Whale sharks are the largest known fish in the sea. The largest measured was 12.2 meters (40 feet).
Although large, whale sharks pose no theat to humans; divers and snorkelers can swim with them without risk.
The species originated over 60 million years ago.
Whale sharks are docile creatues who feed primarily on plankton.
They are considered 'filter feeders' and have a mouth that can reach a width of 1.5 meters.
Whale sharks have a gray body with a white belly. The skin of a whale shark is marked with a 'checkerboard' of pale yellow spots and stripes, which are unique to each individual whale shark.