Whale sharks prefer oceans of water temperatures between 21 and 25 degrees Celsius where upwelling occurs. This species is found at many depths within open ocean and has been found as deep as 2000 to 3000 m near the Galapagos Islands. Whale sharks may also have a small layer of fat, helping them to survive the cold temperatures when they make a deeper dive (Graham 2006).

Range depth: 0 to 2000 to 3000 m.

Habitat Regions: temperate ; saltwater or marine

Aquatic Biomes: pelagic ; reef