Mako Shark Size report
The mako shark (scientific name: Isurus oxyrinchus) is a large shark with a ferocious nature and extremely fast swimming speed, which may be the fastest among sharks. Mako sharks are widely distributed in tropical and temperate waters of the world's oceans. Their habitat depth ranges from the surface to about 740 meters underwater. Sometimes they swim to coastal and offshore continental shelves and island shelf waters. In summer, they move with warm currents.
The mako was first described by Rafinesque in 1810 and named Isurus oxyrinchus. The genus name Isurus is Greek for its lunar caudal fin. The shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) is found in all tropical and temperate seas, and the longfin mako (Isurus paucus) is scattered worldwide in tropical seas.
There are countless ferocious animals in the world. It is well known that sharks are famous killers in the ocean. Now let's learn more about the terrifying shark in the world, the mako shark, which leads us into a different marine world.
Mako Shark General Descriptions
The shortfin mako and longfin mako sharks are swift, active, potentially dangerous sharks of the mackerel shark family, Lamnidae. Mako sharks are marine creatures in the upper layer of warm water, and most of them live underwater at about 150 meters. It also has a heat exchange circulatory system that keeps the body temperature higher than the surrounding water to maintain a high activity level.
Characteristics
Mako sharks can swim at speeds of up to 56 km/h and jump up to 8 meters above the water. The mako shark has a spindle-shaped body, a thick trunk, and a crescent-shaped tail, making its jumping more convenient. They have large, black eyes and five long gill slits on each side, their pointed snouts, and long slender teeth protrude from their mouths. Body coloration ranges from blue-gray to deep blue dorsally and is white ventrally. The main difference between shortfin makos and longfin makos is the length of their fins. Longfin mako sharks have longer pectoral fins with broad tips.
Average Size
The largest adults may reach 4.5 meters (14.8 feet) long and exceed 500 kg (about 1,100 pounds) in weight.
Living Habits and Diet
Mako sharks are large, predatory sharks that live in the open ocean; they are highly migratory, with individuals making long migrations every year. They are known for their fast swimming speeds and incredible leaping ability; they can be observed jumping to extreme heights (out of the water) when hunting. Mako sharks prey on fishes such as herring, mackerel, swordfish, and small cetaceans. Longfin mako sharks are deep-dwelling and therefore more elusive.
Mako Shark Endangerment
Human activities, including overfishing, the global shark fin trade, and habitat loss, gradually push mako sharks toward possible extinction. Shortfin mako sharks are a favorite catch of fishermen and are also prized for their meat. Shortfin and longfin makos are often killed as bycatch in tuna and swordfish fisheries. Mako sharks have experienced a significant decline in global population size. Without increased conservation and management efforts, this species' population will decline, perhaps to a dangerous level.