Common thresher shark
Alopias vulpinus
IUCN Status:Vulnerable
Where can they be found?
Usually South Western coasts - may leap from the water.
Please note: this map is intended as a guide for general locations rather than detailed localised populations.
Did you know... Unlike many other sharks, threshers can maintain their body temperature above the surrounding water meaning they can keep their muscles warm to reach and maintain faster swimming speeds
Key facts about Common thresher sharks
You may think this is an unremarkable looking shark - except when you see its enormously extended top part of the tail! It uses its incredible tail to corral and stun schools of fish, such as mackerel before eating its dazed prey.They have also been known to thrash around on the seabed, raising mud and disorientating surrounding fish, then easily picking them off too. It is a master at confusing its prey and using it to its advantage.
Another feature of the common thresher shark is its face that looks like it is surprised at all times. This is proof that not all sharks are as scary looking as the great white or mako shark. They are incredibly timid and have small mouths making them look like a wimp compared to some of its more brute-like cousins.
Thresher sharks have also be caught breaching out of the water with help of their powerful tails to help remove parasites and communicate with other threshers.
The common thresher is the largest of the 3 thresher shark species, the others are the bigeye thresher and the pelagic thresher. All 3 have been recorded visiting UK waters but other than the common thresher, this is extremely rare.
| IUCN status | Vulnerable |
|---|---|
| Age | The common thresher shark cruises the ocean for approximately 38-50 years. |
| Diet | The common thresher shark's diet primarily consists of small, schooling fish like mackerel, herring, and sardines. However, they aren't too picky. They also eat squid, crustaceans, large fish like cod and it is also thought that they might also eat seabirds if they can reach and incapacitate one fast enough |
| Habitat | Open ocean |
| Length | 6.1m |
| Speed and distance | They are capable of bursts of up to 30-37 mph, whipping their tail at an incredible 22-30 mph! |
| Weight | 500-510kg |
