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The shortfin mako shark (/ ˈ m ɑː k oʊ ˌ ˈ m eɪ-/; Māori: /ˈmaːko/; Isurus oxyrinchus), also known as the shortfin mako, blue pointer, or bonito shark, is a large mackerel shark. It is commonly referred to as the mako shark, as is the longfin mako shark (Isurus paucus).
Mako shark, either of two species of swift, active, potentially dangerous sharks of the family Lamnidae. The shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) lives in tropical and temperate seas, the longfin mako (I. paucus) in tropical seas.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
The mako shark is a small to medium-large predatory fish with a robust, cylindrical body. It has small but pointed, canine-like denticles at the base of each tooth, giving it a distinctive appearance. The head is rounded with a long, slender snout, and the dorsal fin is triangular with a low width.
- There are two species of mako shark. For over 150 years, marine biologists thought there was only one type of mako shark: the shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrhinchus), which got its scientific name in 1810.
- The longfin mako is the second-biggest Lamnidae shark. The Lamnidae family includes the salmon shark, the porbeagle, and the great white. In terms of size, a full-grown great white, at 19.6 feet long, is the biggest.
- Shortfin mako shark can reach speeds of at least 31 mph. The shortfin mako is built for speed. Its body has a streamlined, bullet-like shape that minimizes water resistance, and its pectoral and dorsal fins are rather short, so they don’t create much drag—all features that combine to allow the sharks to slice through the ocean with ease.
- Mako is a word with Māori roots. Shark tooth necklaces and earrings were traditional attire in the culture of the Māori of New Zealand. Mako is Māori word that can mean either “shark” or “shark tooth.”
Shortfin mako sharks are speed demons. They can swim up to 45 miles per hour (that’s as fast as a horse can run). This comes in handy when they go after fast prey like dolphins, mackerels and other sharks.
The shortfin mako shark is a large, predatory shark that lives in the open ocean and reaches lengths of 12 feet (3.8 m) and weights of at least 1200 pounds (545 kg). With top speeds of 45 miles per hour (74 kilometers per hour), the shortfin mako is the fastest shark and is one of the fastest fishes on the planet.
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Feb 21, 2024 · U.S. wild-caught Pacific shortfin mako shark is a smart seafood choice because it is sustainably managed and responsibly harvested under U.S. regulations.
