Whale Sharks

Whale Sharks are the biggest fish in the ocean. Despite their enormous size, whale sharks are known to be docile. Learn more about these large, slow-moving filter feeders.

(updated July 19, 2022)

June 11, 2019

By: Discovery

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Whale Sharks

Whale sharks are thought to live for about 100-150 years, that’s a long life!

Whale Sharks

More than 6,000 liters of water are processed per hour through a whale shark’s gills.

Whale Sharks

These gentle giants feed on small life forms like plankton, krill, fish eggs, and small fish.

Whale Sharks

They are very slow swimmers, moving no faster than around 3 miles per hour.

Whale Sharks

On average, whale sharks grow from 18 to 32.8 feet and weigh 20.6 tons, which is about the size of a school bus.

Whale Sharks

Whale sharks have rows of over 300 teeth, but instead of using their teeth to eat they are filter feeders.

Whale Sharks

Most sharks’ mouths are located on the underside of their heads while whale sharks’ mouths are located at the very front of their heads.

Whale Sharks

Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world and they aren't related to whales.

Whale Sharks

Whale shark swimming through oceanic sun beams.

Whale Sharks

Whale shark surfaces demanding to be fed by the fisherman on their boat platform.

Shark Week

Whale Sharks

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Whale Sharks

Whale Sharks

Whale Sharks

Whale Sharks

Whale Sharks

Whale Sharks

Whale Sharks

Whale Sharks

Whale Sharks

Whale Sharks