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Common Thresher
Alopias vulpinus
FAMILY: Alopiidae
ALSO KNOWN AS: Thresher shark
CONSERVATION STATUS: Vulnerable (worldwide)
RANGE: North Atlantic and southern Atlantic
LENGTH: 500 cm (approx. 16 feet) total length
WEIGHT: 499 kg (1100 lbs)
Illustration ©Marc Dando
Photograph ©Wix Stock
Overview
RANGE: Occasionally found in Gulf of Maine from May to October, more common in Southern New England. Isolated historical reports of juveniles at the mouth of Long Island Sound.
HABITAT: Found in warm and temperate near- and offshore waters from 0 to 400 m in depth. Historical range in Western North Atlantic extends from Newfoundland to Florida.
Map ©IUCN
IDENTIFICATION: Dorsal coloration is blue-grey, sometimes with purple undertones, fading to grey on sides and white underneath. The dorsal lobe of the caudal fin makes up nearly 50% of the shark’s length. Middle of the first dorsal fin is approximately equidistant between the base of the pectoral fin and the origin of the pelvic fins.
INTERESTING FACTS: Uses its long tail to herd and stun fish, turning rapidly to consume stunned prey. Known to leap from water. Regionally endothermic shark capable of retaining body heat generated from rapid metabolism. Seasonal coastal migrations throughout its range.
IUCN CONSERVATION STATUS: Vulnerable
Vulnerable to extinction; One fish of at least 54 inches fork length (FL) is allowed per vessel per trip. Anglers should confirm that they have not misidentified their shark with the Bigeye Thresher, Alopias superciliosus, which is prohibited in US waters. Federal Highly Migratory Species fishing permit required in federal waters.
