How to Identify Blue Shark

To identify Blue Shark (Prionace glauca), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Distinctive deep indigo blue on the dorsal surface, fading to a lighter blue on the flanks and white on the ventral side. The coloration provides excellent countershading in the open ocean.

Scale type

placoid

Mouth position

subterminal

Distinctive features

Very long, slender, and pointed pectoral fins., Large eyes., Long, conical snout., Small, serrated, triangular teeth in both jaws., Five gill slits, with the last two over the pectoral fin origin.

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins; the first is relatively small and located far back on the body, closer to the pelvic fins than the pectoral fins. The second dorsal fin is much smaller.

Tail fin

Heterocercal caudal fin, with the upper lobe significantly longer than the lower lobe, characteristic of fast-swimming pelagic sharks.

Pectoral fin

Very long and narrow, scythe-like pectoral fins, which are a key identifying feature.

Distinctive fins

The elongated pectoral fins are particularly distinctive, often extending beyond the first dorsal fin origin.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Coloration

   The vibrant indigo blue dorsal surface and white belly are highly characteristic and give the shark its common name.

2. 2

   Pectoral Fins

   Its exceptionally long, slender, and pointed pectoral fins are a definitive identification feature, often extending well past the gill slits.

3. 3

   Body Shape

   The very slender, elongated, and streamlined body is distinct from most other large sharks.

4. 4

   Snout

   A long, pointed, and conical snout is another key characteristic.

Explore Blue Shark