Sharks of Gibraltar
All species
Common Thresher Shark

Common Thresher Shark

Alopias vulpinus

Not aggressive

A powerful pelagic shark with a sickle-shaped upper tail used as a hunting weapon.

Maximum size

3.7–5.5 m

Aggressiveness

Not aggressive

Habitat

Coastal and oceanic waters of the Strait, surface to about 500 m.

Ecology

Slow-growing and late-maturing, making the species sensitive to fishing pressure.

Feeding

Uses tail-slap hunting to herd and stun schooling fish such as sardines, anchovies and mackerel.

Behaviour

Usually solitary. Capable of breaching clear of the water.

Safety notes for visitors

Risk to swimmers: NegligibleRisk to divers: NegligibleEncounter likelihood: Possible

Species-specific: Considered harmless to humans; no provoked or unprovoked attacks documented locally.

If you encounter one

  • Enjoy the sighting — these species are not considered dangerous to humans.
  • Keep a respectful distance; do not touch, grab or attempt to ride the animal.
  • Avoid blocking its path or cornering it against the seabed or a reef.
  • Report unusual or stranded individuals to GONHS or the Department of the Environment.

General visitor guidance

  • Swim, snorkel and dive in groups and stay close to the shore or your boat.
  • Avoid dawn, dusk and night — visibility is low and many sharks are most active.
  • Do not enter the water with open wounds or near fishing activity, bait or chum.
  • Remove shiny jewellery and avoid high-contrast clothing that can resemble prey.
  • If sharks are reported locally, follow guidance from Gibraltar Port Authority and lifeguards.

Conservation status

IUCN: Vulnerable.

Sources & Citations

Data compiled from peer-reviewed and authoritative open sources. Last reviewed 2026.