Hello shark lovers! Today, we continue our series on discovering some of the most iconic shark species in the ocean. Much like our previous exploration of the majestic bull sharks, thresher sharks are very distinctive and easy to recognize underwater due to their very particular tail. Let’s look at some cool facts about these sharks!
Species
The broad name thresher shark includes three different species: bigeyes, common, and pelagic thresher sharks. All are mainly found in warm and temperate waters in all oceans. They can be quite difficult to tell apart as they look very similar. Common thresher sharks are the largest and can reach over 6m in length (tail included).
A tail designed for acrobatics
Thresher sharks are renowned for their elongated tail fins, a distinctive feature that makes them easy to identify underwater. These impressive tails, sometimes as long as the shark's body itself, serve a purpose beyond aesthetics. Thresher sharks expertly use their tails to corral and stun schools of small fish, showcasing a hunting technique that is both graceful and effective. Thresher sharks are also skilled aerial acrobats. In areas where they are seen underwater, you can also observe them breaching high over the surface and coming back down with a splash! While the exact reasons for this behavior remain a mystery, it is quite special to witness.
Nomads of the ocean
Thresher sharks are true globe-trotters, navigating a diverse range of habitats, from tropical to temperate waters worldwide. Their extensive travels take them across oceans, showcasing their adaptability to various environmental conditions. This cosmopolitan lifestyle highlights the resilience and versatility of these enigmatic creatures.
Thresher sharks are also well-acquainted with the mysteries of the deep sea, often residing at depths of up to 500 meters. Adapted with specialized gill structures, thresher sharks efficiently extract oxygen in the deep seas.
Feeding and hunting
The unique dentition of thresher sharks is perfectly tailored to their feeding habits. These predators possess a distinct set of curved teeth, designed to catch and consume small schooling fish with precision. Employing their elongated tails, thresher sharks herd their prey before delivering a swift strike, showcasing the efficiency of their hunting adaptations in the vast expanses of the ocean.
Where to encounter Thresher Sharks
For those seeking the thrill of encountering thresher sharks in their natural habitat, Malapascua Island in the Philippines is a hotspot. The Monad Shoal, a sunken island off the coast, is renowned for its cleaning stations where thresher sharks come to be cleaned by small cleaner fish.
Other spots to see thresher sharks while scuba diving include The Brothers in Egypt, Fuvahmulah in the Maldives, Nusa Penida and Alor in Indonesia, and some remote areas of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
Conservation status
Threats such as overfishing and habitat degradation pose significant risks to thresher shark populations. Two out of three species are classified as “vulnerable” on the IUCN red list, while the pelagic thresher shark is considered endangered.
Several conservation organisations such as Thresher Shark Indonesia advocate for their conservation.
From their graceful tail fins to their acrobatic displays and strategic feeding habits, thresher sharks are a unique species to encounter for all marine enthusiasts. It is a rare sight that many divers pursue for years!
Do you love sharks? Check out our previous posts about other cool shark species: great white shark, hammerhead shark, basking shark or bull shark.
