Megamouth shark

Megamouth shark
Display at Toba Aquarium
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Subclass: Elasmobranchii
Subdivision: Selachimorpha
Order: Lamniformes
Family: Megachasmidae
Genus: Megachasma
Species:
M. pelagios
Binomial name
Megachasma pelagios
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. Since its discovery in 1976, fewer than 100 specimens have been observed or caught.[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]

  1. ^ Kyne, P.M., Liu, K.M. & Simpfendorfer, C. (2019). Megachasma pelagios. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-1.RLTS.T39338A124402302.en
  2. ^ Liu, Shang-Yin 'Vanson'; Joung, Shoou Jeng; Yu, Chi-Ju; Hsu, Hua-Hsun; Tsai, Wen-Pei; Liu, Kwang Ming (March 5, 2018). "Genetic diversity and connectivity of the megamouth shark". PeerJ. 6: e4432. doi:10.7717/peerj.4432. PMC 5842762. PMID 29527411.
  3. ^ 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.

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