CETORHINIDAE BASKING SHARKS

Cetorhinidae, or Basking sharks is a family of sharks belonging to the order Lamniformes. The Basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) is the sole extant species of its family. The Basking shark is the second-largest living shark, after the Whale shark, and one of three planktivorous shark species, along with the Whale shark and the Megamouth shark. Adults typically reach 20–26 feet in length. They are usually greyish-brown, with mottled skin. The caudal fin has a strong lateral keel and a crescent shape.

The Basking shark can be found world-wide and is a highly migratory species following coastal and oceanic currents in cold to warm temperate seas. Basking sharks have can be found in aggregations and have complex social behaviors. It is a slow-moving, ram filter feeder. Its common name derives from its habit of feeding at the surface, appearing to be basking in the warmer water there. It has anatomical adaptations for filter-feeding, such as a greatly enlarged mouth and highly developed gill rakers. Read more about the Basking shark by visiting the species page.