Quick answer
Key facts about thresher shark — size, diet, habitat, and conservation in one place.
Tail hunting
Thresher sharks whip elongated upper caudal lobes through bait balls, stunning sardines and mackerel before circling back to eat disabled fish.
Unique anatomy
The tail can exceed body length — used as a weapon unlike any other shark. Pelagic lifestyle keeps them offshore except where seamounts concentrate prey.
Fin trade pressure
Prized fins made threshers targets — populations declined across Pacific and Indian oceans. CITES Appendix II listing restricts international trade.
Reproduction
Two to four pups born after long gestation — low fecundity makes recovery slow even with protection.