Basking Shark

Cetorhinus maximus

The Basking Shark is the second-largest fish in the world; only the Whale Shark is known to grow larger. Basking Sharks feed on plankton (drifting, tiny plant and animal life) by straining water through large comb-like structures in their gills called gill rakers. They have been harvested by harpoon for their oil.

Look For : A huge gray-brown to totally gray or black shark with a long, round-tipped snout. Gill slits very long. Tail crescent-shaped.

Length : 45'.

Habitat : Surface of open seas.

Range : In Atlantic from central Newfoundland south to Florida during winter; in Pacific from Gulf of Alaska to Gulf of California.