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374 Featured Specimen
Blue shark

Details

Blue shark

Prionace glauca

Size
2–3.8 m · 25–200 kg
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Sociality
Loose group
Lifespan
15–20 years

The blue shark is a slender oceanic shark that roams widely. Its blue back and long pectoral fins suit a life spent cruising for squid and fish, especially at night.

Range

Habitat range map
Native range Occasional / Transient
Pacific OceanPacific OceanPacific OceanAtlantic OceanAtlantic OceanAtlantic OceanAtlantic OceanAtlantic OceanIndian Ocean

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It occupies temperate to tropical open waters of the Atlantic, the Pacific, the Indian Ocean. It ranges far from land, following prey and temperature through surface layers.

Appearance

Length 200-380 cm; weight 25 kg-200 kg. A vivid blue back, white underside, and very long pectoral fins are distinctive. The narrow body and long tail favor efficient long-distance travel.

Behavior

Nocturnal and flexible socially, it may travel alone or in loose groups. Individuals cruise broad areas and gather where prey is concentrated.

Feeding

A carnivore, it eats squid, small fishes, and drifting animals. It also approaches weakened fish and food around fishing gear.

Reproduction

Females give birth to many developed young after internal development. Juveniles grow in relatively warm oceanic waters.

Notes

It is listed as Near Threatened, and its wide-ranging life in open water leaves it exposed to fishing pressure and bycatch.