Longwing shark (Carcharhinus longimanus), or oceanic white shark, is one of the most dangerous predators of the open ocean. It is known for its aggressive behavior, ability to travel long distances and exceptional adaptation to life away from the coast.
🔹 What is special about this shark?
✔ It has very long broad pectoral fins with white tips
✔ He is one of the best hunters in the open ocean
✔ It has a reputation as a dangerous predator due to attacks on people, in particular on ship and plane crashes
✔ Excellent orientation in open waters, where there are no landmarks
✔ It is under threat due to industrial fishing and finning
This shark is an important element of marine ecosystems and at the same time one of the most terrible marine predators. Let's take a closer look at this ultimate ocean hunter!
Scientific classification
🔬 Taxonomy of the long-winged shark:
✔ The Kingdom: Animals (Animalia)
✔ Type: Chordal (Chordata)
✔ Class: Cartilaginous fish (Chondrichthyes)
✔ Row: Carcharine-like (Carcharhiniformes)
✔ Family: Grey sharks (Carcharhinidae)
✔ Gender: Grey Shark (Carcharhinus)
✔ View: Carcharhinus longimanus
📌 Interesting!
The name "longimanus" comes from Latin and means "long arms", which reflects the shape of its pectoral fins.
Appearance and features of the anatomy
🔹 Main Features:
✔ Long broad pectoral fins, which are significantly longer than most sharks
✔ Whitish or yellowish fin tipswhich makes it easily recognizable
✔ Massive body and short muzzle with big nostrils
✔ Medium-sized eyes, well adapted to seeing in the depths
🔹 Sizes:
✔ Average length: 2.5-3 m
✔ Maximum length: 4 m
✔ Average weight: 70-100 kg
✔ Maximum weight: 170 kg
📌 Interesting!
Long pectoral fins allow the shark to maneuver effectively and stay in motion for a long time with minimal effort.
Range and habitat
🌍 Where does the long-winged shark live?
✅ Tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans
✅ It is found at depths from 50 to 150 m, although it can rise to the surface.
✅ Likes open ocean spaces away from the coast
📌 Interesting!
This shark rarely approaches the coast and mostly lives in the open ocean, using the currents for movement.
Life cycle and reproduction
🔹 Life cycle:
✔ Puberty: males - in 6-7 years, females-in 8-9 years
✔ Life span: to 25 years old
🔹 Reproduction:
✔ Viviparous species - the female gives birth 5-15 cubs
✔ Pregnancy continues 12 months
✔ Newborn sharks have a length of 60-75 cm
📌 Interesting!
Young sharks often stay in less deep waters before venturing out into the open ocean.
Food and hunting
🔹 What does a long-winged shark eat?
✅ Basic diet:
* Fish (tuna, mackerel, dolphins)
* Cephalopods (squid, cuttlefish)
* Sea turtles, seabirds
🔹 Hunting strategy:
✔ It hunts mainly at night
✔ Very aggressive and persistent in the pursuit of prey
✔ Can attack in packs, especially if it finds an easy victim
📌 Interesting!
The long-winged shark is often accompanies shipslooking for waste or potential victims.
Danger to humans
🔹 Does this shark attack people?
✅ Yes, there are one of the most dangerous species for a person
✅ Often attacked people after shipwrecks
✅ Considered to be more aggressive than a great white shark in the open ocean
📌 Interesting!
During the Second World War, this shark caused numerous deaths among sailors who were caught in the water after sinking ships.
Enemies and threats
🔹 Natural enemies:
Great big sharks (tiger, great white)
Killer Whale Braid
🔹 Main threats:
❌ Industrial catch - used for fin soup
❌ Ocean pollution - especially dangerous due to the accumulation of toxins in the shark's tissues
📌 Interesting!
The population of this shark has declined significantly due to finning - trapping only for swimmers.
Meaning for a person
🌍 Role in nature and science:
✔ Regulates fish and shellfish populations
✔ Helps to study the behavior of oceanic predators
🔹 Contacts with people:
✔ Used in marine aquariums for research purposes
✔ Popular with extreme diving enthusiasts
📌 Interesting!
The long-winged shark rarely avoids contact with people-on the contrary, it often detects them. curiosity and perseverance in the study of unfamiliar objects.
Conclusion
🦈 The longwing shark is a true master of the open ocean, an unsurpassed hunter and one of the most feared marine predators.
Her unique appearance, boldness and aggressiveness have made her legendary among ocean explorers.
💡 Would you dare to meet her in the ocean? 😨🌊
