The Thresher Shark, also sometimes nicknamed the fox shark or the whiptail shark, is a fascinating species of shark. There are three different types of thresher sharks; the Common Thresher shark, the Bigeye Thresher shark, and the Pelagic Thresher shark. According to Britannica, “Thresher sharks are found in tropical and temperate seas throughout the world.” This species of shark can reach up to 20ft long. 

The thresher shark can be easily identified by its large eyes and super long tail, which are just about the size of their body! They make great use out of this unique feature- stunning prey by whipping them, they’ll also thrash water around to scare their prey. 

Thresher sharks, similar to great white sharks, will throw themselves out of the water- a behavior known as breaching. 

 Thresher sharks use these hunting techniques, paired with their small, curved, super sharp teeth on school fish and squid, which is their food of choice. The thresher shark will also herd its prey into small groups before attacking.

If this information worries you, then rest at ease in knowing that the thresher shark is not considered a threat to humans. 

Is anything a threat to them? Well, fisheries.noaa.gov informs that while as an adult the thresher shark doesn’t have many predators, as pups they are vulnerable to being eaten by other sharks. Thresher sharks are also susceptible to getting caught in fishing nets. Oceana.org says “The common thresher shark is highly vulnerable to overfishing worldwide.” The thresher shark has highly valued fins and meat. On the IUCN Red List, the thresher shark is labeled as “vulnerable.”