GETTING TO KNOW THE Whale SHARK, THE GOOD GIANT FISH, AND THE DANGEROUS CARDS

Sunday, October 30, 2022 Post a Comment

Whale Shark, or in its scientific name called Rhincodon typus is the largest shark species from the Rhuncodontidae family.

Although the whale shark has a large body, the shark is a species that is harmless to humans.

Even though it is known to be harmless and even very docile with humans, you must be careful too and it is strongly recommended not to touch it. because the wagging tail is dangerous, especially when under stress.

Whale sharks have a grayish body color with a white belly with a pattern of spots and whitish yellow stripes forming a round, round pattern. Then there are three teeth that extend on the sides of his body.

The maximum length of this shark is approximately 18 meters. although it is more often found usually measuring 10 to 12 meters.

The habitat of this shark is in the warm tropical and subtropical ocean waters, this shark swims very slowly and its main food is small marine Boita such as Plankton, Krill, and small fish.

And the way to get food is very unique, namely by sucking sea water, then eating prey that is stuck in its gills.

The unique fact is that apart from being the largest fish in the world, whale sharks also have a long life like humans, which can live to reach the age of 50 to 70 years.

Then, this shark is able to dive at a sea depth of 1,000 meters. And including sharks that swim very slowly, which is only 5 km / hour.

Because, too kind to humans, and slow swimming Sometimes has a local name, namely "Stupid Shark".

This is based on the explanation of the biologist Indira Tendi. In addition to the potential risk of disease transmission (zoonosis) from animal carcasses to humans, also whale carcasses

This is because in carcasses there will usually be a buildup of carbon dioxide gas, methane, etc. due to the decay process.

For this reason, it is highly recommended that if you find carcasses of large fish such as whale sharks, or whales, don't be near the carcass, let alone step on it, and immediately report to the relevant agency such as the BKSDA.

Finally, the status of the whale shark population itself from the IUCN is Endangered or "Endangered". This is because in addition to a decline in population, they are also often entangled in fishing nets or bycatch. In fact, whale sharks use their meat and fins for consumption.

For this reason, the Whale Shark itself in Indonesia is a species of shark that is protected by the Government. Decree of the Minister of Marine Affairs or Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia No. 18 of 2013.

For the distribution of life, this fish can be found in tropical and subtropical waters with warm temperatures except in the Mediterranean Sea. and for Indonesia itself, it is almost spread throughout the territorial waters of the sea in Indonesia. for example in Sabang, Padang, Ujung Kulon, Thousand Islands, Probolinggo, East Kalimantan, Bali, Nusa Tenggara, Gorontalo, Central Sulawesi, Maluku, or Papua.

Usually the presence of whale sharks is seasonal, and their presence will be an attraction in itself for marine tourism so that it can improve the economy of local residents.