What predators eat whale sharks?

Although adult whale sharks don’t have much to fear from predators, juveniles and old or sick whale sharks are preyed upon by a variety of fish, including sharks and blue marlins. They are also vulnerable to predators such as killer whales and humans also hunt them in some areas of the world.

How do whale sharks escape predators?

Similar to the other filter-feeding shark species, basking and megamouth, the whale shark’s large size is the only attribute that helps to deter potential predators. Whale sharks are also protected by their extremely thick skin, up to six inches thick.

Is a whale shark a top predator?

We are writing a review on the trophodynamics of marine top predators. One definition of top predator is that as adults, top predators have no natural predators. Also whale sharks and manta rays are at the end of their respective food chains so my inclination is that they are top predators.

Do sharks eat whale sharks?

Great white sharks are voracious predators, and it seems they even set their sights on the biggest fish in the sea. There have been unconfirmed reports of white sharks attacking sub-adult whale sharks, he says, but this is the first good evidence that adults might be targeted as well.

Is it illegal to touch a whale shark?

Whale sharks have 300 rows of tiny teeth in each jaw which are not used. It is illegal to touch a whale shark, so make sure to swim out of the way if one swims toward you. There’s no mistaking their large size and tremendous power, especially of their tail!

What eats the whale?

Aside from sharks, the only other creature that ever eats a whale is the orca, or killer whale, which is the largest member of the dolphin family and not really a whale at all. Packs of orcas sometimes chase large whales until they are exhausted, and then begin to eat them.

Who is stronger shark or whale?

In the ocean, both the great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) and the killer whale or orca (Orcinus orca) are fearsome top predators. But of the two massive animals, the killer whale may be the more formidable one, a new study has found.

Why is touching whale sharks illegal?

Touching whale sharks can disturb the protective mucous layer on their skin – and it can also have unpleasant consequences for you or me. The tiny, tooth-like scales (known as dermal denticles) that cover the skin of most shark species can cause a painful graze known as “shark burn”.