Whale sharks, the world’s largest shark species, were considered carnivorous animals by the scientific world until today. But a new study has revealed an unknown truth about this species. Scientists examining the excrement and skin of the shark revealed that these creatures also feed on seaweed.
The study, published in the journal Ecology, found that although whale sharks often feed on small shrimp-like creatures called ‘krill’, they don’t digest most of them. Evidence that seaweed was digested instead was found in the feces of the creatures. This showed that whale sharks are omnivores, not carnivores.
Their skin produced the same result:
Examining the skin sample taken from sharks, scientists came across evidence confirming this. An oily and acidic structure, suitable for omnivores, was observed in the tissue of the fish. In addition, arachidonic acid was also found in the skin, indicating that Sargassum, a macroalgae species, was consumed.
According to the scientists, the reason behind the sharks’ feeding on seaweed and algae was not their own preferences. Instead, sharks fed small creatures such as crabs in habitats with dense seagrass, and ingested grass along with the creatures.
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