Pelagic Thresher Shark

The pelagic thresher is a sleek, open-ocean hunter distinguished by an enormously elongated tail — often as long as its body — which it uses to stun and herd fish schools. Found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, usually at depths below 200 metres but occasionally shallower, this shark is less commonly encountered by divers than its relatives. Its dark back and white belly offer classic countershading; look for the distinctively tall dorsal fin and that dramatic tail whip.