ffectionately known by the Bugis as ikan bodo (stupid fish), because of their incredibly gentle and docile nature, whale sharks are revered by the Bugis as harbingers of good fortune. For generations, Aching said, his family has nurtured their relationship with the sharks in the hope that they will be reciprocated with a good catch. Each morning when he lifts his nets, he leaves one in the water for the whale sharks to feed from. "Just the small fish. They only like the small ones," he said.