Thick Skin Of Basking Sharks Protects A Body Weighing Several Tons

Beneath the surface lies armor built for a five-ton frame.

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Shark skin texture has been compared to sandpaper due to the density of dermal denticles.

The skin of a basking shark is thick and reinforced with dermal denticles, forming a protective layer over a body that can weigh more than 5 metric tons. This tough exterior reduces injury risk during long migrations and surface interactions.

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Supporting a multi-ton body in open ocean conditions exposes the shark to parasites, minor collisions, and abrasive contact. Thick, textured skin acts as both armor and hydrodynamic aid, balancing protection with efficiency.

For a slow-swimming giant lacking aggressive defenses, structural resilience becomes essential. Physical durability helps ensure that an animal taking years to mature can survive long enough to reproduce.

Source

Encyclopaedia Britannica

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