Definition
The genus Cetorhinus contains a single living species, the basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus). This shark is one of the largest fish, second only to the whale shark. Basking sharks are filter feeders, passively swimming through the water with their mouths open to capture plankton. They are found in temperate oceans around the world. Although massive in size, they pose no threat to humans. The genus name is specific to this unique type of shark.