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The world's largest omnivore is a fish.

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Area of Science:

  • Marine Biology
  • Animal Ecology
  • Biogeochemistry

Background:

  • Very large body size in marine animals necessitates abundant food sources.
  • Whale sharks, as secondary consumers, typically feed on nekton, which can be scarce.
  • Coastal foraging requires efficient strategies targeting aggregated prey and debris.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the trophic level of whale sharks.
  • To identify dietary components of whale sharks, particularly in coastal environments.
  • To investigate the role of floating macroalgae in whale shark nutrition.

Main Methods:

  • Compound-specific stable isotope analysis (CSIA) of amino acids.
  • Fatty acid analysis of whale shark tissues, feces, and potential prey.
  • Multi-technique approach to assess diet and trophic position.

Main Results:

  • CSIA indicated a trophic level consistent with omnivory in whale sharks.
  • Fatty acid profiles suggest Sargassum and its epibionts are a significant food source.
  • This feeding behavior links whale sharks to oceanographic features aggregating prey and debris.

Conclusions:

  • Whale sharks exhibit omnivory, incorporating floating macroalgae into their diet.
  • Consumption of Sargassum provides an energetic benefit, overcoming digestion challenges.
  • This foraging strategy increases whale shark vulnerability to pollutants like plastics.