basking shark

Scientific name Cetorhinus maximus
Descriptor Johan Ernst Gunnerus
Year of description 1765
IUCN category (World) EN
Family Cetorhinidae
Genus Cetorhinus
Cetorhinus maximus Cetorhinus maximus

Introduction

Cetorhinus maximus, commonly known as basking shark, is a salt water fish.

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Who is it?

Morphology

  • Type
  • Average size
    1000 cm
  • Maximum size
    1200 cm
  • Longevity
    50 year
  • Shape
    Rectangular
  • Type
  • Average size
    1000 cm
  • Maximum size
    1200 cm
  • Longevity
    50 year
  • Shape
    Rectangular

How to recognize the basking shark ?

The basking shark measures between 1000 and 1200 cm. This fish is bicolore with a predominantly bleu, noir and gris body.

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • diet
    carnivorous
  • Sociability
    living in a group or alone
  • territorial
    No
  • Way of living
    diurnal

The basking shark is a fish living in a group or alone naturally found at mid-depth and near the bottom. This species is carnivorous .

n general, this species does not care much about other animals crossing its path.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    ovovivipare
  • Migratory species
    Yes

The basking shark is a fish ovovivipare.

Harmless species

This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.

Where to find it?

Conservation status of populations (IUCN)

World : EN
France : VU

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Depth
    0 - 2000 m
  • Environment
    Active pelagic

Biotope presentation

The basking shark is most often found at a depth between 0m and 2000m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths.

Species of the same biotope

Fishkeeping

Not recommended

We do not recommend keeping this species in an aquarium. It has unpredictable needs which, if not met, generate significant stress, potentially leading to a shorter life expectancy, an interruption of its growth or the development of pathogens.

To go further

To read on the web

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Yuhei Nakata

Yuhei Nakata

Benoit Chartrer

Benoit Chartrer

Silvia Gomez

Silvia Gomez

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.

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Scientific partners

Species of the same biotope

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