Whale sharks, the world’s largest shark species, were considered carnivorous animals to this day by the scientific community. But a new study on this species an unknown fact revealed. By examining the excrement and skin of sharks, scientists discovered that these creatures It also feeds on seaweed revealed.

The study, published in the journal Ecology, found that while whale sharks often feed on small shrimp-like creatures called “krill,” they don’t digest most of them. Evidence that seaweed was being digested instead was found in the creatures’ feces. Therefore whale sharks are not carnivorous, are omnivores showed.

Their skin produced the same result:

When examining the shark skin sample, scientists came across evidence that confirms this. Omnivores fit into the texture of the fish, an oily and acidic structure noticed. In addition, arachidonic acid was also found in the skin, indicating that Sargassum, a macroalgae species, was being consumed.

According to scientists, the reason sharks feed on seaweed and algae is: It was not their choice. Instead, sharks fed small creatures like crabs in dense seagrass habitats and ingested grass along with the creatures.