Pelagic Thresher Shark (Alopias pelagicus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Alopias pelagicus
- Common name
- Pelagic Thresher Shark
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Alopiidae
- Genus
- Alopias
- Size
- 180–420 cm
- Depth
- 0–200 m
- IUCN status
- Vulnerable (VU)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- open-water, pelagic-zone
- Behaviours
- pelagic, migratory
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea
Description
Alopias pelagicus reaches 4.2 m. Pelagic thresher shark, Indo-Pacific tropical distribution. Streamlined body, tail elongated (>= body length), gray-blue dorsal, white ventral. Open-ocean cruiser, transequatorial migrant. Tail used to stun prey. Vulnerable to overfishing (IUCN VU). Rarely observed by recreational divers, priority for conservation.
Photo of Pelagic Thresher Shark
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Pelagic Thresher Shark?
- Pelagic Thresher Shark (Alopias pelagicus) reaches 180–420 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Pelagic Thresher Shark?
- Pelagic Thresher Shark is found between 0–200 m deep.
- Is the Pelagic Thresher Shark dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Pelagic Thresher Shark?
- IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU).
- Where can you find the Pelagic Thresher Shark?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.
Other species in the genus Alopias
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 220019)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2420809)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia