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Little is known about the Whale Shark’s reproduction. Scientists presume they give birth to fully formed, live young. Where they mate, give birth, and spend the first years of their life is a mystery. This is one reason why the current research being conducted in the Galapagos is important.
Whale Sharks are ovoviviparous, meaning the fertilized egg (zygote) remains in the oviduct, and the embryo is nourished by the egg yolk. The eggs then hatch inside the mother's body, and are born alive and functional.
On average, each litter consists of 16 embryos, but more is possible. One female Whale Shark was found with 300 embryos. Many were in different stages of development. Some were still in their egg cases, and others had emerged, but were still in the uterus. This signifies the female can store a male’s sperm to selectively fertilize her eggs.
Their breeding interval and breeding season is unknown.
The smallest recorded whale shark measured 55 cm (1.8 feet), which is what’s assumed as the size of a newborn.
They reach sexual maturity at about 30 years.
The average lifespan of a whale shark is 60 - 100 years, scientists assume.
Photograph recorded from the Galapagos research study.
Photograph from the Galapagos research study. These are the 300 embryos recorded.
Key terms: ovoviviparous, zygote, oviduct, embryo, uterus.
Citations:
Whale Shark Reproduction. Galapagos Conservation Trust. (2017, December 11). Retrieved November 5, 2021, from https://galapagosconservation.org.uk/whale-shark-reproduction/.
Vazquez, P. C. and J. (n.d.). Rhincodon typus (whale shark). Animal Diversity Web. Retrieved November 5, 2021, from https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Rhincodon_typus/.
Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (n.d.). Whale Shark. Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved November 5, 2021, from https://www.britannica.com/animal/whale-shark.
Photos left to right: e.jpg (464×274) (newheavenreefconservation.org); embryos.jpg (550×345) (galapagosconservation.org.uk)
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