Quick answer
IUCN status: EndangeredWhale shark at a glance
The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is a marine animal in the family Rhincodontidae. Range in Indonesia: Indonesian seas; regular aggregation sites include Cenderawasih Bay, Kaimana, Saleh Bay (Sumbawa), Gorontalo, Probolinggo and the Derawan Islands. Diet: filter-feeder on plankton and small fish; a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Endangered. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Fisheries Decree 18/2013).
| Scientific name | Rhincodon typus |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Hiu paus |
| Group | Marine |
| Family | Rhincodontidae |
| Range in Indonesia | Indonesian seas; regular aggregation sites include Cenderawasih Bay, Kaimana, Saleh Bay (Sumbawa), Gorontalo, Probolinggo and the Derawan Islands |
| Key feature | Pale spotted pattern |
| Feeding | Filters small food from water |
| Living space | Coastal and open-ocean waters |
| IUCN status | Endangered · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · Fisheries Decree 18/2013 |
| Maximum length | Up to 17 m (males); females recorded up to 20 m · FishBase — Rhincodon typus, Whale shark |
| Maximum weight | Up to 34 tonnes (maximum published weight) · FishBase — Rhincodon typus, Whale shark |
| Maximum age | Up to 80 years (maximum reported age) · FishBase — Rhincodon typus, Whale shark |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — filter-feeder on plankton and small fish · FishBase |
| Reproduction | Ovoviviparity: eggs hatch inside the mother and live young are born · FishBase |
| Venom or poison | Not venomous · FishBase: Rhincodon typus species summary |
In this guide (11)
A shark named after a whale
Rhincodon typus is a shark and therefore a fish, whereas whales are mammals. Its large body carries pale spots. A common name does not determine an animal’s classification; the scientific name connects Indonesian reports with international research on the same species.
Evidence: WWF — Whale shark ↗
A large animal eating small food
Whale sharks collect small food from the water, including plankton. NOAA research in the Gulf of Mexico also documented groups feeding on fish eggs. This illustrates the importance of local food conditions, rather than showing that every whale shark eats identical prey.
Evidence: WWF — Whale shark ↗ · NOAA — A year in the life of Larry the whale shark, 2026 ↗
A bay aggregation is not an entire population
KKP identifies several Indonesian whale-shark areas, including Cenderawasih and Saleh bays. Repeated appearances make sites important to manage, but the number seen by visitors does not automatically describe the national population or the animals’ complete movement routes.
Tracking reveals journeys
Satellite tags reveal movements that short visits cannot show. NOAA research emphasises collecting data from multiple individuals to understand a population. One shark’s track is evidence about that animal; its route should not be assumed to describe sharks in Indonesia.
Evidence: NOAA — A year in the life of Larry the whale shark, 2026 ↗
Tourism should respect natural behaviour
KKP highlights the need to apply whale-shark tourism guidance. Before choosing an operator, seek clear rules for boats, visitor numbers, and avoiding touching or pursuit. Avoid activities promising forced encounters or encouraging visitors to alter animal behaviour for photographs.
Evidence: KKP — Perlindungan dan wisata hiu paus, 2025 ↗ · WWF — Whale shark ↗
Scientific classification of the Whale shark
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Chondrichthyes |
| Order | Orectolobiformes |
| Family | Rhincodontidae |
| Genus | Rhincodon |
| Species | Rhincodon typus |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the whale shark
What is the scientific name of the whale shark?
The scientific name of the whale shark is Rhincodon typus, in the family Rhincodontidae. In Indonesian it is called Hiu paus.
What kind of animal is the whale shark?
The whale shark is a marine animal in the family Rhincodontidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a filter-feeder on plankton and small fish.
Where does the whale shark live in Indonesia?
In Indonesia, this guide records the whale shark in: Indonesian seas; regular aggregation sites include Cenderawasih Bay, Kaimana, Saleh Bay (Sumbawa), Gorontalo, Probolinggo and the Derawan Islands.
What does the whale shark eat?
The whale shark is a filter-feeder on plankton and small fish. That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: FishBase.
How does the whale shark reproduce?
The whale shark reproduces by ovoviviparity: eggs hatch inside the mother and live young are born. Eggs hatch inside the uterus and embryos feed only on yolk; one female was found carrying about 300 embryos. Source: FishBase.
Is the whale shark venomous?
No. The whale shark is not venomous. This plankton-feeding shark is not venomous. Source: FishBase: Rhincodon typus species summary.
Do not catch, handle or disturb wild animals. If bitten, stung or exposed to its toxins, go to the nearest health facility straight away.
What are the main features of the whale shark?
Key features of the whale shark, from this guide’s sources: Key feature: pale spotted pattern.
How big is the whale shark?
Maximum length: Up to 17 m (males); females recorded up to 20 m. Source: FishBase — Rhincodon typus, Whale shark.
Maximum weight: Up to 34 tonnes (maximum published weight). Source: FishBase — Rhincodon typus, Whale shark.
What is the scientific classification of the whale shark?
Scientific classification of the whale shark: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Chondrichthyes, order Orectolobiformes, family Rhincodontidae, genus Rhincodon, species Rhincodon typus.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the whale shark endangered?
Yes. On the IUCN Red List, the whale shark is listed as Endangered: it is considered to face a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from national legal protection. Is the whale shark protected in Indonesia?
Is the whale shark protected in Indonesia?
Yes. The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is a protected species in Indonesia under Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministerial Decree No. 18/KEPMEN-KP/2013 on full protection of the whale shark (Rhincodon typus).
If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the local BKSDA office or the local marine and fisheries office.
Sources & references
- WWF — Whale shark ↗
- NOAA — A year in the life of Larry the whale shark, 2026 ↗
- KKP — Perlindungan dan wisata hiu paus, 2025 ↗
- Keputusan Menteri Kelautan dan Perikanan Nomor 18/KEPMEN-KP/2013 tentang Penetapan Status Perlindungan Penuh Ikan Hiu Paus (Rhincodon typus) ↗
- FishBase — Rhincodon typus, Whale shark ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
National parks where it is recorded
According to the official national park profiles from the KSDAE directorate. The animal may also live elsewhere.
Related causes and news
Further reading
Whale shark: facts, threats and conservation ↗ — World Animal Rescue Network.
Related site: PanduanHewan’s founder is also a director of World Animal Rescue Network.
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Whale shark (Rhincodon typus). Last substantive update: 7 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/whale-shark/