Rhincodontidae

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Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) with open mouth in La Paz, Mexico

Rhincodontidae is a family of sharks known for containing the single extant species, the whale shark (Rhincodon typus). The whale shark is not only the largest member of the Rhincodontidae family but also holds the title as the largest living non-mammalian vertebrate. This family is part of the order Orectolobiformes, which encompasses carpet sharks.

Description

The Rhincodontidae family is characterized by the massive size of the whale shark, which can reach lengths of up to 18.8 meters (62 feet), although most whale sharks encountered are much smaller. The body of the whale shark is robust and streamlined, with a broad, flat head and a wide mouth located at the front of its head. The skin is thick and tough, adorned with a unique pattern of white spots and stripes over a dark background, which varies from individual to individual and is used in identifying them.

Distribution and Habitat

Whale sharks are found in tropical and warm-temperate seas around the world. They are highly migratory species, often traveling long distances across oceans. Whale sharks prefer warm waters and are commonly found in areas where there is an abundance of plankton, their primary food source. They are pelagic, living in the open sea but not in the greatest depths of the ocean, often found near the surface or at depths up to 1,928 meters (6,325 feet).

Behavior and Diet

Whale sharks are filter feeders, feeding mainly on plankton, including copepods, krill, fish eggs, and small fishes by filtering water through their gills. They are known to feed both actively, by swimming with their mouth open, and passively, by hanging vertically in the water and allowing plankton to drift into their open mouths.

Reproduction

The reproductive behavior of the whale shark is not well understood, but they are believed to be ovoviviparous, with the female giving birth to live young that have developed from eggs within the body. The gestation period, mating rituals, and birthing process remain largely a mystery due to the elusive nature of these creatures.

Conservation

The whale shark is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species due to factors such as fishing, bycatch in net fisheries, and collisions with boats. Their slow growth rate, late sexual maturity, and the fact that they inhabit highly fished waters contribute to their vulnerability. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting their habitat, reducing bycatch, and promoting sustainable tourism practices around whale shark watching.

See Also

• Shark
• Orectolobiformes
• Conservation status

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