Basking Shark: History, Facts, Size, Habitat, Classification & Much More

By Emily Buono

The Basking Shark is an awe-inspiring creature, found in the world’s oceans. As one of the largest fish species, it captivates scientists, marine enthusiasts, and animal lovers alike. In this blogpost, we will delve into the history, fascinating facts, size, habitat, and classification of the remarkable Basking Shark.

The Basking Shark has a rich history that stretches back millions of years. Fossil records reveal how this gentle giant has evolved over time, adapting to survive in different environments. Known scientifically as Cetorhinus maximus, this magnificent animal belongs to the family Cetorhinidae. Often referred to as the “Basking” Shark because it spends long periods of time basking near the surface, it peacefully filters a vast amount of water to feed on tiny organisms, such as plankton and krill.

Size is one of the most striking characteristics of the Basking Shark. With an average length of around 26 feet (8 meters), and sometimes even reaching a remarkable 39 feet (12 meters), it is truly a behemoth of the sea. What’s fascinating is that despite its massive size, the Basking Shark doesn’t pose a threat to humans, as it primarily sustains itself on its microscopic prey.

The Basking Shark’s habitat spans across various oceans, favoring colder waters. They can often be spotted in areas such as the North Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. These gentle giants mainly migrate great distances to find food, navigating their way through the vast expanses of the ocean with an air of grace and tranquility.

Now that we have explored the history, facts, size, habitat, and classification of the marvelous Basking Shark, we invite you to dive deeper into the intriguing world of this magnificent creature. In the upcoming blogposts, we will unveil more exciting details about the life of the Basking Shark, shedding light on its behavior, reproduction, conservation efforts, and more. Stay tuned for a mesmerizing journey into the fascinating realm of Animals Name!

History of Basking Shark

The basking shark is an extraordinary creature that has swum in our oceans for millions of years. These massive sharks are known as the second-largest fish species in the world, growing up to a staggering length of 40 feet! Their history dates back to around 450 million years ago, during the time of the dinosaurs.

Basking sharks are found in the cool waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, stretching from the Arctic down to the tropical regions. These gentle giants have a very unique feeding habit. They are filter feeders, meaning they open their gigantic mouths to gulp down huge amounts of water, trapping tiny plankton inside their gill rakers. This is how they get their nickname as the “gentle giants” because they don’t have sharp teeth or attack other creatures.

During the early 20th century, basking sharks were heavily hunted for their liver oil, which was used in various products. This led to a drastic decline in their population, raising concerns among conservationists. Thankfully, in 1998, basking sharks were protected by law in many countries, prohibiting their hunting. Since then, the population has gradually started to recover, giving hope for the future of these magnificent creatures.

In conclusion, the history of the basking shark is one of resilience. Despite surviving for millions of years, they faced significant threats from human activities. However, through conservation efforts, these enormous creatures have been given a chance to thrive once again. Their presence in our oceans is a reminder of the importance of protecting and preserving the incredible biodiversity that exists within our planet’s waters.

Importance of Basking Shark

The basking shark is an amazing animal that is very important for our planet. It is the second largest fish in the world, growing up to 40 feet long! These gentle giants can be found swimming in the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

One important role of the basking shark is that it helps keep the ocean ecosystem balanced. They are filter feeders, which means they eat tiny plankton by swimming with their mouths open. By doing this, they help control the population of plankton in the ocean. Plankton is an important food source for many other animals, so if there were too many or too few plankton, it could disrupt the whole food chain.

Another reason why the basking shark is important is because it helps scientists study the health of the ocean. By tracking the movements of these sharks, scientists can learn more about their habitats and migration patterns. This valuable information can help us understand how human activities, like fishing and pollution, are affecting the ocean. It also helps us identify areas that need protection in order to preserve the basking shark’s natural environment.

In conclusion, the basking shark is a remarkable creature that plays a vital role in the ocean ecosystem. Its feeding habits help maintain the balance of plankton in the ocean, which has a big impact on the food chain. Additionally, studying basking sharks helps scientists gather important data about the health of the ocean. Protecting these unique animals and their habitat is essential for the well-being of our planet.

Amazing Facts About Basking Shark

1. The basking shark is the second largest fish in the world, growing up to a massive 32 feet (10 meters) in length.
2. These gentle giants can weigh around 5,000 pounds (2,268 kilograms) or more.
3. Basking sharks are mainly found in cool temperate waters, such as the North Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean near Japan.
4. They have a unique appearance with a large mouth that can stretch up to four feet wide (1.2 meters), allowing them to filter-feed on plankton and small fish.
5. Despite their enormous size, basking sharks are harmless to humans as they mostly feed on tiny organisms, and their teeth are very small and blunt.
6. These sharks are known for their slow and lazy swimming style, often seen cruising near the water’s surface with their dorsal fin exposed.
7. They are generally solitary creatures, but during the warmer months, they may gather in large groups to feed in productive areas.
8. Basking sharks are migratory animals, traveling long distances to reach their preferred feeding and breeding grounds.
9. Shark pups are born alive and fully developed, usually measuring around 5 feet (1.5 meters) in length.
10. Basking sharks have a lifespan of around 50 years or more, making them one of the longest-living shark species.
11. These sharks have a low reproductive rate, with females giving birth to only one or two pups every two to four years.
12. Overfishing and human activities have significantly reduced the population of basking sharks, making them vulnerable to extinction.
13. Basking sharks have a distinct coloration, with a dark gray or black upper body and a lighter underside.
14. They are known for their unique behavior called “basking,” where they swim near the surface, often exposing their heads and dorsal fins.
15. Basking sharks play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems by controlling the population of plankton and small fish.

Can we keep Basking Shark as our Pet?

No, we cannot keep a Basking Shark as a pet. Basking Sharks are large, migratory creatures that belong in their natural habitat, which is the open ocean. They do not adapt well to confinement or domestication, and their size and specialized needs make it impossible for us to care for them properly.

Basking Sharks are not extinct, but they are considered a vulnerable species. They face various threats, such as overfishing and habitat loss. These factors have caused a decline in their population, making it important for us to protect and conserve them in their natural environment.

Attempting to keep a Basking Shark as a pet would not only be harmful to the animal, but it would also be illegal in many places. These sharks require specific conditions to survive, including a habitat with a vast amount of food, ample space to swim, and the ability to migrate over long distances. Captivity would not be suitable for their needs and would cause them stress and harm.

It is essential to understand that wild animals, like the Basking Shark, belong in their natural environments. Instead of keeping them as pets, we should focus on conservation efforts and raising awareness about the importance of protecting their habitats.

Size of Basking Shark

The Basking Shark is one of the largest animals in the ocean. It is a massive creature that can grow up to a whopping 30 feet long! Just imagine, that’s about the same length as three cars parked in a row. This enormous size makes the Basking Shark a true giant of the sea.

Not only is the Basking Shark incredibly long, but it’s also quite heavy. In fact, it can weigh more than 5,000 kilograms, which is equal to the weight of ten small cars! To support its massive body, the Basking Shark has a strong and sturdy skeleton, just like we have bones to support us.

Despite their huge size, Basking Sharks are not aggressive predators. Instead of hunting for food like some other sharks, they prefer to feast on tiny plankton floating in the water. They do this by filtering the water through their wide-open mouths, which can reach up to 3 feet wide! Can you imagine having a mouth as big as a doorway?

In summary, the Basking Shark is an incredibly large creature that can reach lengths of 30 feet and weigh over 5,000 kilograms. These gentle giants use their wide mouths to filter plankton from the water, making them quite unique among sharks. So next time you imagine a big shark, think of the Basking Shark gliding peacefully through the ocean, kindly sharing the seas with other marine life.

Habitat of Basking Shark

The basking shark, a magnificent creature, spends most of its time in the open ocean. It is mainly found in cool temperate waters along the coasts of Europe, North America, and eastern Asia. These gentle giants prefer cooler waters because they have a large body size and need to maintain a constant body temperature. You won’t find them in tropical or warm waters as they can’t regulate their body heat well in those environments.

Unlike many other species, basking sharks do not have specific feeding or breeding grounds. Instead, they roam around the ocean in search of food and mates. They tend to prefer areas with high plankton concentrations, as this is their primary source of nutrition. Plankton are tiny organisms that float in the ocean, and they provide basking sharks with the energy they need to survive. Areas with strong ocean currents or upwellings, which bring nutrient-rich water to the surface, are often their favorite spots to glide along and gather food.

During the summer months, basking sharks are commonly seen close to shore, particularly in regions where the water is shallow and sunlight can penetrate easily. This is because plankton, their main food source, thrive in these conditions. Also, being near the surface helps these sharks warm up their bodies quickly as they bask in the sun. As autumn approaches, they typically move to deeper waters to avoid colder temperatures, and they may even migrate to a different region if food becomes scarce.

In conclusion, the basking shark is a creature of the open ocean. It can be found in cool temperate waters, where it roams freely in search of food and mates. Preferring areas with high plankton concentrations, they often swim close to shore during summer and move to deeper waters in the colder months. These gentle giants truly have an incredible habitat that allows them to thrive in our vast and beautiful oceans.

Evolution of Basking Shark

The basking shark is an incredible animal that has evolved over millions of years. In the beginning, there were no basking sharks. Instead, there were small, primitive sharks swimming in the ancient oceans. These early sharks had simple bodies without any special adaptations. They fed on small fish and crustaceans and were not very different from other marine creatures at the time.

As time went on, some of these primitive sharks started to change. They adapted to their environment and developed unique characteristics to help them survive. One of the most important adaptations was the development of their massive mouths and gill slits. These features allowed them to filter huge amounts of water, which helped them feed on tiny plankton. Gradually, these sharks grew larger and began to take on the shape and characteristics of the modern basking shark.

Today, basking sharks are the second-largest fish in the ocean, reaching lengths of up to 32 feet! Over millions of years, they have become experts at filter-feeding, using their enormous mouths and gill rakers to strain plankton and small fish from the water. They also have a unique pattern of dark gray skin, which helps camouflage them in the deep ocean. With their slow and peaceful nature, basking sharks have managed to survive and thrive in our ever-changing world. It is amazing to think about how they have evolved and adapted over time to become the magnificent creatures we know today.

Classification of Basking Shark

The basking shark is a fascinating animal that belongs to the family Cetorhinidae. It is the second-largest fish in the ocean after the whale shark, and it can grow up to 40 feet long! This majestic creature can be found in the temperate waters of the Atlantic Ocean and parts of the Pacific Ocean.

The basking shark is classified as a species of shark, known scientifically as Cetorhinus maximus. Sharks are a type of fish that have a cartilaginous skeleton instead of bones. They are known for their well-developed senses, powerful jaws, and numerous sharp teeth. The basking shark has a distinct appearance with a large, wide mouth and a pair of gill slits that almost extend up to its eyes.

In terms of its classification, the basking shark is part of the animal kingdom called Animalia. It belongs to the phylum Chordata, which includes all animals with a notochord or spinal cord. Within the class Chondrichthyes, which includes all cartilaginous fish, the basking shark falls under the subclass Elasmobranchii, along with other sharks and rays. Finally, it is specifically classified in the order Lamniformes and the family Cetorhinidae.

In conclusion, the basking shark is an incredible animal that is classified as Cetorhinus maximus in the family Cetorhinidae. It is a large species of shark found in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. By understanding the classification of this magnificent creature, we can learn more about its place in the animal kingdom and appreciate its unique characteristics.

Different Types of Basking Shark

1. Basking sharks are the second-largest living fish species, growing up to a massive 32 feet in length. They have a distinctive pointed snout and a wide mouth that can open up to 3 feet wide, allowing them to filter feed on zooplankton.
2. These sharks are gentle giants and are known for their calm and non-aggressive nature. Despite their size, they pose no threat to humans, as they mainly feed on small organisms and not larger prey.
3. Basking sharks have a unique feeding behavior called filter feeding. They swim with their mouths wide open, skimming the water’s surface to capture tiny organisms, such as plankton, through gill rakers, which act as a sieve to trap food.
4. These sharks are mainly found in colder waters around the Atlantic Ocean and the northeast Pacific Ocean. They undertake long-distance migrations, including traveling across the Atlantic, in search of food and warm waters.
5. Basking sharks prefer to swim close to the surface, often basking (hence their name) near the water’s surface, which allows them to soak up the warmth of the sun. This behavior, known as basking, helps regulate their body temperature.
6. Unlike most sharks, basking sharks are not known for their speed. They have been observed swimming at a leisurely pace of around 3-4 knots. Despite their slow speed, they can cover vast distances due to their migratory behavior.
7. The lifespan of basking sharks is estimated to be around 50 years, although some individuals may live longer. Their slow growth rate and late maturation contribute to their longer lifespan compared to other shark species.
8. Basking sharks are ovoviviparous, meaning that the females retain fertilized eggs inside their bodies until they hatch. They give birth to live young, with litters ranging from 6 to 25 pups, which are fully formed miniature versions of the adults.
9. These sharks are considered a vulnerable species due to various threats they face, including commercial fishing for their fins, meat, and liver oil. Conservation efforts aim to protect their habitats and promote sustainable fishing practices.
10. Basking sharks play a crucial role in marine ecosystems as filter feeders, helping maintain a balance in the population of plankton and other small organisms. Preserving their populations is essential for the overall health and biodiversity of oceans.

Geographical Presence of Basking Shark

The Basking Shark is typically found in the cold and temperate regions of the world. They can be seen in the coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean, including the northeastern coast of the United States, Canada, and the waters around the United Kingdom and Ireland. These massive creatures can also be spotted in the Pacific Ocean, along the eastern coast of Asia, from Japan to Australia, as well as the waters surrounding New Zealand. Basking Sharks prefer to stay near the surface, especially in areas rich in planktons, their main source of food.

However, there are certain regions where Basking Sharks are not commonly found. These include warmer tropical waters, such as those found near the equator. The Basking Shark’s preference for cooler waters means they are rarely seen in the tropical areas of the world. Additionally, they are not usually observed in the Mediterranean Sea or the Caribbean Sea, which are also warmer regions. These regions do not provide the ideal conditions and food source necessary for the survival of the Basking Shark.

In summary, the Basking Shark is mainly found in the cold and temperate regions of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. While they can be spotted in coastal waters around the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, they are not commonly seen in warmer tropical areas or the Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas.

Scientific Name of Basking Shark

The scientific name of the basking shark is Cetorhinus maximus. The basking shark is a magnificent creature that can be found in the world’s oceans. With its large size and unique features, it is truly a remarkable species.

Cetorhinus maximus belongs to the family of Lamniformes, which includes other shark species like the great white and the mako shark. The basking shark is known for its massive size, reaching lengths of up to 10 meters (32 feet) long. It has a long, streamlined body and a large mouth that can open up to a meter wide.

Despite its intimidating appearance, the basking shark is a filter feeder, meaning it feeds on tiny organisms called plankton. It swims slowly with its mouth open, filtering the water for plankton and other small organisms. This shark has a gentle nature and is harmless to humans.

In conclusion, the scientific name of the basking shark is Cetorhinus maximus. This fascinating creature belongs to the Lamniformes family and is known for its immense size and filter-feeding habits. Despite its appearance, the basking shark is not a threat to humans and plays an important role in maintaining the balance of ocean ecosystems.

Diet of Basking Shark

The Basking Shark has a very interesting diet. It eats tiny creatures called plankton. Plankton are very small organisms that float in the ocean. They include things like tiny plants and animals. To eat plankton, the Basking Shark has a special way to filter them from the water.

When the Basking Shark swims through the water, it opens its large mouth really wide. Then, it closes its mouth and water rushes out through its gills. But the plankton, which are too big to fit through the gills, are trapped inside the Basking Shark’s mouth. This is how the shark gets its food.

The Basking Shark can eat a lot of plankton in just one day. In fact, scientists think that it can eat about one ton of plankton every hour! Can you imagine eating that much food in such a short time? It’s amazing! Also, the Basking Shark has a huge liver that helps it store lots of energy from the plankton. This is useful because sometimes it can be hard to find enough plankton to eat.

So, the diet of the Basking Shark mainly consists of plankton. It has a clever way to filter these tiny creatures from the water. Eating one ton of plankton per hour is no small feat! That’s why the Basking Shark has a big liver to store all the energy it needs. It’s fascinating to learn how different animals eat and survive in the ocean!

Locomotion of Basking Shark

The basking shark is a fascinating creature with a unique way of getting around in the water. This incredible animal uses its large muscular tail, known as a caudal fin, to propel itself forward through the ocean. The tail moves from side to side, creating a powerful force that pushes the shark through the water. This form of locomotion is called swimming.

In addition to its tail, the basking shark also has a series of large pectoral fins which help it maintain balance and stability while swimming. These fins act like wings, allowing the shark to glide gracefully through the water. They also help the shark change directions quickly when needed. With the combination of its strong tail and powerful pectoral fins, the basking shark is able to travel long distances in search of food. It is a magnificent sight to see this gentle giant effortlessly move through the ocean.

Social and Sexual Behaviour of Basking Shark

The basking shark is a fascinating creature, known not only for its massive size but also for its interesting social and sexual behavior. These sharks are quite solitary animals, preferring to swim alone rather than in groups. They do not engage in any specific social activities or form close bonds with other sharks. However, during certain times of the year, they do gather in large groups called aggregations. These gatherings occur when there is an abundance of food, and the sharks come together to feast on the same food source.

When it comes to reproduction, basking sharks have an egg-like fertilization process called ovoviviparity. This means that the female shark’s eggs develop inside her body, and once they hatch, live young are born. Interestingly, female basking sharks are also known to have a kind of “harem” behavior. This means that during breeding season, multiple males will compete for the attention of a single female. The male sharks will swim around the female and attempt to mate with her.

In conclusion, the basking shark may not be a highly social animal, preferring to spend most of its time alone. However, they do come together in large groups to feed when food is abundant. Additionally, their reproductive behavior involves the female sharks having multiple males vying for their attention during breeding season. These aspects of their behavior make the basking shark an intriguing creature to study and understand.

Reproduction and Lifecycle of Basking Shark

The basking shark, a fascinating creature, goes through a unique reproduction and life cycle. It all begins with courtship, where male and female sharks swim together in circles. During this time, the male shark fertilizes the eggs of the female shark. The female then carries the eggs inside her body, where they develop over a period of 3-4 years.

Once the eggs have fully developed, they are ready to hatch. The female basking shark gives birth to live young ones, known as pups. These pups are around 1.5 – 1.8 meters long when they are born, usually in shallow coastal waters. It is interesting to note that a female basking shark can give birth to up to six pups at a time.

After the birth, the young basking sharks are left to fend for themselves. They have to quickly learn how to swim and feed on their own. This can be a challenging time for them as they need to find enough food to grow bigger and survive. As the young ones grow, they move towards deeper waters where they can find more food.

As basking sharks continue to grow, they go through a series of molting, shedding their old skin to make space for the new one. It takes around 20-25 years for a basking shark to reach full maturity. At this point, they can measure around 8-10 meters long. The basking shark’s life cycle continues as they reach reproductive age and the circle begins again with courtship and egg fertilization.

In summary, the basking shark starts its life cycle with courtship, where the male fertilizes the eggs of the female. The female then carries the eggs for several years before giving birth to live young ones. These pups then go through a period of growth and learning, eventually reaching adulthood and reproducing to continue the cycle.

Threats to Basking Shark

Basking sharks face several threats that put their survival at risk. One of the biggest threats is overfishing. This means that people catch too many basking sharks from the ocean. They do this because they want the sharks for their fins, which are considered a delicacy in some countries. Overfishing can lead to a decrease in the number of basking sharks in the ocean, making it harder for them to reproduce and survive.

Another threat to basking sharks is habitat loss. Basking sharks need specific places in the ocean to live and find food. However, human activities such as pollution, coastal developments, and climate change can destroy or change these habitats. When sharks lose their homes, they struggle to find enough food and shelter, which can result in their population declining over time.

Finally, basking sharks are also affected by accidental capture. This happens when fishermen catch basking sharks unintentionally while fishing for other species. Sometimes, these sharks get trapped in fishing nets or hooked by mistake, causing injuries or death. Accidental capture can pose a significant threat to basking sharks, especially if they are not released back into the ocean unharmed.

To protect basking sharks, it is crucial to reduce overfishing and prevent illegal hunting of these gentle creatures. Efforts should be made to create marine protected areas where basking sharks can thrive without human interference. Additionally, raising awareness about the importance of these sharks and their conservation is essential for their long-term survival. By taking these steps, we can help ensure that basking sharks continue to swim peacefully in our oceans for generations to come.

Population of Basking Shark

The population of the basking shark, also known as the gentle giant of the sea, is estimated to be around 30,000 individuals. These amazing creatures can grow up to 30 feet in length and are found in different parts of the world, such as the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Despite their enormous size, basking sharks feed on tiny organisms called plankton, which they filter from the water using their large jaws.

Sadly, the basking shark population has faced significant declines in the past due to overfishing and habitat destruction. In the early 20th century, they were hunted for their liver oil and fins, causing their numbers to dwindle. However, since becoming protected in many countries, including the United Kingdom, their population has slowly started to recover.

It is crucial to protect basking sharks and their habitats to ensure their continued survival. Conservation efforts are in place to monitor their population size, study their behavior, and create marine protected areas where these magnificent animals can thrive. By safeguarding basking sharks, we can help maintain the balance of the marine ecosystem and preserve the biodiversity of our oceans for future generations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have learned a great deal about the fascinating Basking Shark. These enormous animals are the second-largest shark species in the world, reaching impressive lengths of up to 40 feet! Despite their size, Basking Sharks are harmless to humans as they feed mainly on tiny plankton. They have a distinctive appearance with their large, gaping mouths and unique gill slits.

The Basking Shark has a rich history and has been known to humans for centuries. It was once heavily hunted for its liver oil and fins, causing its numbers to decline significantly. However, today there are conservation efforts in place to protect these incredible creatures. We now know that they can be found in waters around the world, although they prefer colder regions.

In conclusion, learning about the Basking Shark has been a fascinating journey. These gentle giants play an essential role in the ocean’s ecosystem and are a wonder to behold. By understanding their history, facts, size, habitat, and classification, we can better appreciate these magnificent animals and work towards their conservation. Let’s continue to protect and appreciate all the incredible creatures that share our planet, including the remarkable Basking Shark.

Frequently Asked Questions about Basking Shark (FAQ’s)

Q1: What is a Basking Shark?
A1: A Basking Shark is the second largest fish in the world, known for its enormous size and gentile nature.

Q2: Where can Basking Sharks be found?
A2: Basking Sharks can be found in cold and temperate regions of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.

Q3: How big can Basking Sharks get?
A3: Basking Sharks can grow up to an impressive length of 40 feet or more.

Q4: What do Basking Sharks eat?
A4: Basking Sharks primarily feed on plankton and small fish using a filtering system called gill rakers.

Q5: Are Basking Sharks dangerous to humans?
A5: Basking Sharks are not considered dangerous to humans as they have a diet consisting mainly of plankton.

Q6: How long can Basking Sharks live?
A6: Basking Sharks have been known to live up to 50 years, though their lifespan can vary.

Q7: Are Basking Sharks endangered?
A7: Basking Sharks are classified as vulnerable due to overfishing and accidental bycatch.

Q8: How far do Basking Sharks migrate?
A8: Basking Sharks are known to undertake long migrations, with some individuals traveling over 2,000 miles.

Q9: Do Basking Sharks have any predators?
A9: Basking Sharks have few natural predators, but large sharks such as Great Whites may occasionally attack them.

Q10: Can Basking Sharks breach out of the water?
A10: Basking Sharks are not known for breaching like some other shark species.

Q11: Do Basking Sharks have teeth?
A11: Basking Sharks do have teeth, but they are very small and are not used for feeding.

Q12: How do Basking Sharks reproduce?
A12: Basking Sharks are ovoviviparous, meaning they give birth to live young after internal fertilization.

Q13: What is the average weight of a Basking Shark?
A13: The average weight of a Basking Shark is around 4,000 to 7,000 pounds.

Q14: Can Basking Sharks be kept in captivity?
A14: It is extremely challenging to keep Basking Sharks in captivity due to their large size and specialized filtering feeding behavior.

Q15: Are Basking Sharks commonly seen by humans?
A15: Basking Sharks can be occasionally seen by humans, particularly during their feeding season or while migrating. However, sightings are not as common as with other shark species.

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