Whale Shark
Rhincodon typus
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Elasmobranchii
- Order
- Orectolobiformes
- Family
- Rhincodontidae
- Genus
- Rhincodon
- Species
- Rhincodon typus
The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the largest fish in the world, a gentle filter-feeder with a checkerboard of white spots. Each shark's spot pattern is unique and used to identify individuals.
It can grow beyond 12 m and feeds on plankton, fish eggs and small fish by gulping or sucking water through its huge mouth. It is classed as Endangered.
The Philippines is one of the best places in the world to see whale sharks, known locally as butanding. Keep at least 4 m away, never touch them, and choose operators that follow responsible interaction guidelines.