Whale Shark

I had been wanting to visit the Georgia Aquarium to see this behemoth for years. It took me 20 years, but I finally made it! Seeing a Whale Shark up close was an incredible experience. It is such a graceful fish, and I couldn't help but stop and take it all in. Even when others wanted to leave, I could have stayed there all day. Truly, a giant of the ocean!

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• Scientific name: Rhincodon typus

• Habitat: Warm tropical and subtropical waters, usually near the surface

• Range: Tropical and warm-temperate oceans worldwide

• Typical size: Commonly 20–30 feet; some individuals can exceed 40 feet

• Diet: Plankton, krill, small fish, fish eggs, and other tiny marine organisms

• Known for: Being the world's largest fish, its gentle nature, distinctive spotted pattern, and filter-feeding lifestyle