How big do whale sharks get?
Quick Answer
Whale sharks typically reach 12m (40 ft) and weigh up to 20 tons. The largest confirmed whale shark measured 18.8m (62 ft), making them the world's largest fish.
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 Do Whale Sharks Get?
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).
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Marine fish |
| Family | Rhincodontidae |
| Habitat | Oceans worldwide |
| Conservation | Protected in most countries |
| Research Status | Ongoing scientific study |
Whale Shark Size Specifications
| Measurement | Typical Adult | Maximum Recorded |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 9-12 m (30-40 ft) | 18.8 m (61.7 ft) |
| Weight | 9-12 tons | 20+ tons |
| Mouth width | 1.5 m (5 ft) | 1.5 m (5 ft) |
| Dorsal fin height | Up to 1.5 m (5 ft) | 1.8 m (6 ft) |
| Tail (caudal fin) height | Up to 2.4 m (8 ft) | 3 m (10 ft) |
Size Records
| Record Type | Measurement | Location | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longest confirmed | 18.8 m (61.7 ft) | Pakistan | 1947 |
| Heaviest confirmed | 21.5 tons | Thailand | 1994 |
| Longest living (tracked) | 12.2 m (40 ft) | Ningaloo Reef, Australia | 2022 |
Understanding Whale Shark Classification
Important clarification: Despite their name, whale sharks are fish, not mammals. Here’s how they differ:
| Characteristic | Whale Shark (Fish) | Whales (Mammals) |
|---|---|---|
| Classification | Cartilaginous fish | Marine mammals |
| Breathing | Gills | Lungs (breathe air) |
| Body temperature | Cold-blooded | Warm-blooded |
| Reproduction | Eggs (ovoviviparous) | Live birth, nurse young |
| Skeleton | Cartilage | Bone |
Size Comparison: World’s Largest Fish vs. Largest Whales
| Species | Type | Maximum Length | Maximum Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whale shark | Fish | 18.8 m (61.7 ft) | 20 tons |
| Blue whale | Mammal | 30+ m (100 ft) | varies by species |
| Basking shark | Fish | 12 m (40 ft) | 5 tons |
| Great white shark | Fish | 6 m (20 ft) | 2.3 tons |
| Orca | Mammal | 8 m (26 ft) | 6 tons |
| Ocean sunfish | Fish | 3.3 m (11 ft) | 2.3 tons |
Whale Shark Growth and Development
Whale sharks are slow-growing and long-lived creatures:
| Life Stage | Size | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Birth | 40-60 cm (16-24 in) | Newborn |
| Juvenile | 3-4 m (10-13 ft) | 5-10 years |
| Sub-adult | 6-8 m (20-26 ft) | 15-25 years |
| Adult | 9-12 m (30-40 ft) | 25-30+ years |
| Maximum size | 18+ m (60+ ft) | 70-130 years |
Growth Rate Facts
- Whale sharks grow approximately 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) per year when young
- Growth rate slows significantly after reaching sexual maturity
- Males mature at around 8-9 meters (26-30 feet)
- Females mature at approximately 9-10 meters (30-33 feet)
- Estimated lifespan: 70-130 years
Physical Features by Size
As whale sharks grow, their proportions remain relatively consistent:
| Body Part | Proportion | Adult Size (12 m shark) |
|---|---|---|
| Head width | ~15% of length | 1.8 m (6 ft) |
| Mouth width | ~12% of length | 1.5 m (5 ft) |
| Pectoral fins | ~10% of length each | 1.2 m (4 ft) |
| First dorsal fin | ~8% of length | 1 m (3.3 ft) |
| Tail height | ~20% of length | 2.4 m (8 ft) |
How Their Size Enables Filter Feeding
Whale sharks are filter feeders, and their massive size makes this feeding strategy efficient:
| Feeding Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Mouth capacity | 6,000+ liters (1,585 gallons) |
| Filter pads | 20 filter pads with 3,000+ rows |
| Water filtered per hour | Up to 6,000 liters |
| Daily food intake | 20-30 kg (45-65 lbs) |
| Primary diet | Plankton, fish eggs, small fish |
Where to See Large Whale Sharks
The largest whale sharks tend to congregate in specific locations:
| Location | Best Time | Average Size Seen |
|---|---|---|
| Ningaloo Reef, Australia | March-July | 6-12 m (20-40 ft) |
| Isla Holbox, Mexico | June-September | 6-10 m (20-33 ft) |
| Donsol, Philippines | December-May | 5-10 m (16-33 ft) |
| Mafia Island, Tanzania | October-March | 6-10 m (20-33 ft) |
| Isla Mujeres, Mexico | May-September | 6-12 m (20-40 ft) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the whale shark bigger than a blue whale?
No, blue whales are significantly larger. Blue whales can reach 40-60 feet (12-18 meters) (100 feet) and substantial weight, while the largest whale sharks reach about 18.8 meters and 20 tons. The whale shark is, however, the largest fish species.
How big are baby whale sharks?
Newborn whale sharks are remarkably small compared to adults, measuring only 40-60 cm (16-24 inches) at birth. They are born fully formed and independent, receiving no parental care.
Why are whale sharks called “whale” sharks?
They’re called whale sharks because of their enormous size (comparable to small whales) and their filter-feeding behavior, which is similar to baleen whales. However, they are true sharks with cartilaginous skeletons and gills.
Are whale sharks dangerous because of their size?
Despite their massive size, whale sharks are completely harmless to humans. They have no interest in large prey and couldn’t bite humans even if they wanted to. Their tiny teeth (thousands of them, each only 6mm) are used for grip, not biting.
How much does the biggest whale shark weigh?
The heaviest reliably weighed whale shark was approximately 21.5 tons (47,000 pounds), caught in Thailand in 1994. Most adult whale sharks weigh between 9-12 tons.
Conservation Status
The whale shark’s large size and slow reproduction make them vulnerable:
| Conservation Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| IUCN Status | Endangered |
| Main threats | Fishing, boat strikes, habitat loss |
| Reproduction rate | Very slow (late maturity, few offspring) |
| Population trend | Decreasing globally |
Their size, while impressive, makes them particularly susceptible to ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear, contributing to their endangered status.
Related Questions
Sources & References
Last verified: 2026-02-05
People Also Ask
What does whale shark eat??
What does whale shark eat Whale Sharks (Rhincodon typus) are remarkable marine mammals that continue to fascinate researchers and the public alike.
Why Are Whale Sharks Endangered??
Conservation status varies. Current population: Unknown (Endangered). Main threats include ship strikes, fishing gear entanglement, pollution, and climate change.
Is a whale shark, a fish??
No, whale sharks are NOT mammals. Despite their name, whale sharks are fish - specifically, the largest fish species in the world. They breathe through gills, are cold-blooded, and lay eggs, unlike mammals which breathe air and give live birth.'whale' in their name, whale sharks are the largest living fish species. They have gills for breathing underwater, are cold-blooded, lay eggs (ovoviviparous), and have cartilage skeletons like all sharks.
How much does a whale shark weigh?
Adult whale sharks typically weigh between 9-12 tons (18,000-24,000 pounds), with the largest individuals weighing up to 20 tons (40,000 pounds).
Test Your Knowledge: Whale Shark
Lifespan: 70-100 years