Unspotted Whale Shark

[floridagulfpalms]

New to SB,


I was wondering if anyone has ever seen a Whale shark that does not have the white spots on them? I have heard stories of these. And if so where was it?

 

[DiveTheGalapagos]

I haven't seen one, but I did find this footage on youtube submitted by the former chief of the Charles Darwin Research Station (credibility). It's an albino whale shark shot in the Galapagos.

YouTube - Tiburón ballena albino en Galápagos

 

[UnderwaterAsia]

I'm no scientist, but I think there is only one species of Whaleshark, meaning any that didn't have spots would be just a one off freak of nature. As they're migratory, I would guess it would be incredibly difficult to track on down. The best bet would be to speak to those in well known Whaleshark hotspots, like Tofo in Mozambique or Leyte in the Philippines.

I did once see an almost completely white Manta though, which was pretty cool.