Whale sharks are the largest fish-like vertebrates in the world. They use filter and suction feeding to have a greater diversity of food choices, as they can’t take in large volumes of water. They can feed on tiny organisms such as zooplankton, fish larvae, and copepods. Whale sharks spend around 7.5 hours a day eating.
Art and fact by Kristina Leslie, Instagram @tinaleslie_
[Edited by Nicole Rodrigues]
Reference:
Marsili et al. (2023). A Cocktail of Plankton and Organochlorines for Whale Shark in the Foraging Areas of Nosy Be (Madagascar). Diversity, 15(8), 911. https://doi.org/10.3390/d15080911