Whale shark found washed ashore near Rameswaram coast

A dotted whale shark, weighing about 800 kg was found washed ashore in the Pamban sea coast near here today.

Forest officials expressed concern over the death of the shark and said it was a rare species protected under the Wild Life Act.

The reason for the death of the shark, which washed ashore early this morning, would be known after post-mortem, they said.

Largest fish species in the world, whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is listed under Schedule I (Part IIA Fish), according it the highest level of protection.