The basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus)

For more information about Basking Sharks view the Basking Shark Project.

The basking shark is one of the Island's most elegant creatures and can be found all around the waters of the Isle of Man, ranging from deepwaters to the harbour mouth. There is no need to fear these gentle giants as they are 'filter feeders', cruising throughout the water (see picture right) with their giant mouths wide open taking in thousands of gallons of water, which contains their prey - baby fish, fish eggs and plankton.

A few basking shark facts:

They can grow up to a colossal 12m from head to tail

Their nickname is 'Sunfish' due to the amount of time they spend at the surface

It is suspected that basking sharks reproduce via aplacental viviparity.

Basking sharks migrate seasonally, firstly eating in cool Northern waters, then moving further south for the winter.

The basking shark's liver contains the oil squalene. This oil has been used for engine lubrication and more popularly the manufacture of cosmetics such as skin and hand creams. It is believed that this cream is far superior than normal 'off the shelf' cream. As a result of this, basking sharks are hunted for their livers, which is approximately 30% of their body weight. It is estimated that 1 tonne of squalene would require the livers of 2500-3000 shark.