How much does a whale shark weigh?

According to National Geographic, whale sharks reach weights of 42,000 pounds or more. As the largest fish in the sea, the warm-water creatures have been measured at 40 feet but potentially grow even larger.

Despite their massive size, these docile beasts are not a threat to humans. Whale sharks are filter-feeders, swimming close to the water surface with their mouths agape to feed on plankton, krill and small fish species. Once the water is sucked in through the mouth, it is filtered through the large gills, which act like strainers to catch the tiny bits of food that are needed for sustenance.