An oceanic deep-water species which sometimes comes close to shore. Found surface to depths of at least 150 m. Epipelagic usually over water depths of >184 meters. Frequently accompanied by Remora, Coryphaena, pilot fishes, and tortoises. Feeds oceanic bony fishes, also threadfins, stingrays, sea turtles, sea birds, gastropods, squid, crustaceans, mammalian carrion and garbage, including tuna and mahimahi. Viviparous. There is pronounced partial segregation by size and sex in some areas. This is an active, almost fearless shark also charged in human attacks. Probably responsible for many open-ocean attacks after air or sea disasters. Utilized fresh, frozen, smoked, and dried-salted for human consumption; hides for leather, fins