Alopiidae

The Alopiidae family, commonly known as thresher sharks, comprises three species of sharks distinguished by their exceptionally long, scythe-like tails, which can make up nearly half of their total body length. These sharks inhabit tropical and temperate waters globally. They primarily prey on squid and schooling fish, employing a strategy of herding their prey into tight groups before attacking. Thresher sharks may use their tails to stun their prey or to frighten them by thrashing the water. The most recognized species is the long-tailed thresher, or fox shark (Alopias vulpinus), which can reach lengths of about 6 meters (20 feet) and is found in the Atlantic and eastern Pacific oceans. This species is also a common food fish.1