The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the world's largest fish, it has a history of 60 million years in which it has traveled the oceans of this world. Furthermore, the shark is unique because not only is it the only existing species of its genus but also of its family.
Nevertheless, we generally know little about this species which is cataloged vulnerable on the IUCN list. The first whale shark measuring 4.6 meters was identified, speared and captured on the shores of Table Bay, South Africa in 1828. This shark was sold for six pounds, and its holotype is shown at the Museum of Natural History in Paris. One year after this great discovery the first scientific paper on the species was written, and in 1849 the first detailed description of the whale shark was published. It was assigned the name whale shark due to the physiology of the fish; a shark with the appearance and size more typical of a whale. 

The whale shark is the biggest fish in the world. It has a massive body that can reach up to 18 meter (60 feet). Its coloration is gray or dark blue on its back, with circular spots and light colored white or yellowish horizontal and vertical lines and a white belly. In Mexico these patterns give the whale shark its local name: "domino."

Named after the shark’s nickname Domino: The Mexican Atlantic Whale Shark Project was created in Mexico in 2003. The project was established for whale shark conservation and allows whale shark tour operations to run Whale Shark excursions for visitors that would like to swim with the animals. 

The area around Placencia and Hopkins is where to go in Belize if you would like to look for these enormous, friendly sharks. The Gladden Split area became famous through a National Geographic documentary on Whale Sharks. During the spring months of March, April, May and June over 20 species of Caribbean fish come to the area to spawn. The whale sharks, who are plankton eaters, feed on their eggs. The sharks are usually found about 26 miles off the coast of Placencia. This area is known to host large concentrations of whale sharks during April and May when Mutton and Dog Snappers are spawning.