Imagine a shark that’s as big as a double-decker bus but eats only plankton. That’s the basking shark, the second-largest fish on the planet. You’ll spot them off the coasts of Scotland and Cornwall in summer, cruising with their massive mouths wide open.
They look terrifying at first—until you realise they’re basically underwater vacuum cleaners. If you see a fin slicing the surface, don’t run for the hills. Just smile and think, “Hey, a gentle giant is having lunch nearby.”
The Spotted Catshark: The Cute One
Ever seen a shark that looks like a sandy kitten? That’s the catshark, or “lesser spotted dogfish.” They’re small, about the length of your arm, with adorable speckles and big eyes. You can find them hiding in rocky crevices or among seaweed.
These guys are totally harmless to humans. If you go rock-pooling in Devon or Cornwall, you might even see their egg cases—often called “mermaid’s purses.” It’s a tiny shark nursery, right there in the shallows.
