Whale Shark
Whale shark (Kaschibo / shutterstock.com)
Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are the largest living fish. They reach a length of 12 meters (39 feet). However, according to unconfirmed reports, much larger animals have been observed. The whale shark has a flattened head and a very large mouth with small, scalelike teeth. Its back and sides are gray to brown with white spots among pale vertical and horizontal stripes, and its belly is white. As a filter feeder, the shark eats plankton and small fish. Whale sharks are harmless to humans. On the IUCN Red List, they are classified as endangered.
This supplemental online resource accompanies the book Scuba Diving Hand Signals by Lars Behnke, available on
Amazon.