World's Biggest Fish Seek New Home

[xchrom]

http://www.livescience.com/46835-whale-sharks-azores.html

?1405534617

The largest living fish, whale sharks, may increasingly be using volcanic islands off the western coast of Europe as a new home as sea surface temperatures rise, researchers say.

This finding could shed light on how climate change might alter the behavior of fish globally, the scientists added.

The whale shark is a titan, known to reach up to 41.5 feet (12.65 meters) in length and 47,000 lbs. (21,500 kilograms) in weight, and some anecdotes suggest they can get even larger. Unlike predators such as great white sharks, whale sharks are gentle giants, using rows of their tiny teeth as a filter to strain out tiny creatures in the water for meals, just like the largest whales do.

"Whale sharks are the largest living fish, yet they are also very elusive," said lead study author Pedro Afonso, a marine and fisheries ecologist at the University of the Azores.

[littlemissmartypants]

1. Kicking. Thank you. nt

[BrotherIvan]

2. Just swam with those big guys in Mexico

We went out in very rough seas because it was our only change. The are as big as a bus and just cruise on the current, seeming to not move a muscle. It is a sight I will never forget. I hope they can find a safe haven as we destroy their home.

[xchrom]

3. very cool. nt