Alopias pelagicus

Dorsal surfaces greyish to bluish grey, often with a metallic hue; ventral surfaces white.

Up to 390 cm TL; birth size 130–160 cm TL.

Tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific, from the surface to at least 152 meters depth.
View FAO distribution map

A pelagic and mostly oceanic species that occasionally enters shallower waters near outer reef edges or seamounts.

Feeds on squid and small pelagic fishes, using its long whip-like upper caudal lobe to strike and stun its schooling prey. Length at maturity is 256–290 cm TL and 260–270 cm TL for females and males respectively. Age at maturity is 8–9 years and 7–8 years for females and males respectively. Reproductive mode is viviparous with oophagy with no reproductive seasonality. Litter size is 2 pups, 1 per uterus.

A very common catch in the tuna and shark longline, and tuna drift net fisheries. Utilised for its high value fins, meat (salted), skin and cartilage.

Alopias pelagicus gallery

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The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species^TM