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 feet. This shark species is 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 ) The whale shark has the toughest and thickest skin (on its back) in the animal kingdom. The average thickness of their skin is 10 cm (4 inches). ( Source ) Whale sharks have an extremely long lifespan. The latest research shows that these fish can live for up to 130 years . ( Source ) The name of whale sharks is due to their large size and filter-feeding habits similar to the baleen whales. Whale sharks are one of only three fi...