Whale sharks are the biggest and mysterious shark species in the world. These giant sharks are the biggest fish in the sea, weighing up to 42 tons and on average 12 metres long, according to the National Ocean Service.
Until now, scientists considered that these giants were primarily filter feeders, gaping their mouths wide to gulp in roughly more than 600 cubic meters of water every hour. Then, by straining the water out through their gills, the sharks are left with mouthfuls of plankton, shrimp, tiny fish and crustaceans to swallow down.
Researchers made the discovery by analyzing whale shark skin samples have shown that this is not entirely true.
In addition to gulping down enormous mouthfuls of krill - small planktonic crustaceans - whale sharks also swallow huge helpings of seaweed, enabling the aquatic giants to be officially recognized as the world's largest omnivores.
Whale sharks prefer shallow water up to 1000 meters. Despite their terrifying look, these sea giants are not dangerous to humans. They try to avoid contact and are not aggressive unless they feel threatened.
Whale sharks have very slow growth and low reproductive rates, that put them in danger of overfishing and extinction. Now they are being closely monitored with radio beacons, as their disappearance can lead to serious consequences for marine ecosystems.