Whale shark

Endangered whale sharks congregate at Christmas Island during the wet season (November to March).

The whale shark is the world’s largest fish, measuring up to 12 metres in length with a mouth that is more than a metre wide.

They eat only plankton and come to Christmas Island to feed on the billions of larvae released into the water during the annual red crab spawning.

Whale sharks’ grey skin is mottled with pale spots and lines. These markings are unique to each individual and can be used as a visual fingerprint to identify sharks as they travel around.

Despite their size, whale sharks are gentle giants that pose no danger to humans. They are usually happy for people to approach them, making an encounter with these remarkable fish a highlight for divers and snorkellers.