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WHALE SHARK
Rhincodon typus
SIZE
To about 40 ft (12.2 m).
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
- Back and sides marked with unique checkerboard pattern of white-to-yellow spots and transverse bars on dark gray to reddish- or greenish-gray background
- Head broad and flat with short snout
- Mouth near tip of snout in front of eyes
- Sides with three prominent ridges
DISTRIBUTION
NY to central Brazil, including Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea.
HABITAT
Coastal and offshore; sometimes enters lagoons of coral atolls; most commonly 68-77°F (20-25°C).
SIMILAR SPECIES
Size and unique markings of whale shark distinguish this species from other Atlantic sharks.
MORE INFORMATION
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Text descriptions taken from Guide to Sharks, Tunas, & Billfishes of the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico |
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(File Modified Sep. 13 2011)
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