IUCN status: vulnerable
Max length at 13 feet
Easily recognized by their characteristic large first dorsal fin, and long, white-tipped, pectoral fins
Oceanic, deep-water sharks, distributed world-wide in tropical and sub-tropical locations
These sharks are viviparous, meaning the pups have a placental connection while in the uterus
Gestation takes 10-12 months
Very active, highly-migratory, and curious sharks
The large, highly-prized, fins on this shark make it particularly vulnerable to the shark-fin trade
Reproductive maturity at 4-5 years, which is relatively early for sharks!
This species has been known to trail pilot whales, looking for food