Story: Sharks and rays

Basking shark

Basking shark

Off the east coast of the South Island basking sharks are relatively common. Like whales, they are filter-feeders, opening their capacious mouths to strain water for the tiny plankton which are their staple diet. Even though basking sharks are large (10 metres), they are harmless to humans.

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Photograph by Chris Gotschalk

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How to cite this page:

Gerard Hutching, 'Sharks and rays - Deep-sea and unusual sharks', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/5324/basking-shark (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Gerard Hutching, published 12 Jun 2006