At first glance, the world’s second largest fish might seem menacing with its gaping mouth and rows of teeth. But don't worry, the basking shark is one of only three filter-feeding shark species
, propelling their huge bodies out of the water, sometimes up to four times in a row. Breaching is still not totally understood, but the behavior could dislodge parasites or serve as a courtship ritual. Whatever the reason, breaching is very important to the fish: It takes up to 32 times more energy than swimming.
Usually solitary, males and females come together to mate during the summer. Males are believed to reach sexual maturity at around 12 to 16 years, while females reach maturity at about 20 years. Although mating has never been scientifically observed, scars on female sharks suggestBased on their estimated growth rate, length and number of rings on their vertebrae, basking sharks are
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
WATCH LIVE: Tornado Watch Issued as Sub-Severe Storms Bring Strong Winds & LightningWEATHER UPDATE: A Tornado Watch continues for much of North Texas as a line of strong storms marches east into DFW. We're tracking it live here:
Read more »
Watch Now: Rescuers in Spain save massive leatherback turtle caught in fishing netIt’s a vulnerable species and one of the largest in the world.
Read more »
Watch live: Washington honors Don Young, Alaska’s fiery defender in the U.S. House for 49 yearsColleagues of the late Alaska Rep. Don Young will commemorate him at midday Tuesday as he joins the select few chosen to lie in state at the Capitol. President Biden is expected to pay his respects in the afternoon.
Read more »
How to Watch 2022 Grammy Awards OnlineHere's everything to know about how to tune into music's biggest night — with or without cable.
Read more »
WATCH: Chaos on Snowy Pennsylvania Interstate That Left 3 Dead From Massive PileupAt least three people died in a Pennsylvania traffic pileup involving more than 50 vehicles on Interstate 81 Monday morning, according to the coroner.
Read more »