Species page
Common Thresher
Uses a whip-like tail to stun fish schools.
Alopias vulpinus
Vulnerable
Overview
This species belongs to the thresher shark family, famous for a whip-like tail longer than most sharks ever grow. Even when details vary between species, that tail is the quickest clue in the field. The defining feature is the extremely elongated upper lobe of the tail, often nearly as long as the rest of the body. The body is streamlined with long pectoral fins and a pointed snout. Threshers occur in tropical, subtropical, and temperate seas around the world. Most records come from oceanic and shelf-edge waters, though some species also approach coasts and islands.
Most species spend much of their time in the upper water column over deep water, with regular use of offshore banks, seamounts, and outer continental shelves.
Known for one of the most dramatic hunting tools in sharks.
Why it matters: A thresher's tail is not just for propulsion; it can also be used as a prey-handling tool.
Scientific nameAlopias vulpinus
FamilyAlopiidae
OrderLamniformes
Max length6.0 m
Depth range0 to 650 meters
ConservationVulnerable
RegionTemperate and tropical seas
DietSchooling fish and squid
HabitatOpen ocean and offshore banks
Why it stands outTail nearly as long as the body
What this shark is
The defining feature is the extremely elongated upper lobe of the tail, often nearly as long as the rest of the body. The body is streamlined with long pectoral fins and a pointed snout.
Where it lives
Threshers occur in tropical, subtropical, and temperate seas around the world. Most records come from oceanic and shelf-edge waters, though some species also approach coasts and islands.
Most species spend much of their time in the upper water column over deep water, with regular use of offshore banks, seamounts, and outer continental shelves.
How it differs from similar sharks
Tail nearly as long as the body
Compare it against Bigeye thresher and Pelagic thresher.
Why it is notable
Direct conflict with people is uncommon. The larger conservation issue is fishing pressure, especially from pelagic longlines and other high-seas gear.
Related shark pages
These links are meant to help readers continue through related species, not force extra clicks.
Bigeye thresher
This species belongs to the thresher shark family, famous for a whip-like tail longer than most sharks ever grow. Even when details vary between species, that tail is the quickest clue in the field.
4.9 m max
Pelagic thresher
Common name: fox shark
This species belongs to the thresher shark family, famous for a whip-like tail longer than most sharks ever grow. Even when details vary between species, that tail is the quickest clue in the field.
3.8 m max