Lateral view of spotted whale shark

The whale shark exhibits a predominantly dark gray dorsal surface contrasted with a lighter ventral side. Its elongated form features a flattened head with a blunt snout and small, cephalic fins. Numerous white spots and pale stripes mark the dark gray skin. The caudal fin is heterocercal, the pectoral fins are broad and triangular, and the dorsal fins are smaller and more rounded. This model depicts the animal with its fins extended, suggesting a swimming posture. The model accurately represents the anatomical features that allow this filter-feeding shark to efficiently move through water and consume plankton.