Pelagic thresher

Taxobox
name = Pelagic thresher


image_width = 250px
status = VU
status_system = iucn3.1
status_ref = cite press release |title=More oceanic sharks added to the IUCN Red List |publisher=IUCN |date=2007-02-22 |url=http://www.iucn.org/en/news/archive/2007/02/22_pr_sharks.htm |format= |language= |accessdate=2007-02-25 |quote=All three species of thresher sharks, known for scythe-like tails that can be as long as their bodies - were listed as "Vulnerable" globally. ]
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Chondrichthyes
subclassis = Elasmobranchii
ordo = Lamniformes
familia = Alopiidae
genus = "Alopias"
species = "A. pelagicus"
range_

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range_map_width = 250px
range_map_caption = Range of pelagic thresher shark (in blue)
binomial = "Alopias pelagicus"
binomial_authority = Nakamura, 1935 The pelagic thresher, "Alopias pelagicus", is a thresher shark of the genus "Alopias", found in tropical oceans, at depths down to convert|500|m|ft.

Reproduction and growth

The pelagic thresher reproduces via ovoviviparity, this is where the embryo is nourished in the yolk sac, in later development the unborn shark is feed on ovulated eggs, a process known as oophagy. At birth the young measure around convert|5.1|ft|m to convert|6.2|ft|m. The gestation period is unknown.The average size of the pelagic is convert|12|ft|m and a weight of convert|153|lb|kg. Males reach maturity at 7 or 8 years of age, while females reach maturity at 8 or 9 years of age. In the wild the pelagic thresher can live for approximately 16 years.

Habitat and diet

The pelagic thresher prefers open ocean where they can be found from the surface to depths of around convert|492|ft|m. They are abundant of the north-east coast of Taiwan and North American waters around California and Mexico. Their full distribution is unknown due to confusion with the long-tailed thresher, "Alopias vulpinus".

The pelagic thresher's preferred food are herring, flying fish and pelagic squid. They use their extremely long upper caudal fin in a whip-like fashion to stun their prey.

Conservation

They are currently being exploited by the fishing industry and are classed as vulnerable, but they are not yet a protected species. It was first assessed by the IUCN in 2007, gaining a "vulnerable" status.

References