World’s Largest Shark (Whale Shark) Soars Like an Eagle

It’s not the extinct white dolphin or something you might see at one of those incredible hotspots for whale watching, it’s the world’s largest shark, the whale shark. Researchers down under, that’s down under (Australia) and down under (underwater) attached devices for observation to eight sharks 8 meters (26′) long off Ningaloo. The devices which are designed to release from the sharks on command, track every move the giant fish makes over several hours.

The whale shark dives like a hawk, then soars like an eagle, using momentum and gravity to conserve energy. Momentum and gravity for conservation of energy? Is there something we landlubbers can learn here because to be honest the whale shark is as big as a bus!

Image by Rob Hughes

Image by Fiona Ayerst

The study was done under pretenses of protecting the whale sharks against whom or who? People who might stick devices to them maybe?

The devices are supposed to reveal where the sharks feed and breed so that we humans can know where and when to leave them alone. How about we just leave them alone. But, then if we aren’t careful, hunters will find them. And if the hunters don’t get them, pollution might.

So, do we study animals or should we leave them alone? What do you think?

If you're new here and you like our articles, how about subscribing free for our updates via RSS feed.

Related posts:

1. Smiling Lemon Shark Gets Photography Award“Smile, I am going to eat you.” This Lemon Shark was the subject in a photo that won the Oceans division of the international Nature’s...


2. Basking Sharks, the Huge Disappearing Fish (Pictures)The world’s second largest fish, basking sharks are some of the scariest ocean creatures you’ve ever seen. A gigantic 35-feet long swimmer, the basking sharks...


3. US May Take Humpback Whale Off Endangered Species ListNew data shows that humpback whale populations have been growing steadily over recent decades, and as a result, the U.S. government may take the humpback...