A newly published study has revealed that whale sharks, the world’s largest shark species, are not entirely carnivorous. It was even discovered that these creatures digested more seagrass.
Whale sharks, the world’s largest shark species, were considered carnivorous animals by the scientific world until today. But a new study on this species an unknown fact revealed. Scientists examining the excrement and skin of sharks found that these creatures It also feeds on seaweed revealed.
The study, published in the journal Ecology, found that although whale sharks often feed on small shrimp-like creatures called ‘krill’, they don’t digest most of them. Evidence was found that seaweed was digested instead in the feces of the creatures. That’s why whale sharks aren’t carnivorous, are omnivores showed.
Their skin produced the same result:
Examining the skin sample taken from sharks, scientists came across evidence confirming this. Fits omnivores in the texture of the fish, an oily and acidic structure observed. In addition, arachidonic acid was also found in the skin, indicating that Sargassum, a macroalgae species, was consumed.
According to scientists, the reason behind sharks feeding on seaweed and algae is It wasn’t their own choice. Instead, sharks fed small creatures such as crabs in habitats with dense seagrass, and ingested grass along with the creatures.
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Source :
https://www.sciencealert.com/the-world-s-biggest-shark-isn-t-actually-a-carnivore-poop-and-tissues-reveal