News About Sipadan

WHALE SHARK AT SIPADAN!

02/18/2011

The magnificent Whale shark. Picture by Natsumi Fuchigami. Location: Staghorn Crest, Sipadan. Depth: 18m

This shot is kick-ass. A clear picture of a massive whale shark probably around 10meters in length taken with a compact point-and-shoot camera by Natsumi Fuchigami, a Japanese diver who spent her diving holiday at the wonderful Sipadan Water Village Resort.

This magnificent fish was located at a depth of 18 meters at one of Sipadan's top dive sites called Staghorn Crest in the afternoon, on 13th February 2011 at around 4pm and these lucky divers spent half a minute with this beautiful creature. The dive guide this dive was my friend Matius and boy was he happy to spot his first whale shark after a year working as a dive master at Sipadan Water Village (Whale sharks are not common here).

Here are some COOL FACTS you should know about this wonderful species:

- The scientific name of the Whale shark is Rhincodon typus.

- The Whale shark is a shark not a whale.

- Since it's not a whale, it's not a mammal. Since it's a shark, it is therefore a fish.

- It is the biggest shark species and therefore it is the largest living fish species on earth.

- No, I am not trying to confuse you.

- The Whale shark is a slow-moving pelagic fish and migrate to feed and mate.

- Although it's a shark, it doesn't bite. The Whale shark is a filter-feeder.

- A carnivore its diet includes: plankton, krill, macro-algae and very small crabs, squids and fish.

- This gentle giant can grow up to 13 meters and weigh an amazing 80'000 pounds.

- The average lifespan of the Whale shark is estimated 70-100 years old.

- Whale sharks prefer warm waters and populate all tropical seas, like Sipadan.

- Whale sharks seem to like Roach Reefs as I've seen them quite a few times.

- The owner of Roach Reefs once spotted 7 in a same spot!

- The top spots for sighting: Hin Daeng (Thailand), Donsol (Philippines), Ningaloo (Australia).

- Despite its size, the Whale shark is docile and most are curious but pose no threat to divers.

NOT SO COOL FACTS...

- Conservation status listed the Whale shark as Threatened: Vulnerable.

- The Whale shark is hunted in Asia especially in Taiwan and the Philippines.

- Whale sharks are hunted mainly for their fins: The precious ingredient for Shark-fin Soup.

- Chinese is the biggest race in the world and ChineseLOVE their Shark-fin Soup.

- We must do something or else there will be NO sharks anymore.