Whale sharks
Whale shark (Rhincodon typus)
The Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) belongs to the family Rhincodontidae (whale sharks) and is found in the Red Sea, with a wider Indo-Pacific range. It reaches about 1800 cm and is found at 0–500 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Endangered. Treat it with caution (caution): do not touch or handle it.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Rhincodon typus |
|---|---|
| Authority | Smith, 1828 |
| Family | Whale sharks (Rhincodontidae) |
| Common name (IT) | Squalo balena |
| Common name (EN) | Whale shark |
| Maximum size | 1800 cm |
| Depth | 0–500 m |
| Distribution | Red Sea and Indo-Pacific |
| IUCN status | EN — Endangered |
| Hazard | Caution |
Description
Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.
Diving hazard — Caution: keep your distance, and never touch, corner or feed it.
Where it lives
Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.
- Southern Red Sea
- Arabia
- Oceani tropicali
Diving safety
Caution. This is a predator or a fish with a strong bite. It is not looking for people — watch from a distance, do not touch, chase or feed it.
If it happens
- For a bite: leave the water, control bleeding with direct pressure, clean the wound.
After
- Marine bites infect readily — seek medical care and tetanus cover.
Frequently asked questions
- What family does the Whale shark belong to?
- The Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) belongs to the family Rhincodontidae (whale sharks).
- Is the Whale shark dangerous?
- It needs caution: Caution. Keep your distance and do not touch or handle it.
- Is the Whale shark endemic to the Red Sea?
- No — it occurs in the Red Sea but its range extends across the Indo-Pacific.
- How big does the Whale shark get?
- It reaches a maximum length of about 1800 cm.