Have you ever wondered what is the largest fish known in the ocean? Here you have the answer. Here it is, the giant friend of the ocean: the whale shark.
Neither shark nor whale. Fish!
That’s right, the whale shark is a fish. More exactly, the largest fish in the ocean.
Despite their large size, those who research them consider them the friendliest giants in the ocean. This is due to their peaceful nature and their diet, as they feed on the smallest creatures in the ocean: Plankton.
How does whale sharks feed?
His oral cavity is so large that a seal could fit.
Despite this, this species of fish feeds on small life forms. Some of theme are krill, phytoplankton and algae, although it can also consume small crustaceans, such as squid and crabs larvae and small fish.
The whale shark sucks in a large amount of water and food by closing its mouth, and then the water is filtered through its gills and expelled.
On the other hand, all foods that exceed 3 millimeters in diameter are trapped in the oral cavity and then ingested.
Where can you see them?
This friendly giant likes warm waters, where the temperature exceeds 21° C or 70° F. Why? well, this is because the warm waters are the habitat of their main food source, plankton. Which, in addition, grows near the surface. For this same reason it is easy to find them swimming at shallow depth.
An example of these warm waters to which they arrive is found in Isla Mujeres.
Swim with whale sharks!
That’s right, this huge fish comes to Isla Mujeres every year and it is possible to swim with it between the months of June and September.
In fact, Isla Mujeres is considered one of the best places to dive with whale sharks in the world.
The tours during these months leave practically daily and from different points.
Isla Mujeres is one of the destinations that has one of the largest offers for this activity. Some packages include food and even snorkeling at other beautiful reefs in the area.
What as a general rule everyone will include is the guided tour by experts to get to know this species.
They will teach you the basics you should know about the whale shark, as well as ways to preserve the species.
Take advantage of this vacation to meet the ocean’s giant friend: the whale shark.
Ask to La Joya Hotel Staff to know more about this amazing creature and available tours in the region.
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