Distribution:

Circumtropical. Western Atlantic: New York, USA southward to Bahamas and Cuba; Panama to Guyana. Eastern Atlantic: Portugal to Angola, including the Mediterranean. Indo-Pacific: Arabian Sea, Madagascar, South Africa, southern Japan, Taiwan, northern Viet Nam, New Caledonia, northwestern coast of Australia, New Zealand and north and south of the Hawaiian Is. Eastern Pacific: southern California (USA), Costa Rica and Panama, Galapagos Is. Highly migratory species, Annex I of the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Diagnosis:

Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0. A large thresher with very large eyes, an indented forehead, a broad caudal tip, and curved broad-tipped pectoral fins; 1st dorsal fin further back than in other threshers. Upper lobe of caudal fin very long and strap-like almost or quite equal to length of rest of shark; lower lobe short but well developed. Purplish grey above, cream below, posterior edges of pectoral and pelvic fins and sometimes first dorsal fin dusky; light color of abdomen not expanded over pectoral-fin bases.

Biology:

Occurs in coastal waters over continental shelves, sometimes close inshore in shallow waters, and on the high seas far from land. Depth range to at least 500 m. Feeds on pelagic and bottom fishes and squids. Stuns its prey with its long caudal fin. Utilized for human consumption, liver oil for vitamins, skin for leather, and fins for shark-fin soup. Marketed fresh and may be broiled, baked or grilled, but unsuitable for steaming, boiling or frying; meat may be salted and dried.

Max. size: 470.0 cm

Max.weight: 300 Kg

Environment: pelagic; depth range 0 - 500 m

Climate: subtropical; 44°N - 40°S

Canary Islands country information:Name: Coleto, Pejerrabo, Zorro