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The whale shark is the largest fish in the world

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On average, whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are 7m, but some have been recorded as long as 20m (that’s over 65ft long). They have 300 tiny teeth and can open their mouths almost as wide as their bodies.

Rhincodon typus, whale shark
Whale Shark. Photo Credit: Justin Henry
Whale Shark, Rhincodon typus
Inside this giant mouth, there are about 300 tiny teeth. Photo Credit: KAZ2.0

Don’t let its size scare you! These sharks are one of three species of filter feeding sharks. This means they don’t go after humans, just plankton, jellyfish, and small fish.

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Rhincodon_typus.html

http://www.arkive.org/whale-shark/rhincodon-typus/image-G2358.html#text=Description

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