What unique skin feature serves as an inherent identification marker for Rhincodon typus?
Answer
The constellation of pale yellow or white spots and stripes
One of the most distinguishing characteristics of the whale shark is the unique pattern covering its dark grey or brownish body, which consists of a constellation of pale yellow or white spots and accompanying horizontal or vertical stripes. Crucially, this patterning is unique to every individual animal; no two whale sharks possess the exact same arrangement. This inherent individuality functions much like a human fingerprint, allowing researchers to identify specific sharks over time.
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