sea-nerd-adventures:illest-gillz:giffingsharks:The Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is a slow-moving fi
sea-nerd-adventures:illest-gillz:giffingsharks:The Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is a slow-moving filter feeding shark and the largest known extant fish species. The largest confirmed individual had a length of 36 ft and a weight of about 21.5 t. In some cases, the whale shark has been said to be fairly friendly and playful with divers and may even let a diver hold on for a ride.Do not touch any filter feeder- doesn’t matter if they seem friendly or “want to play”. There is an etiquette that snorkelers and especially divers should adhere to when swimming or diving in known feeding/cleaning stations, which these beautiful creatures frequent. Leave them alone because if they are stressed they will not return to these areas which is detrimental to their individual health but also the surrounding ecosystem.Please do not reinforce bad behaviours. I hate to be a whistle blower but please be conscientious of your impacts on the environment.Thank you for adding this! Whale sharks are amazing animals and must be incredible to see in the ocean, but you absolutely should not be touching or holding on to them or any other animal while in the ocean. How would you feel if a strange creature came into your home and poked you or forced you to give them a piggy back ride? Not cool. -- source link