“I was able to watch a live screen view of their beating heart." Watch the world's largest fish get a health check

Scientists in Australia have used ultrasounds to monitor the health of free-swimming whale sharks.

The researchers from the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) collaborated with several organisations to develop the technique. They used the hand-held ultrasound to scan a dozen whale sharks, giving them a health check.

“I was able to watch a live screen view of their beating heart while holding my breath underwater,” says AIMS’ senior field technician Kim Brooks.

Video: whale shark health check

Dive in: whale shark scientists drop into the sea to begin their research. Credit: Australian Institute of Marine Science

Out of water: the researchers analyse their findings back on dry land. Credit: Australian Institute of Marine Science

Gallery: whale shark health check

Dr Mark Meekan and Kim Brooks work in tandem to collect copepods from the mouth of the whale shark, which places the fish in a good position for a liver ultrasound.