Thresher

Thresher refers to a group of large oceanic sharks belonging to the genus Alopias. The most notable species is the common thresher shark, Alopias vulpinus, recognized by its exceptionally long, scythe-like tail fin. This caudal fin can be as long as the shark's body and is used as a primary hunting tool. Threshers use their tails to stun or incapachesize prey, which typically consists of small schooling fish and squid.

There are three recognized species of thresher sharks: the common thresher, the pelagic thresher (Alopias pelagicus), and the bigeye thresher (Alopias superciliosus). While they share the characteristic tail, subtle differences exist in their fin sizes and body proportions. Threshers are found in temperate and tropical waters worldwide, inhabiting both offshore and coastal areas. They are generally solitary creatures, although they may sometimes be observed in pairs or small groups.

Thresher sharks are ovoviviparous, meaning their eggs hatch inside the mother's body, and the young are born live. They are not considered aggressive towards humans, and attacks are exceedingly rare. However, due to their size and powerful tails, they can pose a potential risk if provoked or during fishing activities. Threshers are sometimes targeted by fisheries for their fins and meat, and some populations face conservation concerns due to overfishing and bycatch.