wide. They have more than 300 teeth and ten filter pads. They usually eat plankton and small fish. Whale sharks use suction water or ra