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Basking shark

Rhincodon typus

Endangered ↓

Diet

Omnivore

Lifespan

100 years

Length

12.0 m

Weight

20.0 t

Trend

↓ Decreasing

About

The world's largest fish, whale sharks can exceed 12 meters and 20 tonnes, inhabiting tropical and warm temperate oceans worldwide. Despite their massive size, they are harmless filter feeders, consuming plankton, fish eggs, and small fish by swimming open-mouthed through prey-dense water. They undertake vast seasonal migrations following plankton blooms. Endangered due to fishing, boat strikes, and the live fin trade, with population declining by approximately 50% over the past 75 years.

Fun Facts

✨ Their mouths can be up to 1.5 meters wide.
✨ Each whale shark has a unique pattern of spots.
✨ They can live over 100 years.

Habitat & Distribution

Found across multiple habitat types including temperate broadleaf and mixed forests, temperate grasslands and steppes, and montane grasslands and shrublands, among 5 distinct biome types within the Neotropic biogeographic realm.

🌊 Marine Oceanic 🐚 Marine Neritic

Distributed across Chile, Portugal, Taiwan, and Venezuela. Currently classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

🇨🇱 Chile 🇵🇹 Portugal 🇹🇼 Taiwan 🇻🇪 Venezuela

Diet & Behavior

🍽️

Omnivore

Basking shark is classified as omnivore, adapted to its ecological niche.

Diet

🍽️ Omnivore

Plant ~60% Animal ~40%

Conservation Status

EN Endangered

Population Trend

↓ Decreasing

Full Taxonomy

Chondrichthyes (Cartilaginous Fish)

Order

Lamniformes (Mackerel Sharks)

Family

Rhincodontidae (Whale Sharks)

Genus

Rhincodon (Whale Sharks)

Species

Rhincodon typus (Basking shark)

Names in Other Languages

Korean 고래상어

Japanese Jinbeizame

Chinese 鯨鯊

Spanish Dámero

French Chagrin

German Rauhhai

Portuguese Pintado

Russian акула китовая

Arabic Battan

Vietnamese Cá Nhám voi

Indonesian Hiu paus

Similar Species in Rhincodon

🐾

Giant Oceanic Manta Ray

Manta birostris

Endangered

View all species in Rhincodon →

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Compare Species

vs Giant Oceanic Manta Ray

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of Basking shark?

The scientific name of Basking shark is Rhincodon typus. It belongs to the genus Rhincodon.

What is the conservation status of Basking shark?

Basking shark (Rhincodon typus) is classified as Endangered by the IUCN Red List. The population trend is decreasing.

Where does Basking shark live?

Basking shark is found in Distributed across Chile, Portugal, Taiwan, and Venezuela. Currently classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.. Countries include Chile, Portugal, Taiwan, Venezuela.

What family does Basking shark belong to?

Basking shark (Rhincodon typus) belongs to the genus Rhincodon, which is part of the taxonomic family Rhincodontidae.

What does Basking shark eat?

Basking shark is omnivore. Its diet is adapted to its natural habitat and ecological niche.

How long does Basking shark live?

Basking shark has an average lifespan of approximately 100 years in the wild.

Is Basking shark endangered?

Yes, Basking shark (Rhincodon typus) is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, which means it faces a significant risk of extinction in the wild.

What kingdom does Basking shark belong to?

Basking shark (Rhincodon typus) belongs to the kingdom Animalia (Animals).