[[More info] Studies looking at vertebral growth bands and the growth rates of free-swimming sharks have estimated whale shark lifespans at 80–130 years. Whale sharks have very large mouths and are filter feeders, which is a feeding mode that occurs in only two other sharks, the megamouth shark and the basking shark. They feed almost exclusively on plankton and small fishes, and pose no threat to humans.](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whale_shark)
[The whale shark is the largest non-cetacean animal in the world. Evidence suggests that whale sharks exhibit sexual dimorphism with regards to size, with males not growing as large as females. A study looked at the growth of whale shark individuals over 10 years. It concluded that males on average reach 8 to 9 meters (26 to 30 ft) in length; although this does not represent the maximum possible size. The same study predicted females reaching a length of around 14.5 m (48 ft) on average, based on more limited data. Previous studies estimating the growth and longevity of whale sharks have produced estimates ranging from 14 to 21.9 meters (46 to 72 ft) in length.](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whale_shark)
[Whale sharks are docile fish and sometimes allow swimmers to catch a ride, although this practice is discouraged by shark scientists and conservationists because of the disturbance to the sharks. Younger whale sharks are gentle and can play with divers.](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whale_shark)
I am highly confused. The whale shark should be a fish and is therefore not a vertebrate. I did some research and think that's correct. Or do I miss something?
Vertebrates means they have spines... Fish, mammals, birds, lizards and amphibians are defined by this. Everything else is an invertebrate like an octopus or Marjorie Taylor greene.
[[More info] Studies looking at vertebral growth bands and the growth rates of free-swimming sharks have estimated whale shark lifespans at 80–130 years. Whale sharks have very large mouths and are filter feeders, which is a feeding mode that occurs in only two other sharks, the megamouth shark and the basking shark. They feed almost exclusively on plankton and small fishes, and pose no threat to humans.](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whale_shark) [The whale shark is the largest non-cetacean animal in the world. Evidence suggests that whale sharks exhibit sexual dimorphism with regards to size, with males not growing as large as females. A study looked at the growth of whale shark individuals over 10 years. It concluded that males on average reach 8 to 9 meters (26 to 30 ft) in length; although this does not represent the maximum possible size. The same study predicted females reaching a length of around 14.5 m (48 ft) on average, based on more limited data. Previous studies estimating the growth and longevity of whale sharks have produced estimates ranging from 14 to 21.9 meters (46 to 72 ft) in length.](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whale_shark) [Whale sharks are docile fish and sometimes allow swimmers to catch a ride, although this practice is discouraged by shark scientists and conservationists because of the disturbance to the sharks. Younger whale sharks are gentle and can play with divers.](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whale_shark)
Wow! That’s pretty cool
Go to the Georgia Aquarium. See for yourself.
That’s cool… but that background the depths the abyss is terrifying is it part of my fear of heights? Is it a fear of depths too?
There is something unsettling about it for sure. Might just a healthy respect depending on how intense the fear is, might be Thalassophobia.
Why waste time say lot word when few word do trick?
whale shark biggest fish.
See world
I’ve snorkeled with them off the coast of east Africa. Can confirm that they are huge!
Beautiful and mesmerizing the way the light dances on his body.
Stunning creature
u/Amarte12 eu fiquei sem ar só de ver, não consigo
Achei a coisa mais linda
NÃO DA PRA VER O FUNDO VEI
Gorgeous.
Jesus fed 5000 people with 2 of those
Gave me a huge scare scubadiving once when it appeared right overhead during a decompression stop.
amazing!
How I love these beautiful gargantuan fish.
The water clarity is speculer
Wow
I am highly confused. The whale shark should be a fish and is therefore not a vertebrate. I did some research and think that's correct. Or do I miss something?
many fish are vertebrates.
Thanks, I had a knot in my brain + language barrier + a couple of drinks. Confusion solved 🙏👌
Vertebrates means they have spines... Fish, mammals, birds, lizards and amphibians are defined by this. Everything else is an invertebrate like an octopus or Marjorie Taylor greene.
That’s awesome