International Whale Shark Day

Whale Sharks: Gentle Giants of The Sea

Did you know the 30th of August is International Whale Shark Day? Commonly spotted in Sharm during the summer months, whale sharks are typically seen in ras Mohammed or on local dives by our intrepid Circle Divers -- a magnificent sight to behold there's a buzz around the whole dive centre when a sighting is reported.

Whale sharks, the largest fish on Earth, are gentle giants that roam the oceans of the world. These magnificent creatures are often mistaken for whales due to their size, but they are actually sharks. Despite their imposing appearance, whale sharks are harmless to humans and are known for their docile nature.

Here are some fascinating facts about these incredible animals:

1. Size Matters

Largest Fish: Whale sharks hold the title of the largest fish on Earth. They can grow up to 46 feet (14 meters) long and weigh as much as 40 tons.
Growth Spurt: Whale sharks experience a rapid growth phase during their early years. They can grow several feet per year.

2. Dotted with Spots

Unique Patterns: Each whale shark has a unique pattern of white spots on its dark skin. These spots are used to identify individual sharks, much like human fingerprints.
Spot Counting: Scientists use the number and arrangement of spots to track whale shark populations and study their movements.

3. Filter Feeders

Plankton Diet: Whale sharks are filter feeders, meaning they strain plankton and small fish from the water. They have a massive mouth with thousands of tiny teeth that help them filter their food.
Open-Mouth Feeding: To feed, whale sharks slowly swim through the water with their mouths open, allowing seawater to flow in. They then close their mouths and expel the water, trapping their prey.

4. Solitary Travelers

Lone Rangers: Whale sharks are typically solitary creatures, although they may occasionally gather in groups, especially during feeding times.
Seasonal Migrations: These sharks are known to migrate long distances throughout the year, following seasonal plankton blooms.

5. Gentle Giants

Harmless to Humans: Despite their size, whale sharks are completely harmless to humans. They are gentle creatures that pose no threat to swimmers or divers.
Playful Behavior: Whale sharks are often observed playing with divers, swimming alongside them and even rubbing against their bodies.

6. Ancient Lineage

Living Fossils: Whale sharks are considered "living fossils" because they have remained relatively unchanged for millions of years. Their ancient lineage can be traced back to the time of the dinosaurs.
Evolutionary Success: The success of whale sharks can be attributed to their adaptability and ability to thrive in various marine environments.

7. Endangered Status

Conservation Concerns: Due to threats such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change, whale sharks are considered vulnerable to extinction.
Conservation Efforts: Many organizations and governments are working to protect whale shark populations and their habitats. These efforts include research, education, and sustainable tourism initiatives.

8. Deep-Sea Divers

Vertical Migrations: Whale sharks are capable of diving to depths of over 2,000 feet (600 meters). These deep dives may be in search of food or to avoid predators.
Temperature Tolerance: These sharks have a wide temperature tolerance, allowing them to inhabit a variety of marine environments.

9. Nursery Grounds

Breeding Secrets: The breeding habits of whale sharks remain largely a mystery due to their solitary nature and deep-sea migrations. However, scientists believe that they give birth to live young.
Nursery Areas: Some areas of the ocean are thought to be important nursery grounds for whale sharks, where young sharks can grow and develop.

10. Unique Adaptations

Gill Slits: Whale sharks have five pairs of gill slits, which are used to extract oxygen from the water. These slits are located on the sides of their body.
Barbels: Whale sharks have two long barbels near their mouth, which are thought to be sensory organs that help them detect prey.

11. Whale Sharks in The Red Sea

Whale sharks only inhabit subtropical waters typically over 21 °Celsius.
The best time to spot a whale shark in the Red Sea is from late June to September, although some stragglers can often stick around until mid-December.

Whale sharks are truly remarkable creatures that deserve our respect and protection. As we continue to learn more about these gentle giants, it is essential that we work together to ensure their survival for future generations.