| Megamouth shark | |
|---|---|
| |
| Display at Toba Aquarium | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Chondrichthyes |
| Subclass: | Elasmobranchii |
| Order: | Lamniformes |
| Family: | Megachasmidae |
| Genus: | Megachasma |
| Species: | M. pelagios
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| Binomial name | |
| Megachasma pelagios | |
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| Range of megamouth shark (in blue) | |
The megamouth shark (Megachasma pelagios) is a species of deepwater shark. Rarely seen by humans, it measures around 5.2 m (17 ft) long and is the smallest of the three extant filter-feeding sharks alongside the relatively larger whale shark and basking shark. According to Sharkman's World Organization a total of 286 specimens have been observed or caught since its discovery in 1976.[2] Like the other two planktivorous sharks, it swims with its mouth wide open, filtering water for plankton and jellyfish. It is recognizable from its large head with rubbery lips. The megamouth is so unlike any other type of shark that it is usually considered to be the sole extant species in the family Megachasmidae, though some scientists have suggested it may belong in the family Cetorhinidae.[3]
- ^ Kyne, P.M.; Liu, K.M.; Simpfendorfer, C. (2019). "Megachasma pelagios". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T39338A124402302. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-1.RLTS.T39338A124402302.en. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
- ^ "The Megamouth Shark". www.sharkmans-world.org. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
- ^ C. Knickle; L. Billingsley & K. DiVittorio. "Biological profiles: basking shark". Florida Museum of Natural History. Archived from the original on August 21, 2006. Retrieved December 16, 2014.