Sharks are not only one of the most ancient species of fish, but can also be among the largest representatives of the underwater world. It is no coincidence that predatory sharks become characters in many horror films. The size of some individuals is amazing. These fish can rightfully be considered the kings of the seas and oceans.
Not so long ago, zoologists considered the largest of the sharks to be the great white shark - Carcharodon carcharias. To this day, she is one of the famous predatory sharks. The length of an average specimen is 5-6 m, and the usual weight is 600-3200 kg. The largest of the representatives of this species reached 11 m. There is an assumption that larger individuals may also be found.
An even larger species of shark and the largest fish known in the world today is the whale shark (Rhincodon). Its usual dimensions are 10-14 meters. There are also giant specimens at 18 m.
In 1990, scientific information appeared about a specimen of a whale shark measuring 20 m and weighing 34 tons, which is approximately the weight of an average sperm whale! This fact is indicated in modern sources as verified.
The whale shark is a very small species. Unlike its relative, the great white shark, it is not dangerous and feeds on plankton, straining it out of the water. She is not aggressive and behaves peacefully. Some researchers of the underwater world even managed to touch it.
The whale shark swims quite slowly, cruising near the surface of the water at an average speed of 5 km / h. For a long time, this species of shark was unknown. For the first time, scientists managed to get to know him in 1828, when sailors caught a 4.5-meter fish.
