The basking shark’s scientific name, Cetorhinus maximus, roughly translates to “great-nosed sea monster” in Greek. In reality, these placid sharks, found the world over, are totally harmless.

Note: The basking shark and great white shark shown here are represented at a scale of 25.5 feet and 13.5 feet, respectively; Infographic: Maura Losch/Axios Not every fin moving slowly in dark ...

Marine researchers are investigating the death of a basking shark that washed up recently in Wellfleet. Here's what we know.