Basking Shark
Cetorhinus maximusAlso known as Bone Shark, Elephant Shark, Hoe-mother
Basking sharks cruise temperate oceans worldwide with their cavernous mouths agape, filtering massive quantities of zooplankton through dark, comb-like gill rakers. These gentle giants frequently feed near the surface, exposing their large dorsal and caudal fins in a slow, undulating motion that historically inspired tales of sea monsters. Despite their immense size, they are highly migratory, undertaking vast seasonal journeys across deep basins and continental shelves in search of plankton blooms.
- diet
- Zooplankton, copepods, and small fish larvae
- family
- Cetorhinidae
- threats
- Bycatch in commercial fisheries, vessel strikes, and historical overharvesting for liver oil
- life Span
- About 50 years
EN
Harmless filter feeders, but their immense size and rough skin require keeping a safe distance.
Classified as Endangered due to historical overexploitation for liver oil and ongoing threats from fisheries bycatch.
Never touch, ride, or harass these sharks; report sightings to local marine conservation databases to aid tracking.- Maintain distance: Keep at least 100 meters away when operating watercraft to avoid collisions.
- Limit noise: Cut engines or idle quietly if a shark approaches your vessel to avoid startling it.
- Watch the tail: Avoid swimming directly behind them, as their powerful tail sweeps can cause accidental injury.