Lifespan/Longevity
It is estimated that whale sharks may live at least 100 years in the wild. It has been suggested that the number of growth rings on a whale shark's vertebrae may be an indicator of age. In captivity, whale sharks have lived anywhere from a handful of days to 8 years or longer.
Range lifespan
Status: wild: 100 (high) years.
Average lifespan
Status: captivity: 70 years.
- Stevens, J. 2007. Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) biology and ecology: A review of the primary literature. Fisheries Research, 84: 4-9.
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Rhincodon typus
Source information
©1995-2012, The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
© The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
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Supplier:
Animal Diversity Web
Editor: Karen Francl, Radford University
Editor: Gail McCormick, University of Michigan
Author: Holly French, Radford University
French, H. 2011. "Rhincodon typus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 04, 2012 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Rhincodon_typus.html
Revisions
- 2012-05-08 09:30:20 UTC
- 2011-08-23 05:43:37 UTC
- 2011-08-22 07:17:53 UTC
