Researchers have cataloged 36 distinct behavioral traits of whale sharks, utilizing footage from small cameras attached to the fins of the marine giants. This marks the largest collection of whale shark behaviors documented to date, according to the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS).
The study, published in late July 2026, analyzed video captured during a 2018 field study off Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia. The data tags equipped with cameras were programmed to detach naturally after 24 hours, ensuring no lasting impact on the sharks. While traditional tags provide information on movement, they do not offer direct insight into an animal's behavior.
"Through our new study, we could finally address the question: ‘What do whale sharks do when no one is watching?’ Filling these research gaps is essential so we can help protect these majestic yet endangered filter-feeding animals," AIMS stated.
Whale sharks inhabit tropical oceans where food resources are often scarce and unevenly distributed, necessitating constant adaptation in their feeding strategies. The new research indicates these animals employ a wider array of feeding behaviors than previously understood, consuming prey throughout the water column and along the seafloor.
Historically, whale sharks were believed to primarily feed near the surface, despite being known for deep dives. The recent findings reveal a more diverse approach, encompassing low-energy behaviors such as slowly sinking with their mouths agape, alongside high-energy actions like actively pursuing krill swarms. This adaptability is crucial for their survival in unpredictable marine environments.
AIMS expressed optimism that attaching more cameras to whale sharks at global aggregation sites could lead to further discoveries and enhance understanding of this iconic species.