Species learning profile
Megamouth shark
Megachasma pelagios
Megamouth shark (Megachasma pelagios) is a saltwater fish associated with deep sea habitat in Global. This deep-water filter feeder was unknown to science until 1976.
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At a glance
- Perairan
- Air laut
- Habitat
- Laut dalam
- Panjang maksimum
- 710 cm
- Sebaran
- Seluruh dunia
- Famili
- Megachasmidae
- Ordo
- Lamniformes
Observe
How to identify Megamouth shark
- This deep-water filter feeder was unknown to science until 1976.
- Guide context: deep sea habitat in Global.
- Reported maximum length: 710 cm — a genuinely giant fish. Maximum is not the same as typical adult size.
Field note: color, size, and markings can change with age, sex, season, depth, and lighting. Use several traits together.
Place and pattern
Where it lives—and how it behaves
Habitat and range
This species is associated with deep sea habitat across Global. Food is scarce and sunlight is absent or faint, favoring energy-saving movement and specialized senses.
Behavior
Migrates vertically between deep day water and shallower night water
Food-web connections
What it eats and why it matters
Diet
Krill and other plankton.
Ecological role
Feeds on deep scattering-layer plankton.
Remember
One fact worth keeping
Megamouth shark dapat tumbuh hingga sekitar 710 cm dan sering ditemukan di sekitar Laut dalam.
Think like a conservationist
A conservation lens
Deep-sea animals often grow slowly, and recovery can be difficult after habitat disturbance or heavy fishing.
This habitat lens is not a current population-status assessment. Status can differ among regions and change as new assessments are published; follow the reference links and local fisheries or wildlife agencies for current decisions.
Recall
Quick knowledge check
Which habitat is most closely associated with Megamouth shark in this guide?
Keep exploring
References and further reading
Fishdle summarizes stable identification and ecology concepts in plain language. Taxonomy and population knowledge continue to change, so use primary assessments and regional authorities for conservation or management decisions.
Make connections