This shark frequently visits temperate water, where it takes advantage of seasonal plankton blooms in coastal regions. It often enters large bays and can be seen close to shore, swimming close to the surface with mouth wide open to form a huge "net". Water passes into the mouth and across the gill rakers, which strain out the plankton before the water emerges through the gill slits.

The huge basking shark has a stout body, with two dorsal fins, an anal fin, a cresent shaped caudal fin, and lateral keels. It's broad gill slits extend around the top and bottom of it's head. This shark is a filter feeder, so it's teeth are relatively minute. It's coloring ranges from dark brown , to charcoal grey, the underside is paler.

Reproduction: No pregnant females have been observed, so little is know of this sharks birthing habits

This shark is often killed for it's oil, fins, meat, and skin. It is generally harmless.