Species associated with whale sharks Rhincodon typus (Orectolobiformes, Rhincodontidae) in the Galapagos Archipelago

Whale sharks Rhincodon typus frequently appear to interact or associate with other species, which vary depending on the community structure and demographic of whale at each location globally. Here, we present species sighted around in Galapagos Archipelago reported by dive guides scientists also earlier publications. These associated include cetacean species: bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus , shark silky Carcharhinus falciformis galapagensis scalloped hammerhead Sphyrna lewini tiger Galeocerdo cuvier teleost fish remoras Remora remora, yellowfin tuna Thunnus albacares almaco jacks Seriola rivoliana black Caranx lugubris . The recording interspecies associations interactions may lead better understanding natural history can show important symbiotic relationships interdependence between different species.