Family Alopiidae

Thresher Sharks

Selected Characters: Upper caudal lobe about as long as body; pectoral fin long; anal fin and second dorsal fin small; eyes large.

Thresher sharks are found in tropical to cool temperate waters in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans. There are three species in this family, none of which are known to attack humans. The largest member of the family (up to 5.5 meters), the Common Thresher, is the only thresher shark found in Puget Sound. It uses its long caudal fin to bunch up and possibly stun schooling fish, such as herring or anchovies. This species, like all threshers, is ovoviviparous. Litters are from 2 to 6 pups, which are nourished in part by cannibalization of siblings in the womb. These sharks are rare in Puget Sound.

Puget Sound Species

Alopias vulpinus Common Thresher