Rhincodontidae
shark family
Quick Summary
The family Rhincodontidae contains only one species, the whale shark (Rhincodon typus), which is the largest living fish. These gentle giants inhabit tropical oceans worldwide and are filter feeders, consuming plankton and small fish. Whale sharks have a distinctive appearance with light spots and stripes on a dark background. They are not a danger to humans and are known for their docile nature. Despite their size, reaching up to 18 meters (59 feet), they are considered endangered due to threats like bycatch in fishing.123
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