Basking Shark
About the Basking Shark
The second largest fish after the whale shark. They filter 2,000 tons of water per hour through their massive gills. They are seen basking at the surface with their mouth wide open. Their liver makes up 25% of their body weight and is rich in squalene. They can leap out of the water despite their size. They migrate thousands of kilometers. They shed their gill rakers in winter and fast until they regrow. They are docile and harmless to humans. Their fins are among the most valuable in the shark fin trade. They are endangered due to overfishing. They can live 50+ years.
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