How big is the Blue shark?

Blue shark (Prionace glauca) reaches 180–380 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Blue shark?

Blue shark is found between 0–1000 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Blue shark?

IUCN status: Near threatened (NT).

Where can you find the Blue shark?

Found in: Caribbean, East Atlantic, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Mediterranean, Eastern Pacific.

Blue shark (Prionace glauca)

Key facts

Scientific name: Prionace glauca
Common name: Blue shark
Category: Fish
Family: Carcharhinidae
Genus: Prionace
Size: 180–380 cm
Depth: 0–1000 m
IUCN status: Near threatened (NT)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: open-water
Behaviours: solitary, schooling, fast-moving
Ocean zones: Caribbean, East Atlantic, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Mediterranean, Eastern Pacific

Description

Prionace glauca reaches 3.8 m and 200 kg. Very slender pelagic shark, pointed snout, long pectoral fins. Spectacular bright cobalt-blue back, striking white belly. Lives from 0 to 1000 m in all temperate to tropical oceans, transatlantic migrations. Listed NT. One of the most captured sharks worldwide despite overfishing. Cage or surface encounters in Azores, Cornwall and South Africa. Curious, slow undulating approaches on pelagic diving.

Photo of Blue shark

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Blue shark?: Blue shark (Prionace glauca) reaches 180–380 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Blue shark?: Blue shark is found between 0–1000 m deep.
Is the Blue shark dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Blue shark?: IUCN status: Near threatened (NT).
Where can you find the Blue shark?: Found in: Caribbean, East Atlantic, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Mediterranean, Eastern Pacific.

Other species in the family Carcharhinidae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 105801)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2417940)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia