Green Fire Productions · CC BY 2.0 · Image source

Quick facts

Size600–1000 cm
Weight3000–6000 kg
Water typeMarine
Best timeMost likely during the warmer part of the year.

About Basking Shark

The basking shark is an enormous shark that swims with its mouth open while filtering plankton from seawater. Despite its size, it feeds primarily on tiny organisms.

Characteristics

  • Native species

Habitat

Surface waters and open ocean.

Diet

Plankton, particularly zooplankton.

Spawning and reproduction

Period

Early summer (mating; considered likely)

Reproduction

Reproductive behaviour has been observed at sea, including near the surface along thermal fronts. Exact mating and pupping grounds remain poorly known.

Distribution around Iceland

Occurs in waters around Iceland.
Last verified: 09/09/2026