A massive whale shark, an endangered species, was recently spotted in Southern California waters, marking a rare sighting for the region. The gigantic filter-feeder was observed cruising between Malibu and Santa Barbara Island.
Ryder DeVoe first spotted the whale shark, estimated to be between 14 to 16 feet long. Carl Sbarounis, who works in the commercial fishing industry, later flew over the area to capture aerial footage and photographs of the creature. "I happened to be nearby and came over to video and take some pics of it," Sbarounis stated in a caption accompanying the video.
Whale sharks are the largest living fish on Earth, with the potential to grow over 40 feet in length. Despite their immense size, they are gentle giants and pose no threat to humans. Their diet consists exclusively of tiny organisms such as plankton, krill, and sardines, which they filter from the water. They typically inhabit warm tropical waters, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit, and are commonly found in marine hotspots like Baja California, Australia, and the Persian Gulf. Their presence in Southern California's cooler waters is unusual.
Sbarounis also captured aerial footage of a school of spinetail rays in the same area last week. These rays, weighing up to 400 pounds with a 9-foot wingspan, are identifiable by a distinctive black marking across their backs. Like the whale shark, spinetail rays typically favor warmer tropical seas, making their sighting off the California coast also rare.
Researchers noted the possibility of more exotic species appearing in local waters, potentially linked to current El Nino conditions. The sightings offer researchers a unique opportunity to study these rare marine animals that are venturing into new territories.