Whale Shark Colouring Page

The whale shark is the largest living fish, yet it is a gentle filter feeder rather than a fierce hunter. It swims through tropical and warm temperate seas around the world, including the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans. Whale sharks travel through open water but also gather near islands, reefs and coastal feeding areas when plankton and tiny fish are plentiful. Most commonly seen individuals are smaller than the maximum, but this species may grow to around 12 metres and exceptional estimates reach close to 20 metres. Scientists are still learning how long whale sharks live. Some studies estimate about 60 years, while newer evidence suggests that some may survive for a century or more. A whale shark's broad, flat head and huge mouth make it look unmistakable. It swims forward with its mouth open, drawing in water and filtering out plankton, fish eggs and other tiny food. The rows of pale spots and stripes on its back form a pattern unique to each individual, allowing researchers to recognise familiar sharks from photographs. The little fish in this scene make the giant look even more impressive. Colour the whale shark's back blue-grey, slate, deep teal or soft brown-grey. Leave the belly pale cream or light grey. Keep each outlined spot light, or fill the spots with white, pale blue or a colour slightly lighter than the body. The short stripes may match the spots. Avoid colouring every mark exactly the same if you want a natural mottled effect. Make the small companion fish bright yellow, orange or silver so they are easy to find. Use turquoise and blue for the water, green for the seagrass, and coral pink, orange or violet for the simple reef shapes. Smooth strokes from the wide head toward the tail make the shark look as if it is gliding. Use a sharper pencil around the spot edges, then a broader pencil or crayon in the open body areas. Bubbles can stay mostly white. You might add a few pale sunbeams from above, but leave plenty of clear water around the animal. Your completed picture should show the whale shark's peaceful nature, enormous size and wonderful starry pattern without making the page feel crowded.

◫ A4 size✎ Bold outlines♡ Ages 3–8

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Choose a favourite colour palette
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Grown-up note: Please supervise printing and choose age-appropriate art materials.