Sharks are a type of cartilaginous fish. They are mostly predatory, with one being omnivorous (Bonnethead Shark), and three being filter feeders (Whale Shark, Basking Shark, and Megamouth Shark). Typically, sharks have tough skin that is a kind of grey, it is also roughened by tooth-like scales.
- Classifications:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Chondrichthyes
- Subclass: Elasmobranchii
- Definitions:
- The phylum Chordata is defined by a notochord, and a dorsal nerve cord.
- The class Chondrichthyes is defined by a skeleton mostly made of cartilage (cartilaginous).
- Elasmobrachii is one of two subclasses in Chondrichthyes, it is charaterized by five to seven gill clefts that move individually.
Basking Shark
Basking Sharks spend most of their life with their mouth open
Source- Common Name: Basking Shark
- Scientific Name: Cetorhinus Maximus
- Regions: Atlantic and Pacific Oceans (Usually in temprate areas and near the surface)
- Average Size: 7.9m - 15m
- Other Common Names: Bone Shark, Elephant Shark, Sail-fish, and Sun-Fish.
- Endangered
- Fully protected in the U.K and in the Atlantic and the Mexican Gulf in the U.S.A
- Lives over 30 years, could live up to 50.
- There are few predators known, but the Killer Whale might be one.
- Very calm unless provoked.
- Filter feeder that feeds on Plankton
- Not a lot is known about their reproductive cycle, but gestation could take one year to three.
- An average of 6,000 litres of water passes through its gills every hour.
- It is the second largest living fish, right behind Whale Sharks.
- Still hunted in some places for their liver oil, which can be used as a source for Vitamin A, an aphrodisiac, or in cosmetics.
- Despite being incredibly slow and very big, they can breach the surface fully.
Cookie Cutter Sharks are one of the weirdest looking sharks around!
Source: Kristin Grace/Florida Museum
Text TBA