Thresher sharks grace divers with close encounter in Philippines VIDEO

According to its article, Discover Wildlife reveals that thresher sharks are among the ocean’s most elusive and fascinating predators. 

Divers in Malapascua, Philippines, had the rare opportunity to observe a deep-sea thresher shark up close in shallow waters. 

Typically found at depths of hundreds of meters, thresher sharks rise to shallower waters, around 20 to 30 meters deep, at dawn to visit cleaning stations. According to Andi Cross, expedition leader at Edges of Earth, “Cleaner fish remove parasites and dead skin,” a vital process that supports the health of both the sharks and the broader marine ecosystem.

Monad Shoal in Malapascua attracts visitors from around the globe, renowned for its pelagic thresher sharks. "Malapascua is one of the few places where thresher sharks can be reliably spotted year-round, thanks to the cleaning stations they visit," explains Cross.

Alongside her team, Cross ventured to the cleaning stations at dawn with Evolution Diving in hopes of encountering one of these majestic creatures. “Our team has spent years studying these elusive predators, observing their behavior to gain a deeper understanding of their movements and promote sustainable tourism,” she adds.

Their efforts paid off. In the video, a thresher shark glides by slowly, showcasing its remarkable tail. The tail is a vital hunting tool for the shark: it herds fish into tight groups and then lashes the water with its tail to stun the prey, making it easier for the shark to capture its meal.

"There is still much to learn about thresher sharks, but one thing is certain: their survival relies on our actions," says Cross. "By diving responsibly and supporting sustainable practices, Malapascua can remain a haven for one of the ocean's most captivating predators."

By Naila Huseynova