Donsol: an important reproductive habitat for the world's largest fish Rhincodon typus?

Little is known about the reproductive ecology of the whale shark Rhincodon typus. On March 15 2020, a free-swimming neonate whale shark was found in the shallow, coastal waters of Donsol, Philippines. The male shark measured 60 cm total length, falling within the species known size-at-birth. This is the third occurrence of neonatal whale sharks reported in the area, and coupled with the occurrence of juveniles and adults, and anecdotal mating and precopulatory behaviour reported herein, we highlight the importance of the site for this Endangered species. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.