This Fish Can Live For A Century
By: NDTVNewsDesk
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The whale shark can live for over a century, with studies estimating their lifespan to be between 80 and 130 years.
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This longevity makes them one of the longest-lived vertebrate animals.
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Whale sharks are the largest species of shark and the largest fish alive today.
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Their long lifespan means they reproduce slowly, making population recovery difficult when numbers decline.
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Despite their slow reproductive rate, whale sharks are important for controlling plankton and algae levels in the ocean.
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They can reach sizes of up to 20 meters and can weigh up to 30 tonnes.
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The upper surface and flanks of whale sharks are grey-blue in colour, and covered with a pattern of white spots.
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These spots are unique to individuals, enabling researchers to identify and track different whale sharks.
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