Basking Shark

Basking Shark

Cetorhinus maximus

Endangered
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DESCRIPTION

The Basking Shark cruises with its mouth wide open, using rows of comb‑like filters inside the mouth to strain out clouds of tiny plankton. In winter it sheds those filters and seems to take a feeding break, then grows a fresh set before returning to the surface to graze again. Despite its size, it sometimes bursts from the water in powerful breaches, a behavior thought to be part display, part parasite‑clearing shake‑off.

Max Length 10 m
Max Weight 4000 kg
Lifespan 30 - 50 years
Habitat Coastal zone, deep water, and open water
Depth Range 0 - 1500 m
Diet Filter feeder
Activity Variable
Social Behavior Aggregative

Destinations to spot Basking Shark

SIGHTING PROBABILITY
  • Unlikely
  • Likely
  • Very likely
Range

Where Basking Shark has been recorded

Fewer recordsMore records
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Basking Shark

Where can you see the Basking Shark?

The Basking Shark can be seen at 2 dive destinations in Spain. The best spots include Balearic Islands (Spain) and Cabo de Palos (Spain).

How big does the Basking Shark get?

The Basking Shark can reach up to 10 m in length and 4000 kg in weight.

What habitat does the Basking Shark live in?

The Basking Shark is found in these habitats: coastal zone, deep water, and open water.

How deep does the Basking Shark live?

The Basking Shark lives from the surface down to 1500 m.

What does the Basking Shark eat?

Strains plankton and tiny particles straight out of the water as it swims.

When is the Basking Shark most active?

Its rhythm shifts with the season, the tide or the region, so the same species may be active by day in one place and by night in another.

How long does the Basking Shark live?

The Basking Shark lives 30 to 50 years.

What is the conservation status of the Basking Shark?

The Basking Shark is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Every answer is built from the conditions and sightings data we keep for Basking Shark. Spotted something that looks off?

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