Ginglymostoma unami, commonly known as the whale shark, is a large, filter-feeding shark found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. They are the largest fish in the world, reaching a maximum size of 207.0 cm. They are known for their distinctive pattern of light spots and stripes on a dark grey background.
Description & Characteristics
Ginglymostoma unami has a flattened, broad head with a blunt snout. They possess five gill slits on each side of their head and two dorsal fins that are positioned far back on their body. Their pectoral fins are large and paddle-like, while their pelvic fins are smaller. They have a long, whip-like tail that is typically longer than their body.
Habitat and Occurrence
Ginglymostoma unami is a widely distributed species, found in both shallow and deep waters of tropical and subtropical oceans. They are often found in areas with abundant plankton, which is their primary food source. They are commonly observed in the epipelagic zone, which is the uppermost layer of the ocean that receives sunlight.
Taxonomy
Ginglymostoma unami belongs to the Class Elasmobranchii, which includes sharks, rays, and skates. It is a member of the Order Orectolobiformes, which contains nurse sharks, wobbegongs, and other related species. Ginglymostoma unami is further classified within the Family Ginglymostomatidae, which includes only a few species of nurse sharks.
Feeding
Ginglymostoma unami is a filter-feeding shark, meaning that they strain food particles from the water using their gill rakers. They primarily feed on plankton, small fish, and invertebrates. They are known to be passive feeders, slowly swimming through the water with their mouths open to filter out food.
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