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

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