Preferring warm waters, whale sharks populate all tropical seas. They are known to migrate every spring to the continental shelf of the central west coast of Australia. The coral spawning of the area's Ningaloo Reef provides the whale shark with an abundant supply of plankton. Although massive, whale sharks are docile fish and sometimes allow swimmers to hitch a ride. They are currently listed as a vulnerable species; however, they continue to be hunted in parts of Asia, such as the Philippines. One unusual aspect of it from other types of sharks is that they entire body has to be used for swimming. It is the slowest swimmer too at a rate of only 3 miles per hour (5 km/h). The whale shark is a filter feeder which is quite interesting for such a large shark. It glides along in the water and takes in water and what all is inside of it. This is a great way for them to get plenty to eat. At the same time it keeps the water clear of various types of debris that can accumulate. They are one of three types of sharks that feed in this manner.