The pre-wedding ritual of the largest fish on Earth has been witnessed for the first time (video).

Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are the largest fish in the world. Some particularly large individuals can reach around 1.5 meters. They are also among the most elusive creatures on the planet, which is why certain aspects of their lives have long evaded scientists, according to Popular Science.

In a groundbreaking study, scientists have for the first time been able to observe the pre-mating ritual of the largest fish on Earth and have uncovered some clues about how they mate. This is especially significant for a species that is currently endangered.

Last year, during a research expedition at Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, scientists observed mature male whale sharks chasing and biting smaller females. Researchers now believe these bites may actually serve as a unique pre-mating ritual.

It's worth noting that fishermen in the area had previously reported similar behaviors from mature males approaching females. It is known that whale sharks typically gather around Ningaloo Reef annually from March to July, feasting on the abundant plankton and krill that appear after spawning. Previous studies have also shown that this species of shark is usually found in tropical coastal waters, with young males often making up a significant portion of the population.

The authors of the study point out that their work is part of an annual research trip to the reef, during which sharks congregate in large numbers. The first recorded observation of a pre-mating dance occurred on May 14: scientists spotted a female whale shark measuring about 50 cm in length, followed by an adult male whale shark that pursued her.

Scientists noted how the male opened his mouth and lunged at the female's tail fin. He then accelerated and lunged at her tail fin again, managing to bite it. The female responded with a quick turn of her pectoral fins downward to meet the male.

Unfortunately, the scientists were unable to see how this interaction concluded. However, they note that such behavior in sharks is reminiscent of behaviors observed in species like:

• tiger sharks;
• zebra sharks;
• megasharks.

The authors emphasize that observing this behavior in tiger sharks not only enhances our understanding of how these large fish may mate but also provides insights into the sexual imbalance in areas where sharks congregate.

According to co-author Christine Barry, a PhD candidate at Murdoch University in Australia, this mating ritual may indeed explain why young female sharks avoid locations where the species gathers—the energetic costs of unwanted attention could be too high.