International Whale Shark Day is a perfect occasion to dive into the fascinating world of the largest fish in the sea! Whale sharks, with their distinctive spotted patterns and gentle nature, are a marvel of the ocean.

Here are some fun facts you might not know about these incredible creatures:

1. Gentle Giants of the Ocean

Despite their enormous size, whale sharks are known for their gentle nature. They feed on tiny prey, making them harmless to humans. Sadly, whale sharks are endangered due to a combination of environmental stressors and human threats such as fishing, climate change, and habitat loss.

2. Record-Breaking Size

Whale sharks hold the record for being the largest fish in the world. They can grow up to 40 feet long and weigh as much as 20.6 tons! Imagine a fish longer than a school bus.

3. A Diet of Tiny Prey

Whale sharks eat mainly plankton, tiny fish, and occasionally small squid. They can only swallow small prey because their throats are very narrow, often compared to the size of a quarter.

4. Unique Spot Patterns

Each whale shark has a unique pattern of spots and stripes, much like human fingerprints. Researchers use these patterns to identify and track individual sharks in the ocean.

5. World-wide Whales

Whale sharks can be seen worldwide in the tropical Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Our research teams have traveled the world to conduct research on whale sharks in the Galapagos, Mexico, St. Helena, and Indonesia. 

6. Slow and Steady Swimmers

Despite their size, whale sharks are not particularly fast swimmers. The usual swim speed when feeding at the surface is roughly 2.3 mph, when cruising about 3 mph. When alarmed, the whale shark has been observed accelerating to a body length per second for very short bursts, but they cannot sustain fast swimming for long.

7. Georgia Aquarium’s Majestic Residents

The Georgia Aquarium is home to several whale sharks, offering visitors a chance to see this endangered species up close. The Aquarium provides these gentle giants with a safe and enriching environment and contributes to global research and conservation efforts.

 

As we celebrate International Whale Shark Day, remember the importance of protecting these gentle giants and their ocean habitats. Visit the Georgia Aquarium to learn more about whale sharks and how you can contribute to their conservation. 

For more information, check out our whale shark animal guide.

Come check out what our animals are up to in the evenings! 

The animal kingdom is as active at night as it is during the day. As the sun dips below the horizon, the oceanic world transforms. Bioluminescent creatures come alive, lighting up the dark waters. Nighttime hunters, such as sharks and eels, emerge from the depths, taking advantage of the cover of darkness to ambush their prey. The bustling daytime ecosystem of coral reefs gives way to a different cast of nocturnal inhabitants, including shrimps and crabs, all navigating the shadows in search of food.

Meanwhile, the silent glide of stingrays and the rhythmic movements of schools of fish display a dynamic underwater world that flourishes in the cover of night. Life continues its relentless, captivating dance in these darkened waters, reminding us of the ocean’s boundless wonders. Witness the enchanting evening routines of our aquatic residents and relish a more intimate atmosphere. 

Check out some species that are more active at night:

American Alligators

American alligators are diurnal and nocturnal, meaning they are active both day and night. They hunt predominantly at night, but they are also commonly seen basking in the sunlight during the spring and summer. 

Asian Smalled Clawed Otter

Asian small-clawed otters are active during the day but are primarily nocturnal animals. Our otters often nap throughout the day, but if you visit in the evening, you might catch them playing in the water or with their enrichment items! 

Electric Eel

The electric eel is a nocturnal species, hiding under shelter or in holes during the day and hunting for prey at night. Because they have poor eyesight, they emit a weak electric signal, which they use like radar to navigate, find a mate, and find prey.

Giant Pacific Octopus

Generally nocturnal, giant Pacific octopuses move about and do their hunting at night. They use their arms, each covered with approximately 200 suckers, to find and hold their prey.

Green Moray Eel

The green moray eel is a nocturnal predator.  During the day, it hides in a hole in the rocks.  It uses its sense of smell to find its prey because moray eels have poor vision.  It does not go hunting for its prey; instead, it sits and waits for the prey to cross its path.

Green Sea Turtle

Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) are typically diurnal but can also exhibit nocturnal activity, including feeding, nesting, and breeding.

Japanese Spider Crabs

Japanese spider crabs are active at night to avoid predators rather than to camouflage themselves when hunting prey. They live on the ocean floor along Japan’s Pacific coast, primarily on the sandy and rocky continental shelf and slope. 

Manta Rays

Manta rays are filter feeders and are most active at night when they feed. Some say the best time to see manta rays up close in the ocean is at night when they come together in large numbers to feed. 

Red Lion Fish

This species is a solitary, nocturnal hunter that stalks its prey and corners it using outstretched and expanded pectoral fins.

Sharks

Many sharks are active and feed during low light hours (dawn or dusk) and at night.

Starfish

Some species of starfish are nocturnal and become more active at night. Recent research published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B highlighted that starfish have eyes and can even see in the dark. 

 

Georgia Aquarium is home to all of these unique and spectacular species and many more! It’s the perfect opportunity to explore the ocean’s depths without the usual daytime bustle. Take advantage of this unique, serene adventure and make your summer nights unforgettable!