Mako Shark (Shortfinned)

Average Weight/Length

The largest is the Longfin Mako with a length of about 4.5 meters (14ft) and adults weigh in around 170 kilograms (375 pounds). Shortfin Makos are usually about half this size and weight.

Family, Genus, Class & Etymology

Family    Lamnidae
Description    Mackerel sharks or white shark
Environment    Marine
Etymology    Greek, lamna, -es = shark
Genus    3
No. of Species    5
Order    Lamniformes
Class    Elasmobranchii
Reproductive Guild    Bearers
Distribution    Global. Large sharks with pointed snouts and spindle-shaped bodies. Large gill openings. First dorsal fin large, high, erect and angular or somewhat rounded. Second dorsal and anal fins minute. Caudal peduncle with a distinct keel; large teeth; fifth gill opening in front of pectoral fin; spiracle sometimes absent. Maximum length up to 6.4 m or more. Fast swimming predators. Some are maneaters. Ovoviviparous, embryos feeding on yolk sac and other ova produced by the mother

Other "Popular" Names for this Fish

Bonito Shark, Blue Pointer

Location Habitat

The Mako Shark is known in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Mako sharks are found all over the world. They are very diverse and so you will find some that live in warm waters while others live in colder temperatures. Some live close to the shores in shallow water while others prefer the depths of the ocean. The vast majority of mako sharks are found in the waters surrounding Tahiti. People are encouraged to watch out for the mako sharp. While they don’t eat people or large animals they have been known to aggressively attack. They don’t like people in their environment as they view them as a threat. Many people don’t think the mako is anything to worry about due to their small size but that isn’t true. Usually found in depths of 100 - 950 feet. Short Pectoral fins; very pointed conical snout with dagger-like teeth; tail lobes nearly equal in size; pronounced keel at base of tail. Oceanic, but sometimes found close inshore. Usually in surface waters, down to about 150 m. Coastal, epipelagic at 1->500 m. Isotope analysis has shown that shortfin mako is the highest level fish predator in oceanic waters off eastern Australia. Adults feed on bony fishes, other sharks, cephalopods; larger individuals may feed on larger prey such as billfish and small cetaceans. Ovoviviparous, embryos feeding on yolk sac and other ova produced by the mother. With 4-16 young of about 60-70 cm long. Gestation period lasts 15-18 months, spawning cycle is every 3 years. Some authors have erroneously assumed that two age rings are deposited per year by this species, thus underestimating longevity, age at maturity, and resilience . These data have been removed and replaced by recent, verified estimates. Tagging in New Zealand indicates seasonal migrations. The presence of genetic differentiation in mitochondrial DNA across global populations suggests dispersal may be male-biased, and that females may have natal site-fidelity. Shortfin mako has been shown to have a marked sexually segregated population structure. Shortfin mako is probably the fastest of all sharks and can leap out of the water when hooked. Potentially dangerous and responsible for unprovoked attacks on swimmers and boats. Jaws and teeth are also sold as ornaments and trophies, 2011 reported a historical record of a larger specimen, caught in the Mediterranean Sea off Turkey, about 585 cm

Biology & Physical Description

You may see a mako shark leaping out of the water from time to time. There isn’t any known reason why they do this. It may be to search for food that is above the surface. Some people assume they do so for air but that isn’t necessary for this species of shark or any other. They are also the fastest of all species of sharks in the world. They can swim at a top speed of 60 miles per hour when they are migrating or hunting for food. The generally swim at a speed of about 35 miles an hour on a regular basis. Mako sharks are often hunted for sport since they aren’t very large. Many trophy hunters want to mount one of their wall. They are very fast swimmers though so being able to get one takes a great deal of patience and skill. The lifespan of a Mako Shark is from 28 to 35 years. As with many other sharks, it appears this species is living longer as time progresses. The cause for this is largely unknown. We do know that females are getting older at a quicker pace than males. This is the fastest shark species in the world. They average an incredible 60mph when hunting for prey! Easts variety of fishes including tunas, mackerels and sharks. Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 0. A large, spindle-shaped shark with large black eyes, a sharp snout, and large, narrow, hooked teeth with smooth edges. Caudal fin lunate, lower lobe strongly developed. Dark blue above, white below. Tiny second dorsal and anal fins

Life Cycle & Mating Behavior

Exhibit ovoviparity (aplacental viviparity), with embryos feeding on other ova produced by the mother (oophagy) after the yolk sac is absorbed. With up to 18 young in a litter. Gives birth to litters of 4-25 (usually 10-18) pups after a gestation period of 15-18 months; reproduces every 3 years. Size at birth between 60 and 70 cm. Distinct pairing with embrace

Geographic Species Map (Fishbase.org Map)

Summary of Distribution: Cosmopolitan in temperate and tropical seas. Western Atlantic: Gulf of Maine to southern Brazil and Argentina, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean. Eastern Atlantic: Norway to South Africa, including the Mediterranean. Indo-Pacific: East Africa to Hawaii, north to Primorskiy Kray, south to Australia and New Zealand. Eastern Pacific: south of Aleutian Islands and from southern California, USA to Chile.

Note: Distribution range colors indicate degree of suitability of habitat which can be interpreted as probabilities of occurrence (fishbase.org)

Tackle & Baits

Ocean trolling tackle, in at least the 30-pound line class. Usually will strike rigged baits, such as Mullet and Mackerel, or a live Bonito.

Game Rating

Game Rating : 9/10

Game Description :

Considered by many big-game anglers as deserving of rank among the big Billfishes. Large, very aggressive, acrobatics when hooked, endurance.

Food Rating

Game Rating : 9/10

Game Description :

Excellent; comparable to Swordfish. Utilized fresh, dried or salted, smoked and frozen; eaten broiled and baked (Ref. 9988). Valued for its fine quality meat as well as its fins and skin. Oil is extracted for vitamins and fins for shark-fin soup. Nutritional Facts by Serving Size: 100g / 3.5oz (raw) Calories Fat Calories Total Fat Saturated Fat Cholesterol Sodium Potassium Protein Omega-3

Picture (Fish)

Picture Mount

Product Specs

Available Sizes: 28 in. - 144 in. Details: Fired-Enamel Glass Eye