Cetorhinidae

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Cetorhinidae is a family of sharks within the order Lamniformes. This family is known for containing the basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus), which is the only extant species in this family. The family name is derived from the Greek words "ketos" meaning "sea monster" and "rhinos" meaning "nose."

Description

Members of the Cetorhinidae family are characterized by their large size and distinctive gill rakers, which they use to filter feed on plankton. The basking shark is the second-largest living shark, after the whale shark (Rhincodon typus), and can grow up to 12 meters in length. They have a large, conical snout and a mouth that can open wide to filter feed.

Distribution and Habitat

Cetorhinidae are found in temperate oceans worldwide. The basking shark is known to inhabit both coastal and open ocean environments, often seen near the surface of the water, hence the name "basking."

Behavior

The basking shark is a slow-moving and generally solitary species, although they can be seen in small groups during feeding. They are known for their migratory behavior, traveling long distances in search of food. Despite their large size, they are not aggressive and pose little threat to humans.

Diet

Cetorhinidae are filter feeders, primarily consuming zooplankton, small fish, and invertebrates. They swim with their mouths open, allowing water to pass over their gill rakers, which trap their food.

Reproduction

Little is known about the reproductive habits of the Cetorhinidae family. The basking shark is believed to be ovoviviparous, meaning that the eggs hatch inside the female's body and the young are born live.

Conservation Status

The basking shark is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to overfishing and bycatch. Conservation efforts are in place in various parts of the world to protect this species from further decline.

Fossil Record

The fossil record of the Cetorhinidae family is sparse, but there are some known extinct species that have been identified from fossilized teeth and vertebrae.

See Also

• Shark
• Lamniformes
• Whale shark
• Plankton