The Common Thresher, Thresher Shark (Alopias vulpinus) is a large, distinctive shark known for its exceptionally long upper lobe of the caudal fin, which resembles a whip. This unique feature is used to stun prey, earning them the nickname “Fox Shark.” The species is widely distributed across the globe, inhabiting temperate and tropical waters.
Description & Characteristics
Alopias vulpinus is a robust shark with a streamlined body and a pointed snout. They are typically grey or bluish-grey on the dorsal side and white on the ventral side. The most striking feature is their long, whip-like upper lobe of the caudal fin, which can be nearly as long as the rest of the body. They can grow to a maximum size of 573 cm, making them one of the larger shark species.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Common Thresher, Thresher Shark (Alopias vulpinus) is found in both coastal and oceanic waters, typically inhabiting depths from the surface down to 650 meters. They are a common sight in temperate and tropical waters around the world, frequently observed in marine zones like the neritic and oceanic provinces. This widespread distribution reflects their adaptability to various environments and their migratory nature.
Taxonomy
The species Alopias vulpinus belongs to the Class: Elasmobranchii, Order: Lamniformes, and Family: Alopiidae. Elasmobranchii is a class of cartilaginous fish, which also includes rays and skates. The Lamniformes, or mackerel sharks, include other well-known species like Great Whites and Mako sharks. The Alopiidae family is a small family of sharks, consisting solely of the Thresher sharks.
Feeding
The Common Thresher, Thresher Shark (Alopias vulpinus) is a voracious predator with a diverse diet. They are known to feed on a wide range of fish, including codfish, small fish, smelt, and even other smaller shark species. They also consume squid and octopus. Their feeding strategy often involves using their long caudal fin to herd and stun prey before consuming them.
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