Blue shark as known as Prionace glauca is found in deep waters of tropical and temperate oceans i.e. Indian Ocean. This is so because they prefer cooler habitats and can’t be found in Red or Yellow Sea. They are widely spread in the world found around 350 meters in deep oceans. Sometimes they come to the surface but mostly only divers get to see and photograph them while they dive back to deep waters. They are found off the coasts of every continent with exemption of Antarctica. They migrate to long distances i.e. from New England to South America.
Blue sharks feed on small fish, squid, cuttlefish, octopuses, lobster crabs, shrimps small sharks etc. but they can take on large preys when there is an opportunity. They are found in schools distinguished by size and sex. They are light bodied and have long pectoral fins. They weigh between 130 to 180 kg and can outgrow to 200 kg. The heaviest blue shark on record weighed 391 kg. They are under threat due to heavy fishing. 10 -20 million sharks are estimated to be fished and killed every year.
Blue sharks' skin is widely needed for leather and the fin for shark fin soup. Their liver is used for oil. The other threat is that smaller sharks are attacked and eaten by ones. They rarely attack humans. Very rare cases of close contact with them have resulted to attacks or fatality. This only happens in deep water since they rarely come ashore.
Arthur is a researcher and writer on wildlife, tours and travels. For more of his work, please visit his site at
http://www.getinfoathome.com/?p=63
No comments:
Post a Comment