SebastianInlet photos on Flickr

Whale sharks are recognizable not just for being the largest fish in the sea, growing longer than 40 feet, but also for their unique pattern of blue-gray to brown coloration with white spots centered between pale horizontal and vertical stripes.

500_4666 by polaski2282

sebastian-inlet_05 by Florida Fish and Wildlife

Sebastian Inlet, east coast of Florida; Hurricane Dorian, FWC Law Enforcement; September 3, 2019.

FWC photo

500_4595 by polaski2282

Whale shark sighting by FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

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Linda and Markus Murphy were boating with some friends near Sebastian Inlet State Park on Saturday, October 1 when they saw a whale shark (Rhincodon typus) swimming close to shore.

Photo by Linda Murphy

500_4683 by polaski2282

500_4686 by polaski2282

Sebastian Inlet State Park by Dustin Whittle

500_4699 by polaski2282

500_4654 by polaski2282

Sebastian Inlet State Park by Dustin Whittle

Kelly Slater by Dayman

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Kelly Slater @ sebastian Inlet 11-4-06 surfing next to the King of the Peak contest

500_4610 by polaski2282

DSC_3463.jpg by Bruce-Gina Ragan

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500_4584 by polaski2282

500_4713 by polaski2282

Kelly Slater by Dayman

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Kelly Slater @ sebastian Inlet 11-4-06 surfing next to the King of the Peak contest

500_4608 by polaski2282

Close up of head by FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

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"This species is not commonly observed very close to shore in Florida," said FWC biologist Doug Adams. "They are a circumglobal species occurring in coastal and oceanic habitats in warm-temperate and tropical waters."

Photo by Linda Murphy

500_4600 by polaski2282