Cetorhinus maximus

Basking sharks are the second-largest living fish species, known for their slow-moving, filter-feeding behavior. They swim with their mouths wide open, filtering plankton, small fish, and invertebrates from the water. Unlike many other sharks, basking sharks are generally harmless to humans. They are often seen close to the water's surface, basking in the sun, which is how they got their common name.

Little is known about the breeding habits of basking sharks. They are thought to be ovoviviparous, with embryos developing inside the female's body and being born live. The gestation period, mating rituals, and birthing process are largely undocumented in the wild.

Basking sharks can grow up to lengths of about 26 feet (8 meters) on average, with some individuals reaching over 33 feet (10 meters). They have a distinctive large, conical snout and a wide mouth that can open up to 1 meter wide. Their gill slits are very large and nearly encircle the entire head. Basking sharks have a greyish-brown to black color on the top and a lighter underside.

Historically, basking sharks were hunted extensively for their liver oil, skin, and fins. In some cultures, their meat was also consumed. This hunting led to significant declines in their population in certain areas.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the basking shark as Vulnerable. Their populations have been depleted in some areas due to historical hunting, and they are now protected in many parts of the world. However, they still face threats from bycatch in fisheries, ship strikes, and the demand for their fins and other body parts in certain markets. Conservation efforts include monitoring populations, habitat protection, and regulations on fishing practices to prevent bycatch.