Cetorhinus maximus, known as the basking shark, is the second-largest fish in the world. It has a conical snout, massive gill slits, and a grayish-brown body. This gentle giant is a filter feeder, consuming plankton as it swims near the surface. It inhabits temperate oceans globally, playing a key role in marine ecosystems.

Cetorhinus maximus, commonly known as the basking shark, is found in the temperate and boreal waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This species is widely distributed, with notable populations found along the eastern and western coasts of North America, the western coasts of Europe and Africa, as well as in the Mediterranean Sea and around the coasts of Japan and China.

Basking sharks typically inhabit coastal and open ocean environments, favoring temperate waters ranging from 8 to 14 degrees Celsius. These areas include continental shelves, bays, and inlets where water conditions support abundant plankton populations, which are their primary food source.

As filter feeders, basking sharks play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem by controlling plankton populations. They are often found near the surface of the water, especially during feeding, where they swim slowly with their mouths open to capture plankton. This behavior is particularly common in areas with high plankton concentrations, such as coastal upwellings and estuarine environments.