Shark mystery solved: Why threshers have huge tails
May 14, 2010 – 3:33 pm
The mystery of why thresher sharks have such huge tails has been solved.
For years, biologists have been unsure why thresher sharks uniquely sport tails that can grow as long as the shark’s body.
Now video footage has confirmed their true function: thresher sharks use their huge tails to swat and stun much smaller prey fish.
The discovery explains why thresher sharks are often caught by their tails by baited long-line fishing gear.
Three species of thresher shark swim the oceans: the common thresher (Alopias vulpinus), bigeye thresher (A. superciliosus) and pelagic thresher (A. pelagicus).
Each species has a similar general appearance, including an elongated tail which can extend up to half the total shark’s length.
Biologists have guessed that the sharks might use their tails to stun prey.
Read the full story on BBC Earth News.
One of the few places in the world to dive for thresher sharks… and be virtually guaranteed of a sighting at any time of year, is Malapascua Island, off the north of Cebu Islands in the central Philippines. If you are interested to visit, Symbiosis would be happy to plan a trip for you. Contact us here.
One Response to “Shark mystery solved: Why threshers have huge tails”
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By 21st century grant application virginia on Mar 3, 2013