As the largest shark species in existence, the Whale Shark is a non-threatening presence in the ocean, embodying tranquility amidst the vast marine environment.
Whale Shark measures: 8.6" L x 4.5" W x 3" H
The Whale Shark model by Mojo boasts a striking dark blue color adorned with elegant white stripes along its back, complemented by delicate white spots scattered across its body. Known for its gentle demeanor, this majestic creature gracefully glides through the water, its massive mouth agape as it effortlessly gathers delectable plankton along its path. As the largest shark species in existence, the Whale Shark is a serene and non-threatening presence in the ocean, embodying the essence of tranquility amidst the vast marine environment.
Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are the largest fish in the ocean and also the largest known extant species of shark. Here are some key points about them:
Size: They can grow up to lengths of around 12 meters (39 feet) and can weigh as much as 20.6 metric tons (about 45,000 pounds). Despite their massive size, they are filter feeders and primarily consume plankton and small fish.
Appearance: These sharks have a distinctive appearance with a broad, flattened head, a wide mouth at the front of the head, and small eyes located towards the front. They have a unique pattern of pale yellow spots and stripes on a dark background, which is distinct to each individual and can be used for identification purposes.
Habitat: Whale sharks are found in warm waters around the world, typically in tropical and subtropical oceans. They prefer areas with high plankton concentrations, such as coastal areas, coral reefs, and upwelling zones.
Behavior: They are generally solitary animals but can be found in groups at feeding sites or during mating events. Despite their massive size, they are known for their gentle behavior and are often observed swimming slowly near the surface.
Diet: As filter feeders, whale sharks mainly feed on plankton, including small fish, krill, and other small organisms. They use their large mouths to gulp in water and filter out food particles using specialized filter pads located in their gills.
Reproduction: The reproductive habits of whale sharks are not well understood due to their elusive nature. They are ovoviviparous, meaning the embryos develop inside eggs that hatch within the mother's body, and then the pups are born live. Pregnant females have been found with hundreds of embryos, suggesting they may have large litters.
Conservation: Despite their size, whale sharks are vulnerable to various threats, including habitat degradation, pollution, bycatch in fisheries, and collisions with boats. They are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and are protected in many countries.
Tourism: Whale shark tourism has become popular in some areas where these sharks are known to frequent, such as Ningaloo Reef in Australia, the Maldives, and Isla Holbox in Mexico. However, there are concerns about the potential negative impacts of tourism on these animals and their habitats.
Marvel at the magnificent sea-monster, the Whale Shark! This high-quality plastic collectible figure stands ready to bring some sealife to your space. Suitable for both play and display, it's the perfect addition to any ocean-enthusiast's marine menagerie.
3+ years
Small Parts. Not for children under 3 years.
