Observations and Evidence
Scientists have not previously observed whale shark mating, but suspect it occurs around , where adult male and female sharks gather in roughly equal numbers.
Kenickie Andrews and other researchers have observed behaviors indicative of courtship, such as males chasing females and nibbling on their pectoral fins, similar to mating rituals in other shark species.
Challenges and Future Research
Despite the significant size and global presence of whale sharks, their mating behaviors remain largely unstudied due to the challenges of observing them in their vast ocean habitat.
Efforts to attach camera tags to whale sharks for further study have faced technical difficulties due to the sharks' deep diving capabilities, highlighting the need for advanced technology in marine research.