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We must know more about sharks to better protect them

Photo © Alexa Elliot

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For example where and when they migrate

Photo © Guy Harvey Research Institute

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The genera and species of the family "Thresher sharks"

Typical species:
Pelagic thresher
Photo © Steve de Neef

Family: Thresher sharks

Alopiidae

Numbers of genera and species

Genera:

Species:

Thresher sharks

This is an unmistakable family as all species possess huge tails as long as the trunks. This large tail is used to herd schooling fish and then stun them with a whip of their tails. Their body is cylindrical and moderately stout. Their snout is pointed. Large pectoral fins are present. The first dorsal fin is large and erect, while the second one is minute. The pelvic fins are nearly as large as the first dorsal fin. 3 species are recognised with a circumglobal distribution in tropical and temperate waters. All species are large and strong swimmers. They possess an oviviviparous style of reproduction (aplacental viviparity) with intra-uterine cannibalism.

Genus: Alopias

(Species: 3)

Including full text, photo, distriburion map:

Bigeye thresher

(Alopias superciliosus)

Thresher shark

(Alopias vulpinus)

Pelagic thresher

(Alopias pelagicus)

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