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Alopias pelagicus (Nakamura, 1935).
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Alopias pelagicus (Nakamura, 1935).
  • Photo. (c) 2022 R.M. Mason
  • Photo. (c) 2022 R.M. Mason
  • Photo. (c) 2022 R.M. Mason
Genus: , ,

Scientific Name: Alopias pelagicus

English Name: Pelagic thresher

Creole Name: Renar

French Name: Renard pélagique

IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (EN)



Information

Description:

A small thresher with moderately large eyes. Narrow head with with convex forehead. No labial furrows. Caudal fin, upper lobe very long and strap-like with very narrow 
caudal tip, almost equal to the length of the body. Lower lobe short and strong. Pectoral fins straight with broad rounded tips.

Colour. Body deep blue above, white below, no white above pectoral fins. 
 


Size:

Born: 130-160cm TL. Mature between 250-300cm TL. Maximum length 365cm TL (there are accounts of larger e.g. 428cm TL). Commonly to approx. 280 cm TL. 


Habitat and Ecology:

Pelagic-oceanic, primarily an oceanic species but sometimes close inshore, may enter atoll lagoons (depth 0-300m, usually 0-150m). Stuns its prey with its tail. Feeds  
primarily on teleosts and cephalopods, but also crustacea. Ovoviviparous, embryos feeding on yolk sac and other ova produced by the mother. Two pups per litter 
(one from each uterus).


Fishery Status:

This species is not protected under national legislation. The IOTC fleet is prohibited to retain pelagic thresher sharks through the terms and conditions of certificate of 
authorisation. 


Notes:

The photographed specimen washed ashore on Denis Island at the end of May 2022. Photos courtesy of Mr. R.M. Mason.  


References:

Alopias pelagicus Nakamura, 1935: In: Database of modern sharks, rays and chimaeras, https://shark-references.com/species/view/Alopias-pelagicus Version 06/2022
Ebert, D.A. et al. (2013). Sharks of the World – A fully illustrated guide. Wild Nature press ISBN 978-0-9573946-0-5
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. Eds. (2022). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/5891 (13/06/22). 
Rigby, C.L. et al. (2019). Alopias pelagicus. The IUCN Red List 2019: e.T161597A68607857. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-3.RLTS.T161597A68607857.en. (13/06/22).


Citation:

Nevill, J.E.G. & Mason, R.M. (2022). Alopias pelagicus, Pelagic thresher shark. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/alopias-pelagicus-nakamura-1935/ 


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