Bigeye thresher
📖 Overview
Occurs in coastal waters over continental shelves, sometimes close inshore in shallow waters, and on the high seas far from land . Oceanic, pelagic and near bottom at 1->500 m . Depth range to at least 500 m . Feeds on pelagic fishes (lancetfishes, herring, mackerel and small billfishes ) and bottom fishes e.g. hake ) and squids . Ovoviviparous, embryos feeding on yolk sac and other ova produced by the mother . Stuns its prey with its long caudal fin . Utilized for human consumption, liver oil for vitamins, skin for leather, and fins for shark-fin soup . Marketed fresh and may be broiled, baked or grilled, but unsuitable for steaming, boiling or frying; meat may be salted and dried . Also Ref. 33743.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Anal spines: 0. A large thresher with very large eyes, an indented forehead, a broad caudal tip, and curved broad-tipped pectoral fins; 1st dorsal fin further back than in other threshers . Upper lobe of caudal fin very long and strap-like almost or quite equal to length of rest of shark; lower lobe short but well developed . Purplish grey above, cream below, posterior edges of pectoral and pelvic fins and sometimes first dorsal fin dusky; light color of abdomen not expanded over pectoral-fin bases .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: circular.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Bigeye thresher is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Bigeye thresher is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Exhibit ovoviparity (aplacental viviparity), with embryos feeding on other ova produced by the mother (oophagy) after the yolk sac is absorbed . With 2-4 young per litter (usually 2) . Size at birth between 64-106 cm ; 100-140 cm TL. No fixed mating or birthing season. Distinct pairing with embrace .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; pelagic-oceanic; oceanodromous ; depth range 0 - 730 m , usually 0 - 100 m . Subtropical; 46°N - 40°S, 180°W - 180°E
🌿 Ecology
pelagic fishes (lancetfishes, herring, mackerel and small billfishes (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Bigeye thresher is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 20.5 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 371 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Bigeye thresher has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 234 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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