The basking shark, or Cetorhinus maximus, is an enigmatic and mysterious creature that has fascinated scientists for years. Here are ten fascinating facts about these massive fish.

1. Basking sharks are the second-largest fish in the world, with the whale shark being the largest. They can grow up to 33 feet long and weigh up to 5,200 pounds.

2. Despite their size, basking sharks are harmless to humans. They are filter feeders that feed on plankton and small fish.

3. Basking sharks are one of the longest-lived sharks, with a lifespan of up to 50 years.

4. Basking sharks are found in temperate and cold waters all over the world, including the North Atlantic, the North Pacific, and the Southern Hemisphere.

5. Basking sharks are migratory creatures and can travel long distances. It is believed that they make seasonal migrations between feeding and breeding grounds.

6. Basking sharks have a unique respiratory system that allows them to extract oxygen from the water. They have five pairs of gills that they use to filter oxygen from the water.

7. Basking sharks have a highly developed sense of smell that they use to locate their prey. They can detect the scent of plankton from miles away.

8. Basking sharks have a slow reproduction rate, with females producing just one or two offspring every two to four years.

9. Basking sharks are threatened by commercial fishing for their meat, oil, and fins. They are also susceptible to accidental entanglement in fishing gear.

10. Basking sharks are a species of special concern in many parts of the world, including the United Kingdom and the European Union. They are protected by law and it is illegal to kill or harm them.

In conclusion, basking sharks are fascinating creatures that are crucial to the ocean’s ecosystems. By learning more about them, we can better understand and protect these enigmatic giants of the deep.