Quick answer
Thresher sharks wield an elongated tail up to half total body length to slap and herd schooling fish, weighing about 200 kg and living 25 years. Listed Vulnerable from fin trade and slow reproduction — found in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide.
Key takeaway
Thresher sharks wield an elongated tail up to half total body length to slap and herd schooling fish, weighing about 200 kg and living 25 years. Listed Vulnerable from fin trade and slow reproduction — found in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide.
Thresher Shark overview
Thresher Shark (Alopias vulpinus) is a fish listed here as Vulnerable. Typical weight 150–250 kg (330–550 lb); tail adds length; lifespan around 19–25 years in the wild.
Thresher Shark ecology
Diet: Carnivore — small fish and squid. Habitat: Temperate and tropical open oceans worldwide. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Thresher Sharks and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild thresher sharks are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Vulnerable. See the full Thresher Shark profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Conservation and coexistence
Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate change threaten many populations. Responsible ecotourism and community conservation help in parts of their range. Never approach or feed wild thresher sharks.
Human interest and research
Thresher Sharks feature in folklore, tourism, and scientific study worldwide. Ongoing research tracks population trends, genetics, and responses to environmental change — data that guides national protection policies.
Sources
Thresher Shark FAQs
What are key facts about thresher sharks?
Thresher sharks wield an elongated tail up to half total body length to slap and herd schooling fish, weighing about 200 kg and living 25 years. Listed Vulnerable from fin trade and slow reproduction — found in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide.
What is the scientific name of the thresher shark?
Alopias vulpinus — used in research and conservation listings for thresher sharks.
What do thresher sharks eat?
Thresher Sharks eat small fish and squid, with seasonal and regional variation in Temperate and tropical open oceans worldwide.
Where do thresher sharks live?
They are associated with Temperate and tropical open oceans worldwide. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of thresher sharks?
Listed in our guides as Vulnerable. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.