description Basking shark Overview
The basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) is the second-largest living fish after the whale shark, reaching lengths of up to about 10 meters. It is found in temperate coastal and pelagic waters worldwide and feeds by swimming slowly with its mouth open, filtering zooplankton through modified gill rakers. The species is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. Basking sharks are migratory and congregate seasonally in areas such as the western coast of Scotland and the eastern coast of North America.
help Basking shark FAQ
What do basking sharks eat?
Basking sharks are massive filter feeders that survive by swimming slowly with their giant mouths open to filter zooplankton from the water. They use specialized gill rakers to trap thousands of microscopic organisms as they move through temperate oceans.
How big do basking sharks get?
The basking shark (*Cetorhinus maximus*) is the second-largest living fish in the world, surpassed only by the whale shark. They can reach immense lengths of up to about 10 meters (over 32 feet) and weigh several tons.
Are basking sharks dangerous to humans?
No, basking sharks are completely harmless to humans because they are passive filter feeders that only consume tiny zooplankton. Despite their massive size and somewhat intimidating appearance, they are gentle, slow-moving creatures.
Where do basking sharks live?
Basking sharks are found in temperate coastal and pelagic waters all over the world. They are highly migratory, often spotted swimming slowly near the surface in areas where cold, nutrient-rich waters cause massive blooms of zooplankton.
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