Whale Shark (Rhincondon typus)
The Whale Shark occurs in approximately 124 countries worldwide (Fowler, 2000 in Chen & Phipps, 2002). They have a broad distribution usually between latitudes 30°N and 35°S in tropical and warm temperate seas, both oceanic and coastal (Compagno, 1984).
Global Whale Shark Distribution
Source: Fisheries Global Information System (2004)
Whale Shark aggregate in certain areas rich in nutrients to feed on seasonal aggregations of tropical krill and baitfishes (Ningaloo Reef), red land crab (G. natalis) megalopa (Christams Island), fish spawn (Belize), and shrimps (Northern Borneo and Phillipines) (CITES Prop. 12.35). It could therefore be suggested that these areas form a portion of the Whale Shark's critical habitat.
Although the whale shark do have an amount of teeth just as any other shark they do not fill any vital function when it comes to feeding. Instead the whale shark is one out of the three filter feeding sharks that exists. It works in a similar way as the when an ordinary whale feeds. The whale shark sucks in an amount of water into its mouth and then blows it out through its gills. Right before the gills is a sort of filter in which the food will get caught and when all water is passed on through the gills this food is swallowed, a very simple but yet elegant design.
As most other filter feeders the whale shark food consists mainly out of plankton. Plankton exists in more or less every ocean across the globe and is therefore the obvious first choice when it comes to food. Although no other foodstuffs follow, for every time the whale shark filters water through the gills it will at least get a reasonable amount of plankton to chow down on.
During the months of April through June, whale sharks visit southern Belize to feed on the spawn of the red snapper and grouper fish (approximately timing is prior, and after the full moon). Trips from Placenica offer opportunities for spotting, diving and snorkeling with Whale Sharks. Please inquire for tours upon reservation during these months.