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