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Donsol: an important reproductive habitat for the world's largest fish Rhincodon typus ?
Author(s) -
Miranda Joni A.,
Yates Natasha,
Agustines Ariana,
Enolva ie P.,
Labaja Jessica,
Legaspi Christine,
McCoy Emer,
Ponzo Alessandro,
Snow Sally,
Araujo Gonzalo
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of fish biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.672
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1095-8649
pISSN - 0022-1112
DOI - 10.1111/jfb.14610
Subject(s) - biology , endangered species , fishery , habitat , whale , ecology , fish <actinopterygii> , mating
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.