The Edge · EN Endangered
Whale Shark
Rhincodon typus
The largest fish alive — a spotted, bus-length giant that strains plankton from warm seas and may live a century.
EN · Endangered
Overview
The largest fish alive — a spotted, bus-length giant that strains plankton from warm seas and may live a century.
fishmarineshark
Field data
| IUCN status | EN · Endangered |
|---|---|
| Population | — |
| Trend | decreasing |
| Last assessed | 2016 |
| Class / Order | Chondrichthyes · Orectolobiformes |
| Family | Rhincodontidae |
| Range | Tropical oceans worldwide |
Why it matters
Evolutionary distinction
- Each individual has a unique constellation of spots, like a fingerprint.
- Filters thousands of litres of water an hour through its gills.
From the collection
Take one home
art print
Whale Shark art print
Museum-grade art print from the Whale Shark plate.
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plush
Whale Shark plush
Museum-grade plush from the Whale Shark plate.
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notebook
Whale Shark notebook
Museum-grade notebook from the Whale Shark plate.
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Fulfilled on demand. Connect your Fourthwall / print-on-demand store to make these live.
Sources