What is the largest shark species in the ocean?

The whale shark is the largest shark species in the ocean.

Despite its name and enormous size, the whale shark is a fish, not a whale. It belongs to the shark family and breathes through gills. Its broad, flattened head and distinctive checkerboard markings make it recognizable around tropical and warm-temperate seas.

Whale sharks are filter feeders. They strain plankton, small fish, and other tiny organisms from seawater using specialized filtering structures near their gills. They generally pose no threat to people, although boats and swimmers should avoid disturbing them.

The largest reliably measured individuals exceed 12 metres (39 feet), while unverified reports have claimed greater lengths. Their slow growth, late maturity, and long lives make them vulnerable to fishing and accidental capture. The species is classified as endangered.