Butanding (Rhincodon typus | Whale Shark)
Butanding is the world’s largest fish. This gentle giant can grow as long as a school bus, but feeds only on small animals like shrimp. Their bodies are spotted, in patterns unique per individual like human fingerprints.
The National Museum of the Philippines continues to feature our natural heritage found in your pockets. Today, the National Museum is featuring Philippine animals depicted in the New Generation Currency series in your 20, 50, 100, and 200 bills.
On our 100-peso bill is the Whale shark or Butanding. It is the world’s largest living fish which can grow up to 12 meters long or about the size of a bus. Unlike its torpedo-shaped shark cousins, Butanding has a wide, flat head with its mouth in front. Their backs are spotted in patterns unique per individual like human fingerprints. Despite their colossal size, Whale sharks are filter-feeders and pose no threat to humans.
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