Bigeye Thresher

Overview

Distinguished by its disproportionately large eyes — an adaptation for hunting in the dim mesopelagic zone. Uses its long upper caudal fin to stun prey fish. Vulnerable to longline bycatch.

Habitat

These sharks frequent tropical and temperate seas, close inshore to open ocean. They range from the surface to over 1640.4 ft [500 m] deep, but mostly between the surface and 328.1 ft [100 m].

Distribution

World-wide, oceanic and coastal.

Behavior

Uses its tail to stun pelagic fishes on which it feeds.