Whale shark

The whale shark, Rhincodon typus, is a slow moving filter feeding shark that is the largest living fish species. It can grow up to 12.2 m. (40 ft.) in length and can weigh up to 13.6 tonnes. The shark is found in tropical and warm oceans and lives in the open sea and can live for about 70 years.The species is believed to have originated about 60 million years ago. Although whale sharks have very large mouths, they feed solely on plankton, which are microscopic marine plants and animals. This photo was taken in the Georgia aquarium in the USA. What a great place to observe these gentle giants from close by!