Thresher sharksAlopiidae

Thresher sharks (Alopiidae) are large mackerel sharks characterized by an extremely elongated upper caudal fin lobe, often equal in length to the rest of the body. This distinctive tail, from which the common name "thresher" derives, is used with powerful, whip-like sweeps to stun prey. Individuals typically grow to 3 to 6 metres (10 to 20 feet) in total length. Their coloration is usually metallic blue-grey to brownish-grey dorsally, transitioning to white on the ventral side.

Primarily pelagic, Thresher sharks frequent offshore waters, yet ascend to shallower reef slopes, drop-offs, and pinnacles. These ascents typically occur at dawn or dusk, often for visiting cleaning stations. In the 🌊 Red Sea, observations are most frequent at depths between 20-50 metres (65-165 feet) near these drop-offs and seamounts. They hunt schooling fish, which they herd before stunning them with powerful, whip-like sweeps of their long tail. Generally solitary and shy, encounters with divers are rare and usually restricted to specific offshore sites during early morning hours.