Thresher Shark

Thresher sharks are large lamniform sharks of the family Alopiidae found in all temperate and tropical oceans of the world; the family contains three extant species, all within the genus Alopias.

Common Thresher

via GIPHY

The common thresher (Alopias vulpinus), also known as Atlantic thresher, is the largest species of thresher shark, family Alopiidae, reaching some 6 m (20 ft) in length. About half of its length consists of the elongated upper lobe of its caudal fin. With a streamlined body, short pointed snout, and modestly sized eyes, the common thresher resembles (and has often been confused with) the pelagic thresher (A. pelagicus). It can be distinguished from the latter species by the white of its belly extending in a band over the bases of its pectoral fins. The common thresher is distributed worldwide in tropical and temperate waters, though it prefers cooler temperatures. It can be found both close to shore and in the open ocean, from the surface to a depth of 550 m (1,800 ft). It is seasonally migratory and spends summers at lower latitudes.

Thresher Shark

While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. (Source: www.britannica.com)

Learn More in These Related Britannica Articles:

) feed on open-water schooling fishes, such as mackerel, herring, and bonito, and on squid. The long upper lobe of the tail, which may be half the total length of the shark, is used to herd the fish (sometimes by flailing the water… (Source: www.britannica.com)

Thresher Shark Indonesia – Conserving Thresher Shark Through Community Participation

Thresher Shark Indonesia was founded in 2018. Our work aims to protect endangered pelagic thresher shark (Alopias pelagicus) in Alor Island, Indonesia through investigating the critical habitat, socio-economic importance of the species for the community and conservation outreach to local schools. We combine research and community engagement to inform policy decision for local protection of the species (Source: threshershark.id)

In Search of Solutions: Protecting Thresher Shark and Local Communities

When I was eight years old, I begged my parents for a giant fish tank so that I could collect all of my favourite fish. Every Sunday, my dad and I usually went to the nearby pet shop, and he would patiently wait for me to closely examine the Betta fish before announcing my favourite.… (Source: threshershark.id)

Thresher Shark

Thresher sharks are easily recognizable by their “weaponised” caudal fin, which can be as long as their body, up to 20 feet (6 meters). During a hunt, the sharks swim close to a school of fish and then abruptly break, which causes their caudal fin to flick over the body into the school, at an average speed of over 30 miles per hour, stunning and killing the fish. The Thresher can then eat at its leisure. (Source: wildfor.life)

Did You Know?

This tail killing strategy is unique among sharks; killer whales and dolphins are the only other marine species to do this, but infrequently. (Source: wildfor.life)

Atlantic Common Thresher Shark

Internet Explorer lacks support for the features of this website. For the best experience, please use a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. (Source: www.fisheries.noaa.gov)

Bigeye Thresher Shark

Distinguishable from the two other species of thresher sharks, the pelagic and the common thresher, by its namesake – a pair of extremely large eyes used to detect prey in low light. (Source: www.edgeofexistence.org)