Three-meter basking shark spotted off Taranto coast
Animal harmless to humans, feeds on plankton
12 February, 16:23
(ANSA) - Taranto, February 12 - A three-and-a-half meter
basking shark spotted near the southern coastal city of Taranto
is most likely "an adolescent" feeding on plankton in shallow
waters, the Italian coast guard said on Tuesday.Coastal authorities were called when fishermen spotted the shark near a reef not far from the port city.
Basking sharks can grow to be as long as 10 meters and are completely harmless to humans, the coast guard said.
The animals feed by swimming with their mouths open to filter seaweed and small fish.
Authorities photographed the animal and sent the details to the Marine Studies Department of Bari University.
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