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. All three thresher shark species have been listed as vulnerable to extinction by the World Conservation Union since 2007
Thresher Sharks have a total length between 10.5'-20' (3.2-6.1 m) and an overall weight in the range of 500-775 lb (227-352 kg). The typical lifespan of the Thresher Shark is between 20-50 years
The thresher shark eats schooling fish, such as herring and mackerel and cephalopods such as squid. The large caudal fin is used to slap the surface of the water forcing fish to form tighter schools; the tail can then be used as a whip to stun or kill the prey.
Family | Species | Common name |
---|---|---|
Alopiidae | A. vulpinus | Thresher Shark | Family summary | Species summary | Name summary |
in a different family than the other sharks |
Different species than the other sharks |
has "shark" in name like the other sharks |