Snorkellers in the Maldives’ Hanifaru Bay caught the world’s largest fish having a midnight feast when they saw a whale shark pausing in the water to gulp down tiny prey.
“When whale sharks are cruising, they pass by within seconds,” says Rasikh Hussain, assistant base leader at Milaidhoo Maldives. “But when they are feeding, especially during vertical feeding, they remain in one spot long enough to truly observe them.”
Hussain particularly loves to see these vast animals vertical feeding: when they position themselves upright in the water and gobble down prey. “It’s a rare privilege to witness,” he says. “Sightings like this are largely a matter of timing and a little bit of luck.”
Hungry whale sharks typically follow plankton blooms, which are what attract them to the Maldives’ Baa Atoll – usually between May and November. "Hanifaru Bay is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is strictly protected," says Hussain. "The bay’s natural structure acts almost like a funnel, during strong western currents, plankton is pushed into the bay and concentrated there."
Manta rays are also tempted to the area by this plentiful feast.
Seeing the graceful movements of these ocean giants up close is very special, says Hussain: “You feel incredibly small yet deeply connected to something much larger than yourself. It is a powerful reminder of why protecting these marine habitats is so important.”
Video and image credit: @raakkyy
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