SUPERSIZE.Averageadultwhalesharkscanmeasure9.8 meters(32 feetlong)andweigh9 metrictons(20,000 pounds).

THICKSKIN.Awhaleshark’sskincanbeupto10 centimeters(4 inches)thick.Itiscoveredintooth-like scales.

NOBONES!Whalesharksdon'thavebones,onlycartilage— atough,flexible tissue.

GENTLEGIANT.Whalesharksareknownfortheircuriosityand gentleness.

SLOWSWIMMER.Whalesharksmoveatspeedsoflittlemorethan4.8 kilometers(3 miles)an hour.