The Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) is a very large cartilaginous fish. It is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon and Zoo Tycoon 2.
Description[]
Reaching lengths of up to 18.8m (62ft) long, the whale shark is the largest living species of fish and the largest non-cetacean animal. Females are larger than males. Its incredibly large jaws are located at the front of its head, unlike most other sharks, and its dark grey skin is covered in white spots and stripes, which are unique to each individual.
The whale shark is found in tropical waters worldwide, mostly in open ocean. Despite its large size, it is a filter feeder, eating zooplankton and tiny fish, as well as eggs laid by fish and crabs. Special filter-pads, which are believed to be modified gill-rakers, capture food whilst water is passed out of its gills. The whale shark is harmless to humans and young individuals have been observed playing with divers.
Zoo Tycoon[]
The whale shark is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon. It is a downloadable animal that was included as part of the Endangered Species Theme Pack and is classed as a Marine Mania animal.
Like all Marine Mania animals, the whale shark is an Aquatic animal.
Zoo Tycoon 2[]
The whale shark is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon 2 and was added as part of the Marine Mania expansion pack. In Campaign and Challenge mode, it is obtainable when a zoo reaches a rating of 4.5 stars.
Unlike other animals, the whale shark is adopted as an adolescent and will grow to its full size after being exhibited. This trait was later also given to Deinosuchus.
Biome[]
The whale shark primarily lives in the benthic biome, though it can somewhat tolerate the reef and pelagic biomes.
Food[]
Whale sharks are one of two animals to eat zooplankton, the other being the Manta Ray.
Enrichment[]
Like all sharks, the whale shark uses the clam bubbler to clean itself.
Gallery[]
Zoo Tycon 2[]
Trivia[]
- It is the largest animal in Zoo Tycoon 2: Marine Mania, although the whale shark from the original Zoo Tycoon was surpassed in size by the Humpback Whale, Sperm Whale, and Bowhead Whale.
- In Zoo Tycoon 2, the whale shark prefers the benthic biome, which is unusual for a whale shark since they very rarely goes to dim-lit areas of the ocean. In real life, it prefers areas with more sunlight instead.
- The whale shark is one of only two animals in Zoo Tycoon 2 that have three different sizes (young, adult, and old), the other being Deinosuchus.
- The whale shark is tied with the Orca for the deepest tank requirement in Zoo Tycoon 2, at a depth of 6 units.