Thresher shark on Hampton beach

Beachcombers at Hampton scored a rare treat last week with a dead Thresher Shark (Alopias vulpinus) washed up in the shallows.

Thresher Sharks are widespread around the world but are known live mostly in oceans rather than bays and inlets. It’s quite likely this one has followed the schools of snapper that have come into the bay in the past few weeks.

Their name relates to the long tail (almost as long as the body) which they use to stun fish before swallowing.

Without an autopsy (as it has no visible injuries) any suggestions as to why it died would be pure speculation. But they are known to fall victim to the long-line tuna fishing industry. Perhaps it swallowed a hook some time back which has eventually caused death.