- Smaller in size: Male whale sharks are generally smaller than females, with an average length of around 8-9 meters (26-30 feet).
- Claspers: Male whale sharks possess claspers, which are specialized pelvic fins used for reproduction. These claspers are located on the ventral side of the body, near the tail.
- Fewer dermal denticles: Male whale sharks have fewer dermal denticles (small, tooth-like scales) compared to females.
- Genital slits: Male whale sharks have a pair of genital slits located near the base of the tail, where the claspers are positioned.
- Reproductive maturity: Male whale sharks reach sexual maturity at a smaller size compared to females, usually around 8 meters (26 feet) in length.
Female Whale Sharks:
- Larger in size: Female whale sharks are generally larger than males, with an average length of around 9-12 meters (30-40 feet).
- No claspers: Female whale sharks do not have claspers, as they do not play a direct role in reproduction.
- More dermal denticles: Female whale sharks have more dermal denticles than males, providing them with a rougher skin texture.
- Genital slits: Female whale sharks also have genital slits, located near the base of the tail, but these are not as prominent as in males.
- Reproductive maturity: Female whale sharks reach sexual maturity at a larger size compared to males, usually around 10-12 meters (33-40 feet) in length.
It's important to note that these differences are general observations and may vary among different whale shark populations around the world.