Shortfin mako shark

What it is

The shortfin mako is a large, fusiform shark with a pointed snout and metallic blue dorsal colouring. Its ventral side is white, with a sharp line separating the two tones. It has blunt triangular fins and a powerful tail with a single lateral keel. Adults typically measure between 2.5 and 3.2 metres, though females grow larger than males. The species is distinguished from the longfin mako by its smaller pectoral fins and lighter mouth area.

Where it lives

This cosmopolitan species inhabits offshore temperate and tropical waters globally. It ranges from the surface to depths of 150 metres, preferring temperatures above 16 degrees Celsius. In the western Atlantic, it occurs from Argentina to Nova Scotia. It is common in New Zealand waters and travels long distances, with recorded migrations of over 2,700 kilometres across the Pacific Ocean.

How it lives

Shortfin makos are active predators that feed on bony fish, squid, and marine mammals. They hunt by lunging vertically from below, using their speed to surprise prey. Their diet includes tuna, swordfish, and dolphins. They possess a heat-exchange system that keeps their body warmer than the surrounding water, aiding their high activity levels. Studies show they rely on vision and smell rather than electroreception when hunting.

Breeding and life cycle

Reproduction is ovoviviparous, with embryos feeding on unfertilised eggs inside the uterus. Gestation lasts 15 to 18 months, resulting in four to 18 live young born in late winter or early spring. Females rest for 18 months after giving birth, leading to a three-year reproductive cycle on average. Mating often involves polyandry, where a single brood is sired by multiple males.

Fish and people

Anglers prize the shortfin mako for its speed and acrobatic leaps when hooked. It is a popular target for sport fishing, particularly in California and New Zealand. Commercial fisheries also harvest the species for meat. Recent research has highlighted their intelligence and strong bite force, with recorded bites exceeding 13,000 newtons. However, overfishing remains a significant threat to populations.

Status and threats

The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies the shortfin mako as Endangered. Previous management models underestimated their age at maturity and longevity, leading to unsustainable catch limits. Females do not reach sexual maturity until around 18 years of age, making population recovery slow. Threats include commercial fishing, bycatch, and habitat changes.

Relatives and look-alikes

The shortfin mako is closely related to the longfin mako, which has larger pectoral fins and darker coloration around the mouth. It also belongs to the same family as the great white shark and the porbeagle. Fossil records indicate the presence of similar species in Europe and North America dating back to the Late Oligocene period.

Questions people ask about Shortfin mako shark

Good reading and sources

• Shortfin mako shark on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data