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Kōrero: Sharks and rays

Basking shark

Image
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.

Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi

Private collection

by Chris Gotschalk

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

Ngā whakaahua me ngā rauemi katoa o tēnei kōrero

Me pēnei te tohu i te whārang

Gerard Hutching, Sharks and rays – Deep-sea and unusual sharks, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/mi/photograph/5324/basking-shark (accessed 24 June 2026).

He kōrero nā Gerard Hutching, i tāngia i te 2 March 2009.