New Jersey Scuba Diving

Common Tern

Terns are smaller and more graceful in flight than gulls. The Common Tern Sterna hirundo (right) grows to 14", wingspan 31". Their forked tails make it easy to differentiate terns from Laughing Gulls, which also have black heads.

Terns are found in the same habitats as gulls, that is to say, just about anywhere near water. Their call is a common sound along waterfronts everywhere.

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 ! )

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Common Tern

Sea Birds

Thresher Shark