Common names
Shortfin mako shark, Blue pointer, Bonito shark
Mako shark
Isurus oxyrinchus
- Saltwater
- Endangered
Max length175.25 in
Common length106.25 in
Length typeTotal Length
Max weight1113 lb 5 oz
Depth range0 - 2460 ft
Max age32 years
Water typeSaltwater
Fish info
IUCN Vulnerability status
Short description
Mako sharks have a spindle-shaped body with a long, acutely conical snout and large blade-like teeth that lack serrations and are always visible. The pectoral fins have narrow tips, the first dorsal fin is large and the second pivoting and minute, they've also got a vertically elongated tail. There are strong keels on the tail wrist and the tail is lunate or crescent-shaped. These fish are dark indigo-blue dorsally, and have light blue flanks and a white underside that extends to the underside of the snout. The line of demarcation between blue and white on the body is distinct. Larger specimens tend to possess darker colouration that extends onto parts of the body that would be white in smaller individuals. The juvenile mako differs in that it has a clear blackish stain on the tip of the snout. The species is sexually dimorphic, with females typically larger than males.
Habitat
Can be found from the surface to depths of 150 m normally far from land, though occasionally closer to shore, around islands or inlets. One of the very few known endothermic sharks, it is seldom found in cold waters.
Distribution
The mako inhabits offshore temperate and tropical seas worldwide. For example, in the western Atlantic, it can be found from Argentina and the Gulf of Mexico to Browns Bank off of Nova Scotia.
Behaviour
Shortfin mako sharks travel long distances to seek prey or mates. The shortfin mako shark feeds mainly upon cephalopods and bony fish including mackerels, tunas, bonitos, and swordfish, but it may also eat other sharks, porpoises, sea turtles, and seabirds. They hunt by lunging vertically up and tearing off chunks of their prey's flanks and fins. Mako swims below their prey, so they can see what is above and have a high probability of reaching prey before it notices them.
Edibility
Mako Shark is considered the best of all Sharks to eat. The flesh is dense and meaty making it exceptionally versatile. It is low in fat with a medium-full flavour.
Lure suggestion
Chumming with bloody or oily fish works well for attracting the mako shark. Also effective, slow and deep trolling with bait towed on a downrigger at adequate depth, a second bait fished off a flatline, and a third bait fished behind an outrigger. Good bait: mackerel, bluefish & tuna (work best), squid or mullet.
Similar species
Other similar species
Similar in colour to the Blue Shark, Longfin mako shark