Thresher Shark

Thresher Shark

Alopias vulpinus

Size:
to 20 ft including tail

Habitat:
open ocean, both coastal and over very deep water, also in the Mud Hole

Notes:
not especially dangerous

This shark feeds mainly upon small fishes which it stuns with its long tail. It has relatively weak jaws and small teeth for its size and is generally not considered a threat to man unless provoked. Thresher Sharks are capable of great bursts of speed, and also commonly leap completely out of the water, for reasons unknown. The Thresher is a favorite of shark fishermen, and is very good eating if cleaned and prepared properly. It is also a common bycatch of long-line commercial fishing. The Bigeye Thresher shark is even more bizarre ( it's purple ! )

Thresher Shark
Thresher shark in the Philippines. Note the large eyes and small mouth.
Thresher Shark
The tail is unmistakable
Thresher Shark
Threshers are known to jump completely clear of the water, like this one in Maine.

Shipwreck Arundo
The Arundo as she appeared just prior to sinking.
Note the locomotives on deck, foreward of the aft mast.
Type:
shipwreck, freighter, Netherlands
Built:
1930, New Castle England, as Petersfield
Specs:
( 412 x 55 ft ) 5163 gross tons, 43 crew
Sunk:
Tuesday April 28, 1942
torpedoed by U-136 - 6 casualties
Depth:
140 ft max; 110 ft min; 125 ft typical

Printed from njscuba.net