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Cartilaginous fish that typically inhabits tropical and warm temperatures
Scientific Name: Rhincodon typus
Common Name: Whaleshark
Dimensions: Being the world's largest fish, it normally reaches 12 m
Medium: model
Registration Number: RPN.2018.0355
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The whale shark, characterized by its massive size and rounded head, possesses a terminal mouth. Its caudal fin takes on a crescent shape, featuring a notably sizable lower lobe. The dorsal side displays a range of colors from dark bluish-grey to brown, adorned with distinctive arrays of light spots in rows and lines. These patterns differ from individual to individual, shading to whitish ventrally. The whale shark has small, scale-like teeth.
Habitat and Biology
Whale sharks typically inhabit offshore open waters, occasionally venturing close to the shore. They are commonly found alongside groups of pelagic fishes, particularly tunas. These creatures undertake extensive migrations spanning vast distances and ocean basins, consistently returning to specific sites each year. Whale sharks predominantly feed on planktonic and nektonic prey, including the eggs, larvae, and juveniles of various fishes, small crustaceans, and squids. Qatar proudly hosts one of the world's largest congregations of whale sharks. Throughout the summer, observers have documented the presence of over a hundred of these magnificent creatures in the Al-Shaheen oil field. The Ministry of Municipality and Environment collaborates with the Maersk Oil Research and Technology Centre to spearhead a comprehensive conservation and research initiative. Notably, offshore platforms have transformed into artificial reefs, potentially playing a crucial role in attracting whale sharks to the region.
ECO System Qatar
Open Water: The temperatures of the Arabian Gulf waters exhibit significant variation. Hosting a diverse array of over 700 marine species, the Gulf is a habitat for notable creatures such as whale sharks, great hammerhead sharks, and kawakawa. Unfortunately, human activities pose a threat to Qatar's marine environments. Pollution and shoreline construction exert pressure on the Gulf's delicate ecosystems, placing some species at risk of extinction. Nevertheless, concerted efforts are underway to preserve and protect Qatar's invaluable marine habitats.
PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH
Freyhof, Jörg & Els, Johannes & Feulner, Gary & Hamidan, Nashat & Krupp, Friedhelm. (2020). Freshwater Fishes of the Arabian Peninsula.