What is the classification of whale shark?

The whale shark, also known as the gentle giant of the ocean, belongs to the class of fish, specifically the subclass of Elasmobranchii, which includes cartilaginous fish such as sharks and rays. The scientific name of the whale shark is Rhincodon typus, where "Rhincodon" refers to its large size (Greek: "rhinos" meaning nose or snout, and "kodon" meaning large or monstrous), while "typus" indicates it as the typical or representative species of its genus.

Within the class of fish, the whale shark is further classified as follows:

- Class: Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fish)

- Subclass: Elasmobranchii (sharks and rays)

- Order: Orectolobiformes (carpet sharks, whale sharks, and wobbegongs)

- Family: Rhincodontidae (whale shark family)

- Genus: Rhincodon

- Species: Rhincodon typus

The whale shark is the only species in the Rhincodontidae family and the largest known living fish species, reaching lengths of up to 18 meters (59 feet) and weighing an estimated 12 tons. It is characterized by its gentle filter-feeding behavior, feeding primarily on plankton, small fish, and crustaceans.