Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body elongate, stout, very large; head broad and flattened somewhat, snout very short, squarish; color dark gray to reddish or greenish background, white or yellow on belly, numerous white or yellow spots and transvers lines on head and body; mouth very wide, near tip of head, eyes behind mouth; teeth very small; 3 ridges on each side of body, the lowermost extending to the tail forming a keel on each side of caudal peduncle; 1st dorsal fin originates behind midbody, tail fin crescent shape, upper lobe longer, no subterminal notch on upper lobe; nostrils with thick barbels; precaudal pit present. |
Similar Species |
The size and unique body patterning distinguish this shark from other sharks. The body patterning distinguishes it from whales. |
Habitat |
Gulf, open ocean |
Maximum Size |
20 m (65.5 ft), common to 10 m (33 ft) |
Fin Element Counts |
none (explain) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
This is the largest living fish in the oceans. It is a plankton feeder, but occationally eats on small fishes and invertebrates. The whale shark is protected by federal and state laws. |
State size/bag limits |
Bag limit is 0, this is a prohibited species; See Shark Regulations; Check for state record. |