Kōrero: 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.

Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi

Private collection
Photograph by Chris Gotschalk

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Te tuhi tohutoro mō tēnei whārangi:

Gerard Hutching, 'Sharks and rays - Deep-sea and unusual sharks', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/mi/photograph/5324/basking-shark (accessed 30 March 2024)

He kōrero nā Gerard Hutching, i tāngia i te 12 Jun 2006