Fins and Fin Rays from Whale Shark (Rhiniodon typus Smith)

The whale shark (Rhiniodon typus Smith) is an under exploited species and it is mainly caught for its liver oil . The processing of shark fin for rays is reported here . The fins have a high content of rays . The yield of fin rays from undried fins ranged from 0 .53 to 4 .40 percent with maximum ray content in the lower lobe of caudal fin . The physical and chemical characteristics of the rays are reported . The total nitrogen content is about 15 to 16 percent (dry weight basis)