A whale shark, the largest fish in the world, was recently spotted in Eilat, Israel. The encounter, documented by Ruslan Rabin, took place near the EAPC Pipeline Open Beach.
Whale sharks, which can grow up to 12 meters long and weigh 20 tons, are filter feeders, consuming plankton and small marine animals. Rabin, while documenting the coral reef, was surprised by the sudden appearance of the massive creature.
Despite the initial shock, Rabin knew he was safe, as whale sharks do not pose a threat to humans. The encounter, though brief, was a thrilling experience. The whale shark, which is a rare visitor to Eilat, was last seen swimming away.
According to Shai Oron, an ecologist, whale sharks appear in Eilat Bay about three or four times a year, usually during the summer months. This is because the warmer water promotes plankton growth, which attracts the sharks.
The whale shark is listed as endangered by the IUCN Red List. They are sensitive to pollution and often get entangled in fishing gear. To ensure their continued presence in Eilat, it is crucial to maintain clean waters and protect marine biodiversity.