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Whale shark identification

Carpetsharks: Orectolobiformes, Cartilaginous Fishes: Chondrichthyes, Fishes, Marine Life, Sharks, Whale Sharks: Rhincodontidae, cat-shark, copyrighted, marine, ocean, portrait, underwater, underwater photo, whale shark: Rhincodon typus, wide angle

A number of methods are used in the identification of whale shark individuals. They include matching the unique skin pattern behind the gill of the shark as well as any particular scars. This allows scientists to track the migration pattern in whale sharks. Learn more.