Whaleshark nibbling on seaweed

Oslob Philippines Whale Shark

Whale shark nibbling on seaweed in the Tan-Awan Marine Sanctuary near Oslob on Cebu Island

I enjoyed swimming along the sanctuary markers in Tan-Awan every morning for three weeks. Occasionally there would be a whale shark or two swimming past the marker buoys and it was a thrill for me to watch what they were up to.

This whale shark or tuki-tuki seemed interested in nibbling on the seaweed build up on the line between the floats. Likely the water near the plants was loaded with plankton.

Tuki-tuki nibbling on the seaweed that collects on the marker buoys on the edge of the Tan-Awan Marine Sanctuary.

This whale shark seemed to be sampling a bit of the seaweed but I could not tell if he was eating it or just checking it out. It is possible that this shark is vacuuming the plankton and other bits that live in and around the seaweed clusters. They are a big fish but are surprisingly nimble and seem to be quite clever.

Tuki-tuki – whale shark in Tan-Awan

Tan-Awan whale shark – giant vacuum cleaner – so cool!

What a beautiful day! Tan-Awan Cebu Philippines whale shark.

Whale shark with seaweed. Wish I was snorkeling with whale sharks every morning – what a rush!

Tan-Awan whale shark – wow!

…gotta love the Philippines!

Tuki-tuki, Tiki-tiki, Butanding

whale shark eating breakfast

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFKBFNyobPA

Swimming with the whale sharks!