Basking Shark
NameBasking Shark
Scientific NameCetorhinus maximus
Common NamesBasking Shark, Bone Shark, Elephant Shark, Sail-fish, Sun-fish
FamilyCetorhinidae
OriginAtlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, Temperate Oceans Worldwide
Temperamentpeaceful
Dietcarnivore
Care Levelexpert
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)1000000000
Max Size (Inches)480
Water TypeSaltwater
Temperature Range (°F)46-68
pH Range7.8-8.4
Description
The Basking Shark is the second-largest living fish, known for its enormous size and filter-feeding behavior. It is a migratory species found in temperate oceans worldwide, feeding exclusively on zooplankton by swimming with its mouth wide open. Due to its immense size and pelagic nature, it is not suitable for home aquariums and is rarely, if ever, kept in public aquariums.
