The largest edible fish in the world is the whale shark. While it looks like a whale, it is actually a shark and is the largest living fish species in the world, reaching lengths of up to 12 meters (39 feet).
The whale shark inhabits the world’s tropical and warm-temperate oceans and is found in the open sea. It’s an ovoviviparous species, meaning it gives birth to live young. When it comes to food, the whale shark feeds on plankton, krill, and other small creatures.
Despite its large size, the whale shark is a docile creature and poses no threat to humans. In fact, it has been widely studied by researchers and is a popular attraction for divers and snorkelers.
The whale shark is one of the most heavily fished species in the world and is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Because of its slow reproductive rate, the whale shark population is declining rapidly.
Despite its endangered status, the whale shark is still widely fished for its meat, oil, and fins. In some parts of the world, it is even used in traditional Chinese medicine. However, due to the animal’s endangered status, the practice of fishing and harvesting whale sharks is becoming increasingly illegal.
The whale shark is an impressive creature, not just because of its size but also because of its unique ecological role. It is a keystone species in the marine environment and plays an important role in helping maintain the balance of the ocean’s food web.
