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The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is a slow-moving, filter-feeding carpet shark and the largest known extant fish species. The largest confirmed individual had a length of 18.8 m (61.7 ft). [8] The whale shark holds many records for size in the animal kingdom, most notably being by far the most massive living non-cetacean animal.
Two marine biologists share 10 shark facts for kids, as well as why shark attacks happen and why sharks are essential to human survival.
English: The size and growth of the whale shark (Rhincodon typus), represented by various individuals reported in the literature.A small 55 centimetres (22 in) pup, a 5.62 metres (18.4 ft) juvenile, a generic 9 metres (30 ft) young adult, a large 12.1 metres (40 ft) adult, and an exceptionally large adult with a precaudal length of 15 metres (49 ft).
The whale shark is the largest species in this order, reaching up to 20 meters long when fully mature. [50] No other species in the order even approaches this size. The next largest species is the nurse shark ( Ginglymostoma cirratum ), which can grow up to 4.3 m (14 ft) across the disk and weighing more than 350 kg (770 lb).
Sharks range in size from the small dwarf lanternshark (Etmopterus perryi), a deep sea species that is only 17 centimetres (6.7 in) in length, to the whale shark (Rhincodon typus), the largest fish in the world, which reaches approximately 12 metres (40 ft) in length. [4]
Researchers examining southern right whales found that the median life span for the species was 73.4 years, and that 10 percent of individuals survived past 131.8 years.
The whale shark is the largest extant fish species, growing over 12 m (40 ft) long and weighing over 20 tonnes (45,000 lb). It is a slow-moving filter feeder with a very large mouth, feeding mainly, though not exclusively, on plankton. The whale shark is a pelagic species, living in the open sea in tropical and warm oceans with a lifespan ...
Experts have identified a great white shark 200 yards off the shore of South Padre Island. Here's what we know. Meet LeeBeth. Don't let her sweet name fool you!