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Apri l'appDescrizione
The blue shark (Prionace glauca) is a species of requiem shark, in the family Carcharhinidae, that inhabits deep waters in the world's temperate and tropical oceans. It is characterized by its slender body, long pectoral fins, and distinctive indigo blue coloration on its dorsal surface, fading to white on its underside. It is an oceanic, epipelagic species, typically found far from shore in open ocean environments.
Caratteristiche fisiche
- Forma del corpo
- torpedo
- Colorazione
- Dorsal surface is a brilliant indigo blue, fading to lighter blue on the flanks and pure white on the ventral surface. This countershading provides camouflage in the open ocean.
- Tipo di squame
- placoid
- Posizione della bocca
- inferior
- Caratteristiche distintive
- Extremely slender and elongated body, Very long, scythe-like pectoral fins, Large eyes, Small, triangular, serrated teeth in both jaws, Five gill slits
- Pinna dorsale
- Two dorsal fins; the first is relatively small and located well behind the pectoral fins, the second is much smaller and positioned over the anal fin.
- Pinna caudale
- Heterocercal caudal fin (upper lobe longer than the lower lobe), typical of fast-swimming sharks.
- Pinna pettorale
- Very long and narrow, almost wing-like, extending significantly when swimming.
- Pinne distintive
- The exceptionally long pectoral fins are a key distinguishing feature.
Consigli per l'identificazione
Coloration
The striking indigo blue dorsal color and white belly are highly characteristic.
Body Shape
Its exceptionally slender and elongated body, almost eel-like in its slenderness compared to other large sharks, is a key identifier.
Pectoral Fins
The very long, narrow, and curved pectoral fins are unmistakable.
Snout
Possesses a moderately long, pointed snout.
Habitat
- Tipo di acqua
- saltwater
- Profondità
- Primarily epipelagic, typically found from the surface down to about 350 meters (1,150 feet), but can dive to over 600 meters (2,000 feet).
- Ambiente
- Open ocean (pelagic), preferring temperate and tropical waters. Rarely found in coastal areas.
- Areale geografico
- Cosmopolitan distribution in all temperate and tropical oceans worldwide, including the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea.
Informazioni sull'acquario
- Livello di cura: expert
- Temperamento: aggressive
- Dieta: carnivore
- Dimensione minima della vasca: Not suitable for aquarium life due to its size, oceanic nature, and migratory habits.
- Temperatura: 12-20°C (54-68°F)
- Livello di pH: 8.0-8.4
- Durezza: Not applicable (marine species)
- Compatibilità: Not applicable for aquariums.
- Requisiti speciali: Not suitable for aquariums; requires vast open ocean environments.
Informazioni in natura
- Stato di conservazione: near threatened
- Stagionalità: Highly migratory; presence in specific areas is seasonal, often following warm currents and prey availability.
- Prezzo di mercato: Variable, often low due to meat quality, but fins are highly valued in some markets.
- Importanza commerciale: medium
- Sapore: Mild, somewhat gamey, can have a strong ammonia smell if not properly handled.
- Consistenza: Firm, meaty.
- Metodi di cottura: Grilled, Fried, Smoked, Used in stews or curries
- Valore nutrizionale: Good source of protein, but can accumulate mercury. Liver is rich in Vitamin A.
Fatti chiave
Global Migratorbehavior
Blue sharks undertake some of the longest migrations of any shark species, often covering thousands of kilometers across ocean basins.
Cold Water Toleranceinteresting
Despite being found in tropical waters, blue sharks are unique among requiem sharks for their ability to tolerate colder water temperatures, allowing them to exploit a wider range of habitats.
Reproductive Strategybehavior
Blue sharks are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young. Females can carry large litters, sometimes over 100 pups, after a gestation period of 9-12 months.
Dietary Generalistbehavior
Their diet is highly varied, consisting primarily of small bony fish and cephalopods (squid, octopus), but they are opportunistic feeders and will consume almost anything available, including seabirds and carrion.
Fins for Flightamazing
The blue shark's exceptionally long pectoral fins are not just for steering; they provide significant lift, allowing the shark to glide efficiently through the water with minimal effort, crucial for its migratory lifestyle.
Informazioni di sicurezza
Maneggiare con cura- Livello di sicurezza: caution
- Velenoso: No
- Commestibilità: edible
- Note sul maneggio: Blue sharks are generally considered curious rather than overtly aggressive towards humans, but their size and predatory nature warrant caution. Bites are rare but can occur, especially if provoked or during feeding frenzies. Anglers should exercise extreme care when handling, particularly due to their sharp teeth and powerful thrashing. Avoid direct contact with the mouth and gills.
Specie simili
Oceanic Whitetip Shark
Carcharhinus longimanus
The oceanic whitetip has rounded, white-tipped fins and a much stockier body. Its first dorsal fin is also much larger and more prominent than that of the blue shark.
Mako Shark
Isurus oxyrinchus
Mako sharks have a more robust body, shorter pectoral fins, and a more conical snout. Their coloration is typically a darker metallic blue-grey.
Silky Shark
Carcharhinus falciformis
Silky sharks have a more streamlined body but lack the extremely long pectoral fins of the blue shark. Their skin texture is also notably smoother, hence the name 'silky'.
Classificazione scientifica
- Regno
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Classe
- Chondrichthyes
- Ordine
- Carcharhiniformes
- Famiglia
- Carcharhinidae
- Genere
- Prionace
- Specie
- Prionace glauca
Esplora Blue Shark
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