Donsol: an important reproductive habitat for the world's largest fish Rhincodon typus?. Issue 3 (22nd November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Miranda, Joni A.; Yates, Natasha; Agustines, Ariana; Enolva, Nonie P.; Labaja, Jessica; Legaspi, Christine; McCoy, Emer; Ponzo, Alessandro; Snow, Sally; Araujo, Gonzalo
• Is Part Of: Journal of fish biology. Volume 98:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 881
• Page End: 885
• Publication Date: 2020-11-22
• Subjects: critical habitat, life history, neonate, Philippines, reproduction, whale shark; Fishes -- Periodicals; Fishes -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 597
• DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14610
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1112

Abstract

Abstract: Little is known about the reproductive ecology of the whale shark Rhincodon typus . On 15 March 2020, a free‐swimming neonate whale shark was found in the shallow, coastal waters of Donsol, Philippines. The total length of the male shark was 60 cm, falling within the species known size‐at‐birth. This is the third occurrence of neonatal whale sharks reported in the area, and coupled with the occurrence of juveniles and adults, and anecdotal mating and precopulatory behaviour reported herein, the importance of the site for this endangered species is highlighted.