Scubaism

Researchers at the world’s largest aquarium have found what is believed to be the world’s largest gathering of the world’s largest fish along the Mexican coast.

A study released Thursday by the Georgia Aquarium and Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Fla., shows anywhere from 500 to 1,500 whale sharks feeding in the plankton-rich waters off Cabo Catoche between Mexico’s Isla Holbox and Isla Contoy during the summer months.

The researchers will travel to Mexico over the next two months to continue studying the animals’ behavior.

They have been working with Mexico’s National Commission on Protected Natural Areas since 2003 to tag the enigmatic fish and record their mating, eating and swimming habits. One whale shark traveled 550 miles in 31 days, and another dove 4,514 feet into the ocean, the study shows.

Mote Marine Laboratory, founded in 1955, is one of the largest independent nonprofit marine research facilities in the world.