basking shark
| Scientific name | Cetorhinus maximus |
|---|---|
| Descriptor | Johan Ernst Gunnerus |
| Year of description | 1765 |
| IUCN category | EN |
| Family | Cetorhinidae |
| Genus | Cetorhinus |
Introduction
Cetorhinus maximus, commonly known as basking shark, is a salt water fish.
Who is it?
Morphology
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Average size1000 cm
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Maximum size1200 cm
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Longevity50 year
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ShapeRectangular
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Average size1000 cm
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Maximum size1200 cm
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Longevity50 year
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ShapeRectangular
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
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dietcarnivorous
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Sociabilityliving in a group or alone
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territorialNo
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Way of livingdiurnal
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
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Reproductionovovivipare
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Migratory speciesYes
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?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Depth0 - 2000 m
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EnvironmentActive 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.
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
Benoit Chartrer
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.
Tags
Species of the same biotope
Scientific partners