The name "whale shark" comes from their enormous size, with some individuals reaching lengths of over 18 meters, and their slow, gentle movements, which are similar to those of whales.
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Why are whale shark called shark?
Despite being called a shark, whale sharks are actually fish, not sharks. They are a species of carpet shark and are more closely related to rays and skates than to true sharks.
The name "whale shark" comes from their enormous size, with some individuals reaching lengths of over 18 meters, and their slow, gentle movements, which are similar to those of whales. |