General information on whale sharks

Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), the largest fish in the world, are probably the most spectacular marine creature on the planet and the most unknown. They can measure up to 60 ft. and weigh up to 34 tons.

Whale sharks are considered migratory animals, although their migrations are not clearly defined yet. The baby whale sharks leave the egg inside the mother and they are born alive.

The upper part of their body is dark blue, the lower part is white, and their body is covered with vertical white spots, on the head and back.

These docile and huge fish are a great attraction for recreational divers. They can be found in tropical seas, between 30°N et 35°S, both in oceans and coastal waters.

Whale sharks are one of the three existing filter sharks; they feed mainly on plankton, seaweed, small fish and crustaceans.

• injuries and inconvenience caused by outboard engine boats,
• entanglement in fishing networks,
• disturbance by visitors,
• risk of modification of their habits due to tourist development.

Many whale sharks (male and female) can be spotted in the area of Holbox/Contoy. This is due to the circulation of currents that bring more food to the area.

As a filter fish, whale sharks depend entirely on the good quality of their habitat. Any modification could affect the conservation of their species.

The characteristics of whale sharks, their slow development, such as slow maturation, their size and longevity make them a fragile species.

In Mexico, whale sharks have been on the list of endangered species, since March 6th, 2002. Official Mexican Norm (NOM-059-ECOL-2001).