A whale shark measuring an astonishing 60 feet has been spotted in the Pacific Ocean, setting a new benchmark as the largest fish ever recorded. Typically, these filter-feeding giants range from 18 to 33 feet, with rare cases reaching 40 feet. But this new discovery, confirmed near a Pacific coastal region, eclipses known data, according to The Daily Galaxy.

The sighting offers marine scientists a rare look at the upper limits of whale shark growth and raises new questions about the species’ biology and habitat range.

A whale shark measuring 60 feet was recently spotted in the Pacific Ocean.

Peaceful Titan of the Deep

Despite their immense size and gaping mouths, whale sharks pose no threat to humans. They glide slowly through tropical and warm-temperate waters, filtering plankton, squid, and tiny fish through specialized gill pads. As NOAA reports, their flat heads and unique skin patterns make them easy to identify—each whale shark has its own set of spots and stripes, like a fingerprint.

Their feeding helps control plankton populations, making them a key player in marine ecosystems.

Whale sharks are the biggest fish species on Earth.

More Than Just Size

This 60-foot whale shark surpasses previous measurements and challenges assumptions about growth potential. The largest previously confirmed individual measured 61.7 feet, though sightings of that size are extremely rare, BOEM reports.

These creatures are not just record-setters—they’re ecological linchpins. Whale sharks distribute nutrients and help balance coral reef systems, MSN reports. Their presence ripples across entire food webs.

This marks the largest confirmed whale shark ever observed in the wild.

Global Travelers, Local Threats

Whale sharks travel immense distances in search of plankton blooms and spawning grounds. Satellite tags have tracked them between the Gulf of Mexico, the Maldives, and Australia. Yet many aspects of their migration remain unknown.

While these gentle sharks inspire awe, they’re increasingly threatened by overfishing, pollution, and accidental bycatch. Slow reproduction makes population recovery difficult. According to WION, this makes protecting individuals—especially giants like the one just discovered—crucial.

The Push for Protection

Researchers are ramping up efforts using satellite tech and drones to study whale shark movement and behavior. Organizations like BOEM are examining how offshore activity may affect their habitats.

Public awareness, marine protected zones, and stricter fishing policies are all part of the solution. The discovery of this colossal whale shark is not only a scientific milestone but a call to act before more of these ancient giants vanish from view.