Shortfin makos Isurus oxyrinchus
The shortfin mako shark is a sleek spindle shaped shark with a long conical snout. This shark has short pectoral fins and a crescent shaped caudal (tail) fin. There is a distinct caudal keel on the caudal base. Its second dorsal fin is much smaller than the first. The teeth are slender and slightly curved with no lateral cusps, and are visible even when the mouth is closed. There is marked counter shading on this shark: dorsally it is a metallic indigo blue while ventrally it is white.
Shortfin makos are renowned for their speed and their ability to leap out of the water. In fact, there are cases when an angry Mako will jump out of the water and into the boat after it has been caught on the hook. Due to its speed and agility, this high-leaping fish is sought as game worldwide. Mako sharks have a better hydrodynamic shape than all other sharks, and this, combined with the lamnidae's typical high aerobic muscle mass, reflects in the spectacular speed and agility of both the longfin and shortfin makos
The shortfin mako is found in temperate and tropical seas worldwide. The closely related longfin mako shark, Isurus paucus, is found in the Gulf Stream or warmer offshore waters. Shortfin mako sharks live in tropical and temperate offshore waters. They are a pelagic species that occur from the surface down to depths of 150 meters (490 feet). This shark is seldom found in waters colder than 16 degrees Celsius.
The shortfin mako is found worldwide. This shark is highly migratory.
Identification checklist
- Teeth are visible even when the mouth is closed
- Teeth are long and slender with smooth-edged cusps
- Distinct countershading, dorsally blue and ventrally white
- Moderately short pectoral fins
- Underside of the snout is white
- Lunate tail and caudal keel
- Large black eyes
