the basking shark is one of the most recognizable species of all sharks. its large size and extended gill slits which nearly encircle the head and caudal fin together, helps distinguish it from all other species. it has a snout which is in the shape of a cone, and it has many large gill rakers made for filter feeding. its enormous mouth extends past the small eyes and contains many small, hooked teeth. the basking shark has a very large liver that makes up to 25% of its body weight. the liver is high in squalene, a low-density hydrocarbon that helps the shark float and not sink.