What are the predators of a whale shark?

Whale sharks, despite their massive size, are not preyed upon by many animals. Their size and strength make them formidable, and they have few natural predators. However, there are a few instances where they might be vulnerable:

* Young whale sharks: While they are born relatively large, young whale sharks are more vulnerable to predators like larger sharks, killer whales, and even large fish like tuna.

* Injured or weakened whale sharks: If a whale shark is injured, sick, or very old, it may be more susceptible to attacks.

* Opportunistic predators: There have been reports of sharks, including great whites, attacking and feeding on dead or dying whale sharks.

It's important to note that there is no definitive list of predators for whale sharks. The relationship between predator and prey is complex and constantly evolving.

Overall, whale sharks are apex predators themselves, meaning they are at the top of the food chain and have very few natural predators.