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Big Eye Thresher Shark (ALOPIAS SUPERCILIOSUS)

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SHARK, BIG EYE THRESHER / ALOPIAS SUPERCILIOSUS
24 50 6.96 15.5 Monte Gordo Portugal 270596 J. Triay
AT AT 6.96 15.5 Monte Gordo Portugal 270596 J. Triay

The bigeye thresher shark (ALOPIAS SUPERCILIOSUS)

is found in warm, temperate and tropical oceanic and coastal waters from the surface to depths of 500 feet (152.3 m). Found nearly worldwide, it has a preference for surface temperatures of 61° to 77°F (16.1°C-25°C). Bigeye threshers occasionally enter shallow waters near land but generally are found in the open sea.

Named for an enormous upward looking eye set high in its head, the bigeye thresher is also characterized by an enormous long upper caudal lobe. The upper lobe of the caudal fin can reach lengths of 50% of the total length. This shark also has an indented forehead, a curved broad-tipped pectoral fin, and the free-rear tip of the first dorsal fin is located over or just ahead of the origin of the pelvic fins.

big eye thresher shark (ALOPIAS SUPERCILIOSUS)

The thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus) is similar in appearance to the bigeye thresher, however it can be distinguished by its moderately sized eyes which are directed laterally as well as the lack of grooves along the top of its head. Also, the thresher shark has white coloration extending from its abdomen to above the pectoral fins.

As with other Lamniforme sharks, the bigeye thresher possesses an elevated body temperature in relation to its external environment due to a special blood circulatory system, referred to as rete mirabile, which enables it to live in cold environments

The bigeye thresher exhibits counter shading with the dorsal surface having a purplish gray to brownish gray color with metallic hues, while its ventral side is a solid, pale, cream color.

The average adult length of the bigeye thresher is between 11-13 feet (335-400 cm) with a maximum reported size of 16 feet (488 cm). The average adult bigeye thresher weight is around 350 pounds (160 kg), with a maximum recorded weight of 759.8 pounds (363.8 kg). The estimated average life span of a male bigeye thresher is 19 years while the female average life span is 20 years. Males mature at a length of approximately 8.86-9.45 feet (270-288 cm) and at an age of around 9-10 years. Females mature at a length of about 10.9-11.7 feet (332-356 cm) and at an age of 12-14 years.

The bigeye thresher generally feeds on benthic and pelagic fish such as tuna, lancetfishes, hake, and herring as well as young billfish. They also feed on squid and various crustaceans. The long caudal fin is used to stun prey prior to its capture.

Information supplied by http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu

 
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