All The Coolest Facts and FAQ About Sharks, Yearly Worldwide Sharks Attack Summary 2022. The largest tank in the facility was a whopping 6.3 million gallons as of December 2018. Also I just love sharks and rays :). Length: 12.6 metres (41.5 feet) Megalodon! During vertical and active surface suction feeding, the shark will open and close its mouth, creating a strong suction and bringing in large volumes of water. What is the biggest shark in captivity? The two new whale sharks, Yushan and Taroko, join Alice and Trixie in the aquariums 6-million-gallon tank. Although they dont list the size of the display, its late enough to house a whale shark. Each whale shark has its own individual spot pattern; like human fingerprints, no two are exactly alike. These sharks live in a tank with 6.3 million gallons of water, which sounds like a lot, but its actually relatively shallow for such a large fish. As Zeus was to the Greeks, This gravitational lens was discovered by Dennis Walsh. Deliver the best possible care for all of their animals and participate in collaborative captive breeding programmes. However, most of this is false information meant to gain public favor. The two dorsal fins are placed well back on the body. Many have speculated that they died because of the lack of knowledge surrounding keeping these enormous animals in captivity. 2 aquarium in the world by TripAdvisor and we honor our commitment of excellence to our animals and our guests each and every day. Update: Four of the aquariums that are included in this list are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Get closer to sharks by getting involved in our Great Eggcase Hunt. In the same year, the aquarium received two more species of Whale sharks Taroko and Yushan. No? Founded in June 1998, the Aquarium of the Pacific is a 5013 non-profit organization. There are still many unanswered questions about whale sharks, particularly about mating and reproduction. Established in 1935, The Cowl is Providence Colleges only student-run newspaper. Known as a deity in a Vietnamese religion, the whale shark is called CA Cong, which translates to Sir Fish. 6(4): 1-8, 2011. Please tick the box below to confirm you're happy for us to email you. Dove ADM, Leisen J, Zhou M, Byrne JJ, Lim-Hing K,Webb HD, Gelbaum L, Viant, MR, Kubanek J, Fernandez F. Biomarkers of whale shark health: A metabolomic approach. Loss is inevitable, but that does not make it any less painful, the aquarium said. The aquarium is a hometown to nearly 120, 000 animals that belong to 200 different species. Does the Georgia Aquarium have a great white shark? Zebra shark. As is the case with other sharks, there is no parental care of the pups. If you are in Okinawa and want to see whale sharks, the best place to look is going to be the Kuroshio Sea Tank. The whale shark is considered to be a pelagic open water fish, but it is frequently seen in shallower inshore waters associated with lagoons, bays, and coral reefs. Are there any other species living in the Georgia Aquarium? Sharks invest a lot of energy into producing a few, well-developed young. Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, US Male whale shark at Georgia Aquarium, Ocean-Voyager, US Dead animals mainly come from SeaWorld rescues of sick or dying wild whales and dolphins that are stranded on beaches or picked up in the hope of nursing them back to health. Aquarium in Singapore. For many, aquariums are the best (and only) plausible place to glimpse the worlds largest fish species. Baby whale sharks are just 21 to 25 inches (53 64 cm) ong and juveniles can grow up to 3 feet (1 m) n length. Get Out Your Green & Gold! St. Helena: Whale Shark Expedition Indonesia: First Successful Wild Whale Shark Health Assessments Performed Indonesia: Groundbreaking Whale Shark Research Galapagos: Waiting For Whale Sharks GALAPAGOS WHALE SHARK PROJECT, McKinney J.A., Hoffmayer E.R., Holmberg J., Graham R.T., Driggers W.B. PLoS ONE 12(8): e0180495. Marine Life Park Marine Life Park contains 12 million gallons of water, making it the second-largest aquarium in the world. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Aside from just fish, the aquarium displays the history and cultural importance of various ocean life. While its somewhat tough to see a whale shark in its natural habitat, it can be seen in a few aquariums around the world. The Humane Society of the United States believes that these animals are best seen in their natural coastal and ocean environments instead of being held captive simply to entertain people. The Georgia Aquarium boasts one of the largest shark exhibits in North America, holding 1.2 million gallons of water and many different species of shark. Whale sharks are exhibited in several aquariums worldwide. Populations have declined largely due to harpoon fisheries and bycatch. Additionally, they are wild animals found in the open ocean and can be unpredictable. Why In The World Do Turtles Pile On Top Of Each Other? If you happen to find yourself near one of these aquariums, youll now know you can stop by and see these truly majestic animals. The other two whale sharks of the initial four also died years later. Click here for helpful tips on how to find a responsible tour operator. Ten of the most dangerous sharks known to man inhabit a 380,000-gallon saltwater tank and tunnel, along with three nurse sharks. These creatures can grow to be approximately 40 feet longa huge animal to keep in captivity. Many have speculated that they died because of the lack of knowledge surrounding keeping these enormous animals in captivity. Located in Atlanta, the massive institution is home to some of the biggest fish in the world. Comfort in and around water, including standing in water, is necessary to ensure a safe and engaging experience. Why are whale sharks dying at Georgia Aquarium? This month we look at some lesser known sharks with unusual names! Our biggest sharks Zebra shark. Monterey Bay Aquarium Monterey, California. Here, over 4,500 feet of viewing glass allows guests to see 6.3 million gallons of seawater, housing whale sharks, rays, and other species. Did a whale shark dies at Georgia Aquarium? The underbody is white or cream colored. The dark shaded fins are irregularly marked with round, light colored dots. Georgia Aquariums main focus is to combine field research with site-controlled research to allow for in-depth understanding and care of the worlds sea creatures. In addition to the last ones, the Aquariums notable specimens include beluga whales, bottlenose dolphins, and manta rays. Coloration and color patterns vary from one shark to another. The other two whale sharks of the initial four also died years later. Can only swallow small prey because its throat is very narrow, often compared to the size of a quarter. Journey with Gentle Giants is the only opportunity in the world where you are guaranteed to snorkel with the largest fish in the world, the whale shark, in Georgia Aquariums Ocean Voyager exhibit. During active surface feeding, the top jaw typically breaks the surface. As is the case with many shark species, females tend to be larger than males. The turquoise rainbowfish is considered a peaceful community fish. Not all sharks are alive today. https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/bix127, Hacohen-Domen A., Martnez-Rincn R., Galvn-Magaa F., Crdenas-Palomo N., de la Parra-Venegas R., Galvn B. and Dove A.D.M. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. These spotted giants can be found in tropical and temperate oceans all over the world, although they are considered to be endangered. Is There A Commuter Train From Dc To Baltimore? Their movement has been attributed by some researchers to timing with plankton blooms and changes in water temperature. Beluga whale in clear blue water. When he isn't distracted by his backyard birdfeeder, you can find him camping, exploring, and telling everyone around him about what he's recently learned. Our Behind the Seas Tour offer a backstage look at our most popular exhibits. There is some evidence that the southeast waters off Taiwan and areas in the Philippines may be important birthing areas during the summer months. Seeing these giants in the wild is possible, but its difficult due to their limited population and avoidance of shallow water. 40. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. The io in ioworld is actually a local dialect that means fish. The aquarium is known for its whale sharks and dolphin shows, with their dolphins living in the nearby Kinko Bay. With a space so large, its no wonder they can keep the worlds largest fish. The leopard shark is a subtropical species that lives in water ranging in temperature from 15-20 o C (59-68 o F). By far, the most serious threat to this species is from humans. And they allow large numbers of people to develop a positive connection with sharks and rays. Environmental Biology of Fishes 98: 1953-1964, Clingham E., Brown J., Henry L., Beard A. and Dove A.D.M. Dove, A.D.M. Long Beach, CA 90802 Required fields are marked *. The Georgia Aquarium is a house of 4 species of Whale sharks named Norton, Ralph, Trixie, and Alice. There are a number of countries that permit the commercial taking of whale sharks and some fisheries target the species. Who is called Father of documentary? Furthermore, the Georgia Aquarium is the only Western aquarium to house whale sharks. DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2014.01.064. "Our whale sharks eat four times a day. Areas of Expertise: Biology of whale sharks By using satellite tags, aerial surveys and photo identification software, Georgia Aquarium and its partners have studied and tracked over 1,000 whale sharks known to visit this area to feed on plankton and fish eggs every summer. Other than whale sharks, the Aquarium is the hometown of many other species such as Beluga whales California sea lions, Bottlenose dolphins, African pancake tortoises, American alligators, Manta rays, and many other shark species. the aquarium said in a statement on its Facebook page, International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Outside of Asia, this aquarium is the only institution housing whale sharks. This filter-feeding shark may feed passively by simply opening its mouth while it is swimming. Adopt a Great White Shark today and you'll be supporting vital Great White Shark research in the USA. Best Aquariums in the World 2022 (Detailed Comparison List). Maximise their educational and public engagement opportunities. Protected in a number of countries, they are frequently fished illegally because of poor or non-existent enforcement of existing regulations. Providence, RI 02918 The exhibit is 9 meters deep and holds 5,400 tons of water, making it the only home for a whale shark in the aquarium. Where is the Parker Solar Probe now 2021? 1 Cunningham Square Short barbels protrude from its nostrils. The Aquarium of the Pacifics mission is to instill a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants, and ecosystems. Looking out over one of the most beautiful coastlines in California, the Monterey Bay Aquarium sits on the waterfront along Cannery Row in Monterey, California.Each year, over 2 million visitors come to view more than 200 exhibits and 35,000-plus creatures that represent more than 550 species. Motta PJ,Maslanka M, Hueter R,Davis RL, de la Parra R, Mulvaney SL, Habegger ML, Strother JA, Mara KR, Gardiner JM, Tyminski JP,Zeigler LD. Ioworld Kagoshima Aquarium is located in Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. There are over 500 species, from angel to zebra. One of the most interesting practices that Ioworld utilizes is the capture and release of its whale sharks. Total Water Volume: 10 million gallons Largest Tank: . Special Notes. Located in the Southeast Asian city-state of Singapore, the aquarium boasts marine wildlife from more than 800 species. one lonesome whale shark. They do not object to being approached by divers but it has also been reported that they are not especially accepting of direct contact and should not be touched. This is very efficient and does not clog the filters. Feeding anatomy, filter-feeding rate, and diet of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) during surface ram filter feeding off the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. 7(11): 1-10, 2012. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Because of its size and cartilaginous skeleton, it does not fossilize well and in life it is very difficult to weigh accurately. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Georgia Aquarium protects whale sharks through research and conservation efforts in the field, in the laboratory and through our unique position as the only aquarium in the western hemisphere to display these elusive gentle giants. Biological Bulletin. PeerJ. Since 2008,Georgia State Universityhas collaborated with Aquarium staff and volunteers to observe and record the individual sharks behavior. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. 2022 Georgia Aquarium 225 Baker Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA. Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and aquatic animals worldwide. Five large, vertical gill slits are present just forward of and above the origin of the pectoral fin. Participants do not swim with the beluga whales. The Aquarium is also committed to the rescue and rehabilitation of stranded Southern sea otter pups off the coasts of California and Alaska. Is it really worth it? View All Stories. (2017) Draft sequencing and assembly of the genome of the worlds largest fish, the whale shark: Rhincodon typus Smith 1828. To work around this, Ioworld has a special practice in place. I have decided to raise money for the shark trust to hopefully fundraise money that will help reach their conservation goals, but also to help educate the public about the threats that sharks face in the wild and what we can do to help. The Georgia Aquarium the largest in the U.S. boasts gigantic whale sharks among its denizens.Jun 11, 2019. . The aquarium is a bit smaller than the others on the list, and their shows are totally in Japanese, making for more manageable crowds. How many aquariums in the US have whale sharks? They help us to reach new supporters, to increase engagement with shark conservation and they help us raise funds to further our work. It is a city full of music, CharmCard is a rechargeable smart fare card you can use on Local Bus, Light Rail and Metro Subway. Can they deliver effective education and engagement around this animal? They belong to Russia, but the aquarium still feels responsible for them. Little Charles Lindbergh, named after his famous father, was kidnapped from his home in New Jersey on March 1, 1932, only to be found dead a short while later on May 12. Its large mouth, which can be up to 1.5 m (4.9 ft) wide, extends the full width of the head. This is a great way to introduce people to the amazing diversity of shark species that exists in our oceans. "We are heartbroken to share that our female whale shark, Alice, has passed away," the statement reads. Belugas are exceptionally social creatures that move, reside, and hunt in groups of a few whales to dozens of whales. Three whale sharks left of six brought from Taiwan in 2006-2007. Have you ever visited Georgia Aquarium? What do Wilmington Shark's fans and North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher (NCAFF) staff have in common? A whale shark has never eaten a person While they do have 300 rows of teeth in their giant mouths, whale sharks dont use them for eating. Registered Company No. the Georgia Aquarium 1. There are 3 whale sharks in aquarium at the moment. It is marketed fresh, salted, and smoked and sells for very high prices. Large whale sharks dont often make it long in captivity. The aquarium is still home to four newer whale sharks. The skin of a whale shark can be as thick as four inches, limiting possible predators to killer whales, great white sharks, tiger sharks and humans. They were transported on a private plane in a specially-made container. Whale shark at Georgia Aquarium, United States. This data will help us understand and better care for sharks on exhibit, as well as improve our interpretation of behaviors seen in this field. They are native to the tropical Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, according to the aquarium. III, de la Parra-Venegas R., Galvan-Pastoriza B.E., Fox S., Pierce S.J. We strongly encourage aquariums not to add these animals to their collections. The aquarium has 15 tanks designed after various regions found within the Pacific rim. Because of their size adult whale sharks have little to fear from natural marine predators, although observers have reported seeing scars that might indicate a large shark such as the white or tiger or even a killer whale might have attempted a larger meal than it could handle. Blood cells and serum chemistry in the worlds largest fish: the whale shark (Rhincodon typus). Length: 18 metres (59 feet). The worlds largest when it opened in November 2005, the Aquarium encompassed 550,000 square feet (5.1 ha; 13 acres) of covered space, and its exhibits held 8 million US gallons (30,000,000 L) of fresh and saltwater. You can purchase a card at the, The Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) train runs commuter services between DC and Baltimore. Approaching any wild animal is risky and can be dangerous, but in the case of a whale shark it . In fact, the latest Waterfront Partnership of Baltimores Healthy Harbor Initiative report card gave it an F, partially due to the levels of fecal matter in the water. Aquarist Natasha Peat, whose job is to feed the whale sharks daily, let us tag along for a feeding. BMC Genomics 18: 532. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-017-3926-9, Norman, B.M., Holmberg J.A., Arzoumanian Z., Reynolds S., Wilson R.P., Rob D., Pierce S.J., Gleiss A.C., De La Parra R., Galvan B., Ramirez-Macias D., Robinson D., Fox S., Graham R., Rowat D., Potenski M., Levine M., McKinney J.A., Hoffmayer E., Dove A.D.M., Hueter R., Ponzo A., Araujo G., Aca E., David D., Rees R., Duncan A., Rohner C.A., Prebble C.M., Hearn A., Acuna Marrero D., Berumen M.L., Vazquez A., Green J., Bach S.S., Schmidt J.V., Beatty S. & Morgan D.L. If you cant encounter marine life first-hand, this can be a valuable experience. and Dove A.D.M. Where aquariums are fulfilling their remit to support conservation and provide quality education for their visitors, we believe they have a positive impact. Active surface suction feeding is the most common type of feeding method and is characterized by the shark swimming in a normal orientation while feeding. They opened in 2000 and are known as one of the most beautiful aquariums worldwide. Whale sharks have a two-toned pattern of light spots on their dark gray back with a white underside. editor@thecowl.com, For advertising please email: It is highly valued for the production of high quality leather. At term, the young are released into the sea fully formed. These cells assist the shark in finding food at close range, even in poor visibility conditions. Dove ADM, Arnold J,Clauss TM. There's nothing quite as humbling as an encounter with an animal 5x your size! Larger sharks and rays are also frequently exhibited. http://www.seawatch.org, Credit: ECOOCEAN Whale Shark Photo-Identification Library. Georgia Aquarium is located in Atlanta The Aquarium was established in 2005 and is well-known for its determined architecture, spectacular galleries, and sleepovers. A visit to a Georgia Aquarium provides a remarkable experience like nowhere. Males, identified by the presence of a pair of claspers near the pelvic fin, appear to become sexually mature when they reach a length of 8-9 m (26.2 to 29.5 ft), but the size of females at maturity is not known. A larger specimen was reported from the Gulf of Siam and estimated at 18 m (59 ft), a questioned figure. Robert Flaherty. NASA', 1. Outside Asia, the aquarium is the first one to keep such a giant ocean creature in captivity. ATLANTA, GeorgiaTrixie the whale shark, who could have lived up to 130 years in the wild, died on November 27, 2020 after just 14 years at the Georgia Aquarium. Additionally, you dont have to visit the aquarium to see them either. Whale sharks are notorious for dying in captivity. Georgia Aquarium is the only aquarium in North America home to whale sharks, the biggest fish in the ocean. (2017) Long-term assessment of whale shark population demography and connectivity using photo-identification in the Western Atlantic Ocean. The answers to these questions may lie in deeper waters, far away from human observation. Immerse Yourself with Whale Sharks, Manta Rays & More. Mark Meekan with whale shark. Like a vertically suspended dipole antenna, a monopole, Many Hindus believe that there are 14 lokas, or worlds, The Bucyrus RH400, owned by Caterpillar, is the world', Where is the Parker Solar Probe going? One female whale shark harpooned off the coast of Taiwan contained about 300 embryos in her two uteri that ranged in size from 42 to 63 cm (16.5 to 24.8 in). Within the museum is the Open Ocean Aquarium, a tank designed to display wonderful sea creatures from the open ocean. Atlanta, United States. Additionally, only 510 percent of zoos, dolphinaria, and aquaria are involved in substantial conservation programs. A very distinctive characteristic on each side of the upper body is the presence of three parallel, horizontally oriented ridges that start at about where the gill slits end and run the length of the body. the Monterey Bay AquariumTo raise awareness of ocean plastic pollution, the Monterey Bay Aquarium built a life-sized blue whale art installation from discarded single-use plastic. (The Georgia Aquarium swim with whale sharks program includes all of the equipment; all you need to bring is your swimsuit and enthusiasm!) GEORGIA AQUARIUM (ATLANTA, GEORGIA) The largest aquarium in the world, the Georgia Aquarium invites visitors to come face-to-face with sharks, rays, dolphins, penguins, sea lions, seals and beluga whales! The aquarium is still home to four newer . Divers rest on the sea floor while sharks are fed in the centre. DOI: 10.1001/ZOO.21024, 2012. The meat of the whale shark is considered a delicacy in Taiwan. If you're considering such a dive click here to read our guidelines. Quick Answer: How Many Whale Sharks Are At The Georgia Aquarium, Quick Answer: Where Is The Biggest Aquarium, Quick Answer: What Time Does Chattanooga Aquarium Open, Quick Answer: Where Is The Worlds Largest Aquarium, Question: How Big Is The Baltimore Aquarium. Evolved for the open ocean, tank run-ins, and other pressure often result in unfortunate fatalities. Where is the largest aquarium in the world? Since the programs inception, they have raised multiple whale sharks to maturity and used their specimens to learn more about the mysterious fish. We found from 2012 to 2017, three Beluga whales died at the aquarium, sparking protests back then. Georgia Aquarium is home to four whale sharks and is the only aquarium in the United States where you can find these sharks. BioScience. Despite Whale sharks, there are many other species living happily in the Aquarium. The whale shark holds many records for size in the animal kingdom, most notably being by far the largest living nonmammalian vertebrate.It is the sole member of the genus Rhincodon and the only extant member . Biological Bulletin. Mexico. In southern China and Oman, whale sharks are opportunistically fished. Juveniles are subject to predation by larger fishes and sharks. Georgia Aquarium is home to four whale sharks and is the only aquarium in the United States where you can find these sharks. The New England Aquarium is home to thousands of aquatic animalsfrom northern fur seals to giant Pacific octopus to African penguins. There is much to be learned about the behavior of whale sharks. The average length is between 18 and 32 feet (5.5-9.8 m). Unfortunately, none of them are alive today, Norton and Ralph passed away in 2007. Guests will swim at the surface with a flotation device and a snorkel. The skin of an adult whale shark can be as thick as 4 inches (10 cm) and has the consistency of strong rubber, which limits possible predators to killer whales, great white sharks, tiger sharks and humans. Two of the whale sharks, Ralph and Norton, passed away in 2007, two years after the aquariums opening. Some aquariums have tried to exhibit much larger sharks, such as the White Shark and Whale Shark. The Atlanta Georgia Aquarium, however, remains the largest aquarium located in Atlanta, Georgia, and the United States. At the time of this writing, they held a 16-meter (52 feet) long whale shark, as well as 13 dolphins. This larger, silvery fish can be found swimming in large schools in open water environments over the continental shelf in both the An all-female species, the mourning gecko is parthenogenetic, meaning it can reproduce without males. 113: 199-212, 2010. de la Parra Venegas R, Hueter R, Gonzalez Cano J, Tyminski J, Gregorio Remolina J,Maslanka M, Ormos A, Weigt L,Carlson B, Dove ADM. An unprecedented aggregation of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) in Mexican coastal waters of the Caribbean Sea. 168: 496-504, 2010. The largest of the sharks, it is well proportioned and beautifully streamlined even with its large, broad, flat head. Discover the 5 Best Aquariums in Tennessee, The 12 Largest Aquariums in the United States, The 4 Best Aquariums in (and Near) Los Angeles, The Best Aquarium in Indiana (And Two Nearby). "We are heartbroken to share that our female whale shark, Alice, has passed away," the statement reads. PLoS ONE. ATLANTA Georgia Aquarium's longest-tenured whale shark is dead after 15 years at the facility. General and Comparative Endocrinology. Newborns measure 21 to 25 inches (53-64 cm) long. This information is available so you can learn more about the largest fish in the world and its conservation needs. The Georgia Aquarium is home to more than 100,000 sea animals, including several whale sharks. Have some feedback for us? (2014) Foraging and ingestive behaviors of whale sharks, Rhincodon typus, in response to chemical stimulus cues. Lets start. Aside from their research within the aquarium, the research team also tags and studies wild specimens. Three whale sharks left of 6 brought from Taiwan in 2006-2007. Some biologists suggest that in instances when food is too large for the shark to swallow, the teeth may be used to process the food into a smaller, more manageable size. Since working in the industry I have noticed aquatic animals are generally the least popular animals as people prefer the big fluffy animals. As someone who loves sharks, its likely that seeing Whale Sharks and Basking Sharks are high on your bucket list. What Fish Are Best Suited For A 6 Gallon Tank? the Georgia AquariumLeading aquariums in the U.S., by largest tank size 2018 The aquarium with the largest tank in the United States was the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia. Published Although its mouth is huge, its gullet is small and limits the size of prey that it can swallow. Our view is that its inappropriate to attempt to keep plankton-eating or migratory species in captivity. The largest aquarium in the nation, the researchers and staff are dedicated to marine education and research. Located on the Chinese island of Hengqin (just a 15-minute drive from Macau), this aquarium boasts 12.87 million gallons of fresh and salt water. The aquarium has 15 tanks designed after various regions found within the Pacific rim. Working with the Taiwanese government and local fisherman, Georgia Aquarium obtained the required permits and created the safest and most secure method for the acquisition and transport of the animals from Taiwan to Atlanta, GA. How big was Trixie the whale shark? Georgia Aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA), and was one of the first in the world to be Humane Certified by the American Humane Association (AHA). Whale is used as a description of the size of this shark, the largest fish that exists on Earth. The Georgia Aquarium has massive tanks with a variety of species. She contributed enormously to our understanding of whale sharks and their care. As their largest tank, the Pacific Ocean is 9 meters by 34 meters, allowing the sharks to swim around with relative ease. Registered Charity No. Credit: Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme www.maldiveswhalesharkresearch.org, A gentle giant being "petted". opinion@thecowl.com. The caudal fin is semi-lunate (semi-crescent shaped) with the upper lobe much larger than the lower. (in press). Through their transport, there were many people around them the entire time to make sure they were safe and secure. This exhibit was specially designed to house whale sharks, the largest fish species in the world.