The basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) is a huge filter feeding shark which grows to be up to about 33 feet long. It is the second largest shark after the whale shark . The basking shark is also called the sunfish, the bone shark, the elephant shark, the sailfish shark, and the big mouth shark.After closing its mouth, the shark uses gill rakers that filter the nourishment from the water. Gill rakers are bristly structures in the shark's mouth that trap the small organisms which the shark then swallows. The water is expelled through the shark's 5 pairs of gill slits. It has long been a commercially important fish, as a source of food, shark fin, animal feed, and shark liver oil. Over-exploitation has reduced its populations to the point that some have apparently disappeared and others need protection.
Filter-feeding! It means it filters its food! But, one thing is confusing. I don't know why the scholars give such an amazing name to a creature. Is it all for its publicity or what? BASKING and UNDER WATER! Have you any cue?
ReplyDeleteOne thing more- it is the second largest shark, then which one is the first largest shark?
Anyway, thanks for the wonderful information! :)
It is the second largest shark after the whale shark :)
ReplyDeleteThis shark is called the basking shark because it is most often observed when feeding at the surface and appears to be basking in the warmer water there.
Thanks Suresh :)
Interesting creature!! Looks very menacing with that large mouth, wouldn't want to near it lol It's a shame that mankind is wiping them out as with so many other species. Blessings :)
ReplyDelete@Geeta - Thanks for yr explanation! you said WHALE SHARK! Do you mean WHALE is also a kind of SHARK or there is a shark, the biggest one in its family, different from a whale. It is not only amazing but also confusing, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteAnd, one thing more if you don't mind - "Are you planning to amaze us by introducing SHARK WHALE or BASKING WHALE or....?"
Did you mind? Just a curiosity! :)