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Whale shark

(Rhincodon typus)

 

Category: Fish

 

 

These slow-moving, filter-feeders are the largest known living fish species. It is not unusual for them to reach over 45 feet in length and weigh over 30 metric tons (66,000 pounds)! They inhabit tropical and warm-temperate seas throughout the world, living in open ocean but typically not swimming to great depths. Despite their size, they are docile fish and pose no danger to humans.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whale_shark

 

Data & Facts

Scientific Classification
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata
Class - Chondrichthyes
Order - Orectolobiformes
Family - Rhincodontidae
Genus - Rhincodon
Species - R. typus

 
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Interesting Animal Facts

The fish that could drown (and other amazing tales)

Fish are masters of aquatic living, though some manage to do pretty well on land, too! Of living species, the mudskipper is probably the best adapted to life out of water - in fact, a mudskipper will drown if it can’t periodically come to the surface! This unusual fish uses its powerful, almost leg-like fins to walk on land and can even use them to “skip” up to 2 feet in the air! Similar to many amphibians, the mudskipper is able to breathe through its skin and the linings of its mouth and throat. It also seals water in its gill chambers when it leaves the water for extended stays on the land, much like a scuba diver brings air with them!-

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