What is the habitat of basking sharks?

What is the habitat of basking sharks?

Named for its habit of floating or slowly swimming at the surface, the basking shark is found predominantly in coastal areas in temperate regions of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It is one of the largest living fishes, second only to the whale shark (Rhincodon typus) in size.

How do basking sharks adapt to their environment?

A slow-moving filter feeder, its common name derives from its habit of feeding at the surface, appearing to be basking in the warmer water there. It has anatomical adaptations for filter-feeding, such as a greatly enlarged mouth and highly developed gill rakers.

Has anyone been killed by a basking shark?

They do not bite their prey, so are extremely unlikely to attack a human. However their massive size means swimmers and sailors should not get too close. In 1937 three men drowned when a basking shark reportedly capsized their boat in Kilbrannan Sound off Kintyre, Scotland.

Why are basking sharks killed?

Until the 1940’s, the basking shark was hunted around the world for oils and liver. In British Columbia, specially equipped boats once deliberately rammed the sharks and killed them because fishermen considered them a danger to navigation. West Coast commercial fishing has halted, but people still take a toll.

What is the color of a basking shark?

grayish-brown
The basking shark is usually grayish-brown in colour and often seems to have a mottled appearance. The caudal (tail) fin has a strong lateral keel and a crescent shape. The teeth in the basking shark are very small and numerous and often number one hundred per row.

Is the basking shark still alive?

Basking shark conservation Globally, basking shark numbers are decreasing and the species is considered endangered. Although basking sharks are also recognised as endangered in the northeast Atlantic, the latest assessment has found populations here to be stable.

Can a basking shark eat people?

In short, basking sharks don’t usually eat humans. Though they’re certainly large enough to consume one whole, a basking shark has other priorities when it comes to eating and searching for food. That being said, it probably wouldn’t be too comfortable if a human being came into contact with a basking shark’s mouth.

Are basking sharks vicious?

Danger to Humans Basking sharks are not considered dangerous to the passive observer and are generally tolerant of divers and boats. Despite this, its sheer size and power must be respected (there are reports of sharks attacking boats after being harpooned).