Blue Shark (Prionace glauca) Family Carcharhinidae, Requiem sharks
Common names: blue shark, blue whaler
Description: Blue sharks are a distinctive dark indigo blue on top, which blends to a lighter bright blue down their sides and ends with a bright white under belly. Soon after death their blue coloration fades to dark gray. Blue sharks have long slender bodies and pointed snouts. Their pectoral fins are long and sickle shaped. The teeth in their upper jaw are triangular, serrated and curved; their lower teeth are narrower and very sharp. Blue sharks generally attain a length of 6 to 8 feet and weigh from 50 to 200 pounds. Large blues can grow to 12 feet in length and weigh over 400 pounds.
Where found: offshore
Similar Gulf of Maine species: none
Remarks: Blue sharks are pelagic and migratory in nature. They frequently swim together at the surface and are known to follow boats to get a free meal. Blue sharks are a popular sportfish in the Gulf of Maine because they are plentiful and are easy to catch. Most blue sharks are released when caught because of the poor quality of their meat as food. Chumming with herring, mackerel and menhaden works well when trying to attract these sharks.
Fish Illustrations by: Roz Davis Designs, Damariscotta, ME (207) 5632286
Drawings provided courtesy of the Maine Department of Marine Resources Recreational Fisheries program and the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund.