Friendships

The Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) are the largest fish species in the world, and their skin is unique in several ways. While they don't have traditional fish scales, their skin has a distinct pattern of dermal denticles, which are small, tooth-like structures embedded in their skin. These dermal denticles contribute to the shark's hydrodynamic efficiency by reducing drag as it moves through the water. It’s skin is very thick, between 15 to 30 cm, an helpful protection against parasites or predators. Whale sharks can host various external parasites, including copepods, isopods, and other small crustaceans that attach themselves to the shark's skin, mouth cavity and gill slits. The Remoras (Echeneis naucrates) and young Golden Trevally (Gnathadonon speciosus) seen on this image benefit from low cost rides, protection and rests of food from the Whale Shark, for free. Studies are being developed about the impact of Whale Sharks on Golden Trivially migrations.