Prionace Glauca, commonly known as the Blue Shark or the Great Blue Shark, is indeed a shark of the Carcharhinidae species distinguished by its all-white abdomen and striking deep-blue pigmentation. They are inquisitive, open-ocean carnivores that can be found in every one of the world’s oceans, spanning tropical to chilly continental seas.
It is well established that Blue Sharks migrate widely; over the course of their careers, they will frequently travel across the whole world’s oceans. While it is a shark, the Blue Shark’s true nature is the opposite of a Great White Shark, substituting hyper-aggression for a more docile behavior.
Appearance
The majority of adult Blue Sharks are between 5.6 and 7.2 ft in overall length, while particular specimens can reach measurements of 13 ft and a weight of around 454 lbs. The Blue Shark is renowned for its eye-catching contra coloring, or rich blue pigmentation contrasted with a pure light belly.
The shark’s top blends into the ocean floor, and its bottom imitates the sunlight as seen from above the water, acting as a kind of camouflage. It is a slender shark with a saw-like row of teeth on the top, and bottom jaw, alongside a sharp nose. A large binocular field of view is supported by the substantial spacing between the shark’s eyes. They are further distinguished by having long, slender pectoral fins.
Diet
A carnivorous predator, Blue Sharks have been seen and recorded acting as a “party” to crowd prey into a huddled mass from which they may readily feast. It’s interesting to note that this kind of organized behavior keeps competing shark species away from the feeding area. They can swim quickly, making it easy for them to close the gap with prey, and using their trapezoidal canines, they can quickly seize slick fish.
The most significant prey source of Blue Sharks is squid, although they also consume other creatures, including cuttlefish, octopuses, and as well as crustaceans, prawns, crabs, numerous bony fish, small sharks, and even marine birds.
Habitat
In deeper mild and tropical oceans from the top to around 1,100–1,200 feet, the Blue Shark is a coastal and epipelagic species that may be encountered all over the globe. Explorers can encounter it near the coastline in mild seas, although it may be found farther offshore in tropical waters. It can be found as far south as Chile and as far north as Norway.
All in all, the Blue Shark was formerly one of the most widespread maritime species on the planet as well as having the broadest geographical dispersion of any shark species. With the exception of Antarctica, Blue Sharks can be found off of the coastline of each and every nation.
Reproduction
The males and females of such an animal dwell in distinct locations for the greater part of the year. Individuals typically join together for an extremely limited amount of time throughout breeding seasons to undergo internal fertilization and procreate.
Females possess thick protective epidermis because males often violently bite them during pairing, putting them at risk for harm. They give birth between 5-140 pups in each batch and are viviparously possessing yolk-sac placentas. The gestation phase lasts for nine to twelve months.
Threats
Blue Sharks have a whole host of predators, including other members of the same species consuming them when they are still young in a cannibalistic fashion. The smallest members of the species get hunted by Great White or Tiger Sharks. Large species of seals, such as the Elephant Seal, can hunt and feed them, as has been documented. Orcas, on the other hand, will not only hunt them but also exhibit “sadistic” behavior toward the Blue Shark.
The Blue Shark is frequently unintentionally ensnared in gillnet and longline operations that are meant to catch other fish because of its wider availability and large population density. In addition, Blue Sharks could be the victim of illicit “shark finning” practices since their fins are highly prized.
Facts about the Blue Shark
- The heaviest Blue Shark on record is 860 lbs.
- Blue Sharks can sense electromagnetic pulses to locate living things.
- Blue Sharks live in same-gender groups, which are designated as a “school.”
- Blue Sharks can detect heartbeats.
- Blue Sharks are prone to hosting parasites.
FAQs
Are Blue Sharks dangerous to humans?
Seldom do Blue Sharks bite people. Although Blue Sharks typically don’t really attack humans, they will do it if they feel intimidated. Only 13 cases of bite involving the Blue Shark from 1580 to 2013 resulted in fatalities, with only 4 of those cases. People can go diving with Blue Sharks with the help of guides and emerge unscathed.
Are Blue Sharks aggressive species?
Blue Sharks are quite curious creatures, and if you are faced with one while diving, chances are that they find you a strange fish and most likely won’t attack you. However, if someone is spearfishing nearby, they can sense the odors in the water and stimulate them into more aggressive behavior.
What color is best to avoid Blue Sharks?
Divers and swimmers may significantly lower their risk of coming into contact with a Blue Shark by refraining from wearing swimsuits or dive equipment that is extremely bright or distinctive. During swimming, it is strongly suggested to use deep blue or dark fins, masks, tanks, and wetsuits.
Are Blue Sharks going extinct?
Generally, the Blue Shark is considered to be Near Threatened. This resulted from human-made activities, including large-scale fishing, which causes the sharks to become entangled or wounded, as well as active hunting for their fins and disposing of the remainder of the shark. This has had major effects on their declining numbers.
