Origin
Rhincodon typus is a cosmopolitan species found in tropical and warm-temperate oceans worldwide. Frequenting both coastal and open-water habitats, it migrates across the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans. Seasonal aggregations occur in regions such as Ningaloo Reef (Australia), the Yucatán Peninsula (Mexico), and the Philippines.

Visual & Functional Appeal
With its colossal size (up to 40 feet or more), white-spotted gray-blue body, and wide, terminal mouth, the Whale Shark resembles a swimming galaxy. Despite its size, it is entirely peaceful, feeding on plankton, small fish, and crustaceans through filter-feeding. It swims slowly with rhythmic grace, often near the surface, enchanting divers and visitors in public aquaria.

Purpose
Serves exclusively as a flagship species in large-scale marine aquariums and ocean conservation programs. In public exhibits, it symbolizes marine biodiversity, ocean health, and the impact of human activity on pelagic megafauna. It also contributes to tourism and citizen science in areas with predictable seasonal migrations.

Importance
A keystone species in pelagic ecosystems, Whale Sharks help regulate plankton populations and serve as bioindicators for ocean health. Their global movement patterns and surface-feeding behavior make them vulnerable to vessel strikes, pollution, and overfishing, highlighting the need for protected migratory corridors.

Included Resources
Requires an aquarium tank volume of 5 to 10 million gallons, mimicking pelagic space with ultra-high turnover filtration systems, smooth tunnel walls, massive surface area, and zero sharp angles. Life support includes high-flow circulation, deep water columns (30+ ft), and live plankton or slurry feeding systems. Only a few facilities worldwide (e.g., Georgia Aquarium, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium) maintain the resources to house this species.

Best Use Cases
Strictly for public aquariums or marine science institutions. Used in awareness campaigns, ecotourism tagging programs, and migratory tracking research. Cannot be housed privately or in standard commercial tanks under any circumstance.

Conservation Context
Classified as Endangered by the IUCN Red List. Threats include bycatch, vessel strikes, illegal finning, plastic ingestion, and disrupted migratory routes. Several countries have enacted protections, but enforcement and habitat range remain challenges. Satellite tagging and protected marine corridors are essential for its long-term survival.

Compatible Species
In large exhibits, Whale Sharks are sometimes housed with schooling species like jacks, manta rays, cownose rays, or large non-aggressive fish. All tankmates must be fast, pelagic, and non-competitive filter feeders. Environments must allow plenty of distance and behavioral space.

Region (A)
• Latitude: 22.9° N
• Longitude: 89.2° E
→ Bay of Bengal (South Asia – common feeding grounds)

Region (B)
• Latitude: 21.0° N
• Longitude: 87.0° W
→ Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico (Caribbean aggregation site)