Basking Shark
Cetorhinus maximus
- Group: Shark
- Typical depth: 0–2000 m
- Max size: 15.2 m
- For divers: dangerous
- IUCN status: EN
The second largest fish in the sea, the basking shark reaches around ten metres yet feeds only on plankton, cruising slowly with its cavernous mouth open to strain the water. Harmless to people, it gathers where plankton blooms and can live for half a century. Slow to breed, it is now endangered.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Elasmobranchii › Lamniformes › Cetorhinidae › Cetorhinus
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 105837.
FAQ
- How deep does the Basking Shark live?
- The Basking Shark (Cetorhinus maximus) is typically found at 0–2000 m.
- Is the Basking Shark dangerous to divers?
- The Basking Shark can be dangerous; divers should keep their distance.
- How big does the Basking Shark get?
- The Basking Shark grows to about 15.2 m.