Powerfully built shark with squat, powerful body. Colour is grey, on the back and flanks, sometimes with tinges of blue and purple, with white underside. Head is fairly broad and eyes are small for a shark species. Dorsal fin is small but pectoral fins are large and broad. Mouth is fairly small and full of small but very sharp teeth. Upper part of narrow, tapering tail fin is massively extended, making up around half of the bodylength.
Distribution
Migratory species which (although rare) can be found in UK waters in the summer months. Generally stays far offshore over deeper water.
Feeds On
Pelagic shoaling fish such as mackerel and herring, and will also eat squid.
- Scientific name: Alopias vulpinus
- Also known as: Common Thresher Shark, Fox Shark
- Size: Over 30ft (although half of this length is the tail), and 1250lbs.
- UK minimum size: All UK shark species have a default minimum weight of 40lbs/18kg (shore) and 50lbs/23kg (boat).
- UK shore caught record: N/a
- IUCN Status: VU (Vulnerable)
