Alopiidae
The Alopiidae family, commonly known as thresher sharks, comprises a small group of five species of mackerel sharks. These remarkable creatures are characterized by their extremely long, whip-like upper lobes of their caudal fins, which they use to stun prey. Threshers are found in temperate and tropical waters worldwide, typically inhabiting areas near the continental shelf and slopes.
Characteristics
Thresher sharks are easily distinguished from other shark species by their unique and elongated upper caudal fin lobe, which can be up to half the length of their body. This striking feature is used to herd, stun, and even kill prey. They also possess large, wide eyes and a streamlined, fusiform body shape, designed for efficient swimming. These sharks are generally not aggressive towards humans but have been known to bite if provoked.
Environments
Thresher sharks are found in both coastal and oceanic waters, with a preference for temperate and tropical regions. They are generally pelagic and often occur near the continental shelf and slope. They have been observed at depths ranging from the surface to over 500 meters.
Species
There are five recognized species within the Alopiidae family:
- Common thresher (Alopias vulpinus)
- Pelagic thresher (Alopias pelagicus)
- Bigeye thresher (Alopias superciliosus)
- Shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus)
- Longfin mako (Isurus paucus)
References
FishBase - Alopias vulpinus
WoRMS - Alopiidae
Shark Trust - Thresher Sharks