Incredible close up of whale shark shows massive healed injury

Whale sharks are among the largest creatures on the planet, closely behind only a few species of whale. They are the largest sharks, and even the largest fish in the ocean. They are massive and majestic and to see one close up inspires wonder and fascination. Scuba divers will often list sighting a whale shark underwater as one of the most beautiful moments that they have experienced.

This scuba diver is recording his adventure in the remote waters near Darwin in the Galapagos Islands. The whale sharks come here for a mysterious purpose. Although scientists know very little about them and where the youngest whale sharks live, they do know that almost all of the whale sharks in the waters of the Galapagos are mature females, ready to give birth. This pregnant female cruises unconcerned, straight through the group of divers as they watch in wonder. One of the divers has his camera running and he records the face of the shark as it passes within a few feet of him.

We can clearly see the area around the gills and directly above the pectoral fin. There is a large indentation and abnormal creases in the shark's body, suggesting heavy scarring or an abnormality at birth. The shark has obviously thrived, despite these wounds. As the shark passes the diver, we can also see a dent on the body near the tail where a chunk of flesh is missing. There is a portion missing on the tip of the tail as well, that could be the result of a shark bite or contact with a boat propeller.

These sharks are gentle giants, possessing no teeth. They are harmless and unable to injure a person or a predator. Their typical means of defense is to outswim aggressors, or simply to dive to depths where they cannot be followed.