Basking sharks: 10 things everybody should know

Basking sharks are the second-largest fish in the ocean, growing up to 9.1 meters long. They are filter-feeders that constantly swim to collect plankton through their gill-rakers. This means they cannot stop swimming, or they risk suffocation. Basking sharks are mostly solitary but sometimes gather in larger groups, possibly for socialization. They are generally not dangerous to humans but can be intimidating due to their size and powerful tails. Sadly, their populations are declining, making conservation efforts critical.