JOURNAL ARTICLE

First record of bottom‐feeding behaviour in the whale shark (Rhincodon typus).

  • Published In: Journal of Fish Biology, 2023, v. 103, n. 2. P. 448 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Whitehead, Darren A.; Gayford, Joel 3 of 3

Abstract

Despite being the world's largest fish, many questions remain regarding the ecology and behaviour of the whale shark (Rhincodon typus). We present the first direct evidence of whale sharks engaging in bottom‐feeding behaviour and provide potential explanations for this foraging strategy. We suggest that whale sharks actively feed on benthic prey, either predominantly in deepwater environments or where the abundance of such prey exceeds that of planktonic food sources. We also highlight the potential for ecotourism and citizen science projects to contribute to our understanding of marine megafauna behavioural ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additional Information

  • Source:Journal of Fish Biology. 2023/08, Vol. 103, Issue 2, p448
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Zoology
  • Publication Date:2023
  • ISSN:0022-1112
  • DOI:10.1111/jfb.15457
  • Accession Number:169771815
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Journal of Fish Biology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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