Bigeye Thresher Shark Jaw w/DATA

Bigeye Thresher jaw prepared by DR. Gordon Hubbell

NO INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING

The Bigeye Thresher Shark (Alopias superciliosus) is a unique species of pelagic shark, known for its distinctive long tail and large eyes. It's one of three species in the thresher shark family, found in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide.

Key Characteristics of the Bigeye Thresher Shark:

1. Appearance: This shark has a slender, streamlined body and is notable for its extremely long caudal (tail) fin, which can be as long as the body itself. The dorsal side is typically a dark blue or brownish color, fading to a lighter underside.

2. Eyes: True to its name, the Bigeye Thresher Shark has unusually large eyes, adapted for enhanced vision in deep or low-light environments.

3. Size: Adults typically reach lengths of about 3 to 4 meters (10 to 13 feet), with the tail contributing significantly to this length.

4. Tail: The elongated upper lobe of the tail is used as a tool to herd and stun prey, primarily small fish and squid.

5. Habitat: This species prefers deeper offshore waters, often found near the continental shelves or in oceanic areas.

6. Diet: It feeds on schools of fish and cephalopods, using its long tail in a whip-like manner to disorient its prey.

7. Behavior: Bigeye Threshers are generally solitary and are known for their deep diving capabilities. They are also known to breach, jumping out of the water, which is a spectacular sight.

The Bigeye Thresher Shark is a remarkable species, notable for its unique adaptations like the oversized eyes and the extraordinary tail, which make it one of the more distinctive and fascinating sharks in the ocean.

Alopias superciliosus

7.5Wx 7H

Male
TL 305cm
Collected on 11/15/1990