AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN ENInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Endangered — faces a very high risk of extinction if threats are not urgently addressed.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Alopias pelagicus
Pelagic Thresher Shark
(Nakamura, 1935)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A species of thresher shark characterized by its exceptionally long upper tail lobe, which can be as long as its body, and large, forward-facing eyes adapted for low-light environments.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Chondrichthyes
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Lamniformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Alopiidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Alopias
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Nakamura, 1935)
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits open oceanic waters, generally found in the epipelagic zone from the surface down to at least 500 meters depth.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Predominantly solitary, known for active hunting in deep and open waters. They are strong swimmers.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally solitary, though they may congregate in specific areas for cleaning or mating.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Active pelagic predator.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Diet primarily consists of small schooling fish like sardines, mackerel, and occasionally squid.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Ovoviviparous with oophagy; embryos feed on unfertilized eggs produced by the mother while in the uterus.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
300.0 - 330.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
70.00 kg - 90.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 2
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
7 - 9 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
9 - 12
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males12 - 16 Years
Females14 - 18 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are generally smaller than females.
Females Multi-lang
Females reach larger sizes and are responsible for the oophagous development of the young.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Uses its elongated caudal fin as a whip-like tool to stun prey, primarily small schooling fish.
Possesses a specialized vascular system (rete mirabile) that allows for regional endothermy, helping to keep their eyes and brain warm.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Highly vulnerable to overfishing, particularly as bycatch in longline and gillnet fisheries.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
They are one of the few sharks capable of breaching completely out of the water.