Identi-fin-cation: Basking shark or great white?

Beachgoers take note that not every fin moving slowly in dark waters needs its own theme song.

In honor of Shark Week, a fun fact: Basking sharks are among species most often mistaken for great whites.

• Both swim near the surface with their dorsal fin visible, but the shape and texture of those fins differ.

Threat level: Basking sharks, while big and intimidating, are not dangerous. They're filter feeders, swimming open-mouthed to collect tiny plankton.

• Great whites are responsible for the most fatal unprovoked shark attacks worldwide.

What to do if you see a fin