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Shark (Thresher)

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Alopias vulpinus

Range

They are found in warm and temperate oceans throughout the world.

Habitat

They are found most often on the surface of coastal waters, but they can be found at more than 1,000 feet.

Body Traits

They have a much large upper tail (caudal) fin – up to half its length. They have a short snout and large eyes close to the front of their head. They are dark on top and lighter underneath. They can reach 20 feet long.

Habits

They are strong swimmers and can leap clear of the water. They use their large back fin to herd fish together for feeding.

Diet

They eat fish and squid.

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Reproduction

This shark is ovoviviparous, with the eggs being hatched inside the female, and 2 to 6 live pups being delivered at a size of 1.5 meters (5 feet) long. During development, the young may cannibalize their siblings within the uterine chamber.

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Order: Lamniformes
Family: Alopiidae
Genus: Alopias
Species: A. vulpinus

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