Whale Shark
Dámero
(Rhincodon typus)

Fish Identification Photos: Whale Shark, Rhincodon typus: The Whale Shark is a pelagic species that resembles a small submarine that slowly cruises all tropical seas with its mouth agape, filter-feeding on planktonic organisms, and on occasion, small fish.

The Whale Shark is normally found at sea but does visit small water estuaries on occasion. It is very easy to recognize due to the size and body coloration which is a dark background covered with a pattern of light spots and stripes that give a checkerboard appearance. Peering into the water from above it initially appears to be a strange, large, slowly moving white rock.

The Whale Shark has a robust body with a broad flattened head, small round eyes, and a wide oval mouth. It has five large gill slits, the last three located over the pectoral fins. The first dorsal fin, found over the pelvic fins, is much larger than the second (found over the anal fins) and both are well back in the body. The tail is crescent shaped and asymmetrical with a larger lower lobe.

The Whale Shark is a the sole member of the Rhincodontidae Family and the sole member of the Genus Rhincodon.

The Whale Shark is the largest living fish. It is found in all Mexican waters but seems to congregate south of La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, in the Cabo Pulmo reserve and on the Inner Gordo Bank. It also congregates at Bahia de los Angeles (L.A. Bay), Baja California, Mexico. It is born less than 2 feet in length and over a 60-year life span it has been reported to reach 40 feet and 70,000 pounds.

The Whale Shark prefers water between 21 degrees and 30 degrees Centigrade and is found in the first 2,000 feet of the water column. The Whale Shark is generally considered harmless and of little interest to humans. It is sold commercially on a limited basis in Taiwan.