Basking Shark

Basking Sharks are a filter-feeding shark and the second largest shark alive today. It is the only member of the family Cetorhinidae.

Size/Weight
The basking shark is the second largest shark at around 20-30 feet average with the largest ones nearing 40 feet or so. They can become almost 20 tons but average ones are closer to 10 tons.

Appearance
Basking sharks have a long nose and enormous gills. Their colors are brown or black. Their body is a typical shape for a shark. Their eyes are small compared to their massive mouth and body.

Prey
Basking sharks prey on plankton like other filter-feeders. This video shows how they swim with their mouths open for a long time to catch plankton and other tiny organisms.

Habitat
They live in temperate waters but have ventured into both warmer and cooler waters. They are usually found by continental shelves so not too deep but not extremely shallow either.