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| Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world, reaching at least 12 m (40 ft) long and weighing 13.2 tonnes (13 tons), about as large as an adult grey whale. These docile sharks are harmless and will allow scuba divers to take rides by hanging onto their fins - the only danger is getting scraped by their rough skin, or accidentally knocked by the huge tail as it swings back and forth. These giant fish can cruise at 3 kph (1.8 mph), often near the surface - being so large they have been run into by ships. They live in warm tropical waters in places where there is a good supply of food to support their large bulk, and feed by filtering food out of the water. Whale sharks may either lay enormous 30-cm (14-in) long eggs or give birth to live young, hatched from eggs inside their bodies. | |
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