Common Thresher [Alopias vulpinus]
Description
The Common Thresher Shark, also known as the Fox Shark, is a large pelagic shark inhabiting temperate and tropical oceans worldwide. It is characterized by its extremely long, whip-like tail or caudal fin, which can be as long as the body itself. This species uses its tail in a whip-like fashion to stun its prey, primarily small schooling fish. The Common Thresher Shark is a solitary species, typically found in the upper layers of the ocean, although it may dive up to 500 meters. It is ovoviviparous with females giving birth to 2-4 pups per litter.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Cartilaginous Fish
Chondrichthyes
|
| Order |
Mackerel Sharks
Lamniformes
|
| Family |
Thresher Sharks
Alopiidae
|
| Genus |
Common Thresher
Alopias
|