Prionace glauca

Distinguishing Characteristics:

  • Slender body with a long, narrow snout
  • Large eyes
  • Very long pectoral fins
  • Weak keels
  • Color dark indigo blue on top, gradually becoming bright blue on its sides and then white below

Habitat: Prefers deeper water at cooler temperatures, but can be seen swimming at the surface

Size: To about 13 feet

Note: One of the most common of all sharks, the blue shark is also one of the widest-ranging.

Here's a rare glimpse of a blue shark filmed from the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Ventana at 290 meters depth. (Source: Monterey Bay Aquarium Institute)