How big are whale sharks?
Quick Answer
Whale sharks can reach 12m (40 ft) and weigh up to 20 tons, making them the largest fish in the world. The largest confirmed specimen was 18.8m (62 ft).
Key Facts
🧭 Quick Explore
are whales mammals?
🔍 8,100/mo 🦐what do whales eat?
🔍 6,600/mo 📚how much does a blue whale weigh?
🔍 5,400/mo 🔬are dolphins whales?
🔍 4,400/mo 📏how long can whales hold their breath?
🔍 4,400/mo 📚how many blue whales are there?
🔍 4,400/mo 📚what do whale sharks eat?
🔍 4,400/mo 📚how many blue whales are left?
🔍 3,600/moHow Big Are Whale Sharks?
Whale sharks are the largest fish on Earth, typically reaching 12 meters (40 feet) in length and weighing up to 20 tons. The largest confirmed individual measured 18.8 meters (62 feet).
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Marine fish |
| Family | Rhincodontidae |
| Habitat | Oceans worldwide |
| Conservation | Protected in most countries |
| Research Status | Ongoing scientific study |
The Short Answer
Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are the largest fish on Earth, growing to average lengths of 40-60 feet (12-18 meters) and weighing up to 20 tons (18,000 kg). The largest confirmed whale shark measured an astonishing 61.7 feet (18.8 meters). Despite their intimidating size, these gentle giants are filter feeders that pose no threat to humans.
Whale Shark Size Comparison
To truly appreciate how big whale sharks are, let’s compare them to other large marine animals and familiar objects:
| Species/Object | Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Whale Shark | 40-60 ft (12-18 m) | 15-20 tons |
| Great White Shark | 15-20 ft (4.6-6 m) | 1.5-2.5 tons |
| School Bus | 35-45 ft (10.7-13.7 m) | 12-14 tons |
| Orca (Killer Whale) | 20-26 ft (6-8 m) | 3-6 tons |
| Basking Shark | 20-26 ft (6-8 m) | 5 tons |
Whale Shark Body Measurements
Whale sharks have distinctive proportions that make them instantly recognizable:
| Body Part | Measurement | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Total Length | 40-60 ft (12-18 m) | Largest recorded: 61.7 ft |
| Mouth Width | 4-5 ft (1.2-1.5 m) | Contains 3,000+ tiny teeth |
| Dorsal Fin Height | 3-4 ft (0.9-1.2 m) | First dorsal much larger than second |
| Tail (Caudal Fin) | 6-8 ft (1.8-2.4 m) | Heterocercal (unequal lobes) |
| Pectoral Fins | 6-8 ft (1.8-2.4 m) | Used for steering and stability |
| Girth (Circumference) | 20-25 ft (6-7.6 m) | At widest point |
Growth Rate and Development
Whale sharks grow slowly but steadily throughout their long lives:
| Life Stage | Age | Approximate Size |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn | Birth | 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) |
| Juvenile | 1-5 years | 6-15 ft (1.8-4.5 m) |
| Sub-adult | 5-15 years | 15-30 ft (4.5-9 m) |
| Adult | 15-30 years | 30-45 ft (9-13.7 m) |
| Mature Adult | 30+ years | 45-60+ ft (13.7-18+ m) |
According to research published by the Smithsonian Institution, whale sharks may live for 70-100 years, continuing to grow throughout their lives, though growth slows significantly in adulthood.
Why Are Whale Sharks So Large?
Several evolutionary factors contribute to the whale shark’s enormous size:
Filter Feeding Advantage
Like blue whales, whale sharks evolved large bodies to efficiently process massive quantities of plankton-rich water. Their wide mouths can filter over 1,500 gallons (6,000 liters) of water per hour.
Predator Avoidance
Adult whale sharks have virtually no natural predators due to their size. Only the very young are vulnerable to attacks from orcas and large sharks.
Thermoregulation
Larger body mass helps whale sharks maintain stable internal temperatures during deep dives into cold water, sometimes exceeding 3,000 feet (900 meters) depth.
Record-Breaking Whale Sharks
| Record | Measurement | Location | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longest Confirmed | 61.7 ft (18.8 m) | Arabian Sea | 2001 |
| Heaviest Estimated | 47,000 lbs (21.5 tons) | Taiwan | 1994 |
| Largest in Captivity | ~28 ft (8.5 m) | Georgia Aquarium | Current |
| Widest Mouth | 5.2 ft (1.6 m) | Philippines | 2012 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are whale sharks actually whales?
No, despite their name, whale sharks are fish, not mammals. They’re called “whale sharks” because of their whale-like size. Unlike whales, they have gills, cold blood, and lay eggs rather than giving live birth.
How do whale sharks compare to blue whales?
Blue whales are significantly larger, reaching 80-100 feet and 150-15-20 tons. Blue whales are the largest animals ever to exist, while whale sharks are the largest fish. The key difference is that blue whales are mammals.
Can whale sharks hurt humans?
Whale sharks are completely harmless to humans. Their tiny teeth (each only 6mm) are designed for filter feeding, not biting. Swimmers and divers regularly swim alongside these gentle giants safely.
How big is a baby whale shark?
Newborn whale sharks measure 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) long—surprisingly small compared to adults. They’re among the smallest shark pups relative to adult size, but grow rapidly in their first years.
Where can I see the largest whale sharks?
The largest wild whale sharks are commonly spotted in the Philippines, Maldives, Mexico (Isla Holbox), and Western Australia. The Georgia Aquarium houses several whale sharks in captivity.
Conservation Status
The whale shark is classified as Endangered by the IUCN Red List. Despite their size, they face threats from:
- Fishing (both targeted and bycatch)
- Ship strikes
- Marine pollution
- Climate change affecting plankton populations
Conservation efforts worldwide are working to protect these magnificent creatures. Understanding how big whale sharks are helps researchers track populations and health.
Fun Facts About Whale Shark Size
- A whale shark’s liver alone can weigh up to 2,000 pounds (900 kg)
- Their spotted pattern is unique to each individual, like human fingerprints
- Whale sharks can open their mouths wide enough to swallow a small car
- Despite their size, whale sharks eat some of the ocean’s smallest organisms
- A single whale shark can filter enough water daily to fill an Olympic swimming pool
Whale sharks remind us that the ocean still holds giants, and their impressive size makes them one of nature’s most awe-inspiring creatures to encounter.
Related Questions
Sources & References
Last verified: 2026-02-02
People Also Ask
what do whale sharks eat?
Whale sharks are filter feeders that eat plankton, fish eggs, krill, small fish, and squid. Despite being the largest fish in the ocean, they feed exclusively on tiny organisms.
Where Do Whale Sharks Live??
Whale sharks live in warm tropical and temperate waters between 30°N and 35°S latitude. They inhabit the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Top destinations include Mexico (Isla Holbox), Philippines (Oslob), Australia (Ningaloo Reef), Maldives, and Belize. They follow seasonal plankton blooms.
is a whale shark a whale or a shark?
A whale shark is a shark, not a whale. Despite its enormous size and whale-like name, the whale shark is a fish belonging to the class Chondrichthyes. It breathes through gills, is cold-blooded, and has a cartilaginous skeleton.
How Many Whale Sharks Are At The Georgia Aquarium 2025??
How Many Whale Shark (which is actually a fish, not a mammal)s Are At The Georgia Aquarium 2025?
Test Your Knowledge: Whale Shark
Whale sharks are fish, not whales