Shark Report: Basking Shark

By: Bloody Bill

Article Category: Shark Report

Ctenorhinus maximus, the Basking Shark

Well, looks like the nice weather we had last week was just a tease. Why won’t it just cool down already? It was during one of those nice evenings that I began to think about this month’s species.

There are so many species of shark out there, and I am but one guy. I’d always wanted to see every shark in existence at least once, and this is one I long to encounter. I do have a friend who’s seen one with his own eyes, though. It was he who first told me the story of this amazing creature. He encountered a basking shark during a longline swordfishing trip near the Grand Banks, when the crew of the vessel spotted something off the port side. As it got closer, it was clear that it was an especially large example of Ctenorhinus maximus, the basking shark.

The basking shark is the second largest fish on the planet. Specimens regularly reach sizes of 22 to 29 feet, and may reach lengths of up to 40 feet. Like most of the large species, this shark grows at an extremely slow rate, due to its dwelling in cold water. It’s characterized by its extremely large, heavy-set body which gives it a sluggish appearance and movement. Usually a grayish-brown color, the basking shark can range from gray to an almost black color on its dorsal area, with lighter coloring below. It has a large, conical snout, a huge mouth with small teeth, and very small eyes. The gill openings are large as well, nearly encircling both sides of the its head.

The basking shark is usually found at the water’s surface, often in pairs or in schools of 100 individuals or more. They are considered highly migratory, and sightings correspond to the seasonal fluctuations of the plankton on which it principally feeds. Basking sharks typically appear off the coasts of North Carolina to New York in the spring, gradually move off the coasts of New England and Canada in the late summer months, and disappear from our coasts during autumn and winter.

According to the International Shark Attack File, the basking shark has never been implicated on an attack on humans. This species is a plankton feeder, and is generally not considered dangerous to humans.  Its massive size and powerful caudal fin do pose a small danger to divers and boaters however. Anyone attempting to get close to this species should exercise caution. The basking shark has often been linked to reports of sea serpents and the decaying carcasses were often offered up as proof of the existence of these mythical creatures. It has been hunted throughout the world for its meat, fins and oil. With the exception of China and Japan, fishing operations for this species have nearly ceased.

The basking shark is currently categorized as “Vulnerable” throughout its range and “Endangered” in the northeast Atlantic Ocean and north Pacific Ocean regions by the World Conservation Union (IUCN). The IUCN is a global union of states, governmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations which assesses the conservation status of various species.

For more information visit:

www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Gallery/Descript/baskingshark/baskingshark.html