Whale Shark
Rhincodon typus
Sighting evidence at Timbebas Reef, Abrolhos Banks
Photo: Simon Pierce · CC BY-NC
Whale sharks appear at Timbebas during the summer months when warm currents push plankton blooms against the reef edge, creating rich feeding aggregations near the surface. Unlike the predictable aggregations seen at some Pacific sites, Abrolhos encounters are opportunistic — the animals cruise the reef edge unpredictably, so patience and surface scanning are part of every dive. Even brief encounters in the clear Atlantic water are transformative experiences given the size and slow majesty of these filter-feeding giants.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
Whale Shark is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.