The Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) is the biggest shark and the largest fish on Earth. Unlike other members of the shark family, the Whale shark is a filter feeder and it’s diet is similar to whales and manta rays, consisting mainly of plankton, krill, squid and small fish. The fish will process about 1500 gallons of water an hour, filtering its prey through its gills. This solitary creature is largely found in warm waters near the equator. The largest specimen to be found to date was measured at 59 feet in Thailand in 1919. On average, they measure about 46 feet (14 metres) in length and weigh 15 tons. Despite their size, they are slow swimmers, moving at about 3mph.