- Maximum Length
- 18.8 m (62 ft)
- Primary Habitat
- Open ocean, coastal feeding areas
- Diet
- Plankton, small fish, fish eggs
- Sighting Frequency
- Occasional
About the Whale Shark
The Whale Shark is the largest living fish species and a gentle giant of the ocean. Near Cozumel and the Yucatan coast, they gather seasonally to feed on plankton and fish eggs, particularly between May and September around Isla Holbox and Isla Mujeres.
Behavior & Ecology
Filter feeders that swim slowly near the surface. Gather in large aggregations during feeding events. Completely harmless to humans. Known for their distinctive spotted pattern unique to each individual, used for photo-identification.
Conservation status — Endangered
The Whale Shark is classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Reporting sightings through BiodiversityOS helps researchers monitor population trends and identify critical habitats for protection.