Thresher Shark
Alopias Vulpinus
Size, Weight, and Description
The largest known Thresher Sharks reach a length of more than 20ft and weigh 216 pounds. These sharks are slow growing sharks. They reach their maturity between 8 and 13 years old and live about 22 years. Thresher sharks have big eyes, a small mouth, large pectoral fins, first dorsal fin and pelvic fins. They have a small second dorsal fin (near their tail) and anal fins. Their most noticeable characteristic, as noted above, is that the top lobe of their tail is unusually long and whip-like. This tail may be used to herd and stun small fish.
Living Conditions
Although Thresher Sharks love open and deep waters, they are also found in shallow waters near coastal areas. They are generally not found deeper than 500 meters (1,640ft). They favor the Pacific and Indian Oceans, especially at the continental shelves of America and Asia.