Genus
Common name: Whale Shark
Scientific name: Rhincodon
Rhincodon typus, commonly known as the Whale Shark, is the sole member of the genus Rhincodon and the family Rhincodontidae. It is the largest known extant fish species. Despite its size, the Whale Shark feeds mainly on plankton and is completely harmless to humans. In the aquarium trade, it is not a viable species for home aquariums due to its massive size and migratory nature. However, public aquariums with very large tanks sometimes house juvenile Whale Sharks.
