Are whale sharks mammals?

Question:

Are whale sharks mammals?

An Ocean Giant:

The whale shark is one of the largest animals found in the ocean, reaching about 40 feet in length. Whale sharks inhabit warm, tropical waters and are very gentle animals. People have been known to swim with them.

Answer and Explanation: 1

Become a Study.com member to unlock this answer!

View this answer

Although whales are mammals, the whale shark is not a mammal, nor is it a whale. It is a shark, and sharks are all cartilaginous fishes. This makes...

See full answer below.


Learn more about this topic:

Whale Shark Facts: Lesson for Kids
Whale Shark Facts: Lesson for Kids

from

Chapter 4 / Lesson 345
295

Whale sharks are some of the largest creatures in the ocean. Are they sharks, or are they whales? If you would like to learn more about these giants, read on!


Related to this Question

Explore our homework questions and answers library