Basking Shark [Cetorhinus]

Description

Cetorhinus is the sole genus within the family Cetorhinidae, represented by the species Cetorhinus maximus, commonly known as the basking shark. It is the second-largest living species of shark, after the whale shark. Basking sharks are filter feeders, consuming zooplankton, small fish, and invertebrates by swimming with their wide mouths open. They are found in temperate oceans around the world and are known for their distinctive gill slits, which extend around the top and bottom of their heads. Unlike many other sharks, basking sharks are relatively slow-moving, do not hunt large prey, and are considered harmless to humans. They are named for their behavior of 'basking' near the surface of the water, where they are often seen feeding.

Species

Taxonomy