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What is a Blue Shark?

Alex Tree
Alex Tree

Scientifically known as Prionace glauca, a blue shark is a fish that lives in sub-tropical and tropical waters. A blue shark can weigh up to 450 pounds (200 kg) and grow to around 12.5 feet (7 m) long. Its name is derived from its coloring, which is a deep blue on the topside of the body, a lighter blue on the sides, and white on the belly. These sharks are related to other well-known sharks, such as the bull shark and tiger shark. Occasionally, a blue shark will approach a shore close enough to be seen by divers.

Besides the blue coloring of this shark, its appearance is distinct from other sharks in its family. These sharks have a relatively slender body with comparatively long fins growing from their sides and pointing downward from the body. Sexually mature female blue sharks can be identified by the scars around their neck, as male sharks bite during mating sessions. Due to this, they have developed skin much thicker than a male blue shark.

Blue sharks primarily eat squid.
Blue sharks primarily eat squid.

Blue sharks are nicknamed the wolves of the sea because of their habit of swimming in groups called schools. The schools are commonly organized by size and gender. They primarily hunt squid, but will go after octopuses, smaller sharks, and lobsters. Flesh of much larger animals, such as whales, is occasionally found in the stomach of blue sharks when they are captured.

Swimmers and divers have little to fear from a blue shark because this type of shark is rarely curious or aggressive enough to approach. Less than 50 blue shark attacks on people were recorded from the years 1580 to 2008, with roughly half of the attacks classified as provoked. Shark attacks are more common with the blue shark’s relatives: the tiger and the bull shark. Still, any kind of shark should not be approached due to sharks' potential to cause massive injuries and death.

While many types of sharks are regularly kept in large aquariums, this particular species of shark is rarely among them. These sharks have difficulty avoiding walls and normally die within one month of being caught and placed into an aquarium. There is at least one well-documented, somewhat successful attempt at keeping a blue shark alive in an aquarium, but the keepers loosed bull sharks and lemon sharks into the tank believing the species would get along. The bull sharks preyed on the blue sharks, however.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is unique about the blue shark's appearance?

The blue shark is renowned for its sleek, tapered body and striking indigo to light blue coloration, which fades to a white underbelly. This countershading provides camouflage in the ocean depths. They also have long pectoral fins that enhance their agility and a distinctive conical snout, setting them apart in the pelagic waters they inhabit.

Where can you typically find blue sharks in the ocean?

Blue sharks are truly global nomads, predominantly found in deep, temperate and tropical waters. They favor the open ocean, ranging from the surface to depths of 350 meters. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), they are most abundant in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, often spotted off the coasts of North and South America.

What do blue sharks primarily feed on?

Blue sharks are opportunistic feeders with a diet consisting mainly of small fish and squid. They are also known to eat other marine creatures such as octopuses, lobsters, and even seabirds. Their sharp, serrated teeth and swift swimming make them adept hunters, capable of taking down various prey.

How do blue sharks reproduce?

Blue sharks are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young. Females have a gestation period of 9 to 12 months and can deliver litters ranging from 25 to over 100 pups. Interestingly, blue sharks exhibit intrauterine cannibalism, where the most developed embryo consumes its siblings before birth, a survival strategy known as adelphophagy.

Are blue sharks considered dangerous to humans?

While blue sharks are generally not aggressive towards humans, there have been a few recorded incidents of bites, primarily due to provocation or bycatch situations. They are curious creatures but tend to keep their distance. It's important to respect their space and recognize that interactions with any wildlife carry inherent risks.

What is the conservation status of blue sharks?

As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, the IUCN lists blue sharks as Near Threatened. They face threats from overfishing, bycatch in commercial fishing gear, and the demand for their fins in shark fin soup. Conservation efforts are crucial to monitor and regulate fishing practices to ensure the sustainability of their populations.

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    • Blue sharks primarily eat squid.
      By: hiphoto39
      Blue sharks primarily eat squid.