Mako Shark

Physical Characteristics

Mako Sharks are powerful, fast-swimming predators, considered the “cheetahs of the sea” for their speed and agility.

Body Shape:
Streamlined, torpedo-shaped body built for speed and long-distance hunting in the open ocean.

Skin & Coloration:
Dark metallic blue on the back, lighter blue on the flanks, and stark white underside for countershading camouflage.

Head & Eyes:
Conical, pointed snout with large, dark eyes adapted for detecting fast-moving prey.

Mouth & Teeth:
Large mouth with long, slender, razor-sharp teeth that remain visible even when the mouth is closed—ideal for gripping slippery prey.

Fins:
Short, stiff pectoral fins; a tall, triangular dorsal fin; and a powerful crescent-shaped caudal fin for explosive propulsion.

Tail:
Strong, lunate (crescent-shaped) tail that enables bursts of speed over 40 mph (64 km/h).

Size:

• Shortfin Mako: 10 to 12 ft (3 to 3.8 m), up to 1,200 lbs (545 kg).

• Longfin Mako: 14 ft (4.3 m) maximum, generally smaller-bodied than Shortfin.

The Mako Shark’s speed, sharp teeth, and sleek form make it one of the most formidable and iconic predators of the open ocean.

Reproduction

Mako Sharks are ovoviviparous, giving birth to live young that develop inside the mother’s body without a placental connection.

Mating Season:
Courtship and mating are believed to occur in offshore waters during warmer months, though direct observations are rare.

Mating Behavior:
Males use claspers for internal fertilization, often leaving scars on females from biting during courtship.

Gestation:
Pregnancy lasts 15 to 18 months, among the longest of any shark species.

Birth:
Litters range from 4 to 25 pups, depending on the female’s size and species.

Pups:
Newborns measure about 2.5 to 3 ft (70–90 cm) long and are independent hunters from birth.

Maturity:
Males mature at 7 to 9 years (about 6–7 ft / 1.8–2.1 m), while females mature later, around 18–21 years (10 ft / 3 m).

Reproductive Strategy:
Slow growth, long gestation, and late maturity mean that population recovery is extremely slow, increasing their vulnerability to overfishing.

Lifespan

Mako Sharks are long-lived pelagic predators, with lifespans similar to other large, slow-maturing sharks.

Average Lifespan in the Wild:
Shortfin Makos typically live 25 to 30 years, while Longfin Makos may reach 30 to 35 years.

Lifespan in Captivity:
They rarely survive long in captivity due to their high activity levels and need for open-ocean swimming.

Life Cycle Dynamics:

• Pups: Born at 2.5–3 ft (70–90 cm), fully independent at birth.

• Juveniles: Grow slowly, roaming widely in offshore waters.

• Adulthood: Males mature at 7–9 years, females much later, at 18–21 years.

• Senior Age: Continue reproducing late in life, though fertility declines gradually.

Threats to Longevity:

• Overfishing: Highly targeted for meat, sport, and fins.

• Bycatch: Commonly caught on tuna and swordfish longlines.

• Slow Reproduction: Long gestation and late maturity limit recovery from population decline.

The Mako Shark’s long lifespan, combined with slow reproduction, makes it highly vulnerable despite being one of the ocean’s fastest and most formidable hunters.

Eating Habits

Mako Sharks are apex predators, renowned for speed and precision hunting in the open ocean.

Diet:
They feed primarily on fast-moving pelagic fish such as mackerel, tuna, bonito, and swordfish, and will also take squid and smaller sharks.

Hunting Strategy:

• Pursuit Hunters: Rely on speed and endurance to chase down prey in open waters.

• Ambush Speed Bursts: Use sudden accelerations, reaching speeds over 40 mph (64 km/h), to overtake agile fish.

• Surface Strikes: Known to leap from the water during high-speed pursuits.

Feeding Method:
Long, slender teeth protruding even when the mouth is closed are adapted to grip slippery prey. Prey is often consumed in chunks rather than swallowed whole.

Group Feeding:
Typically solitary hunters, though multiple Makos may converge in areas of abundant prey such as tuna schools.

Ecological Role:
As apex predators, they regulate populations of fast-moving pelagic fish, maintaining balance in offshore ecosystems.

Uniqueness

The Mako Shark is one of the ocean’s most remarkable predators, combining speed, agility, and power.

Fastest Shark:
The Shortfin Mako is the fastest shark in the world, capable of bursts exceeding 40 mph (64 km/h).

Leaping Ability:
They are famous for breaching, leaping up to 20 ft (6 m) out of the water during hunts or when hooked.

Distinctive Teeth:
Their long, slender teeth remain visible even when the mouth is closed, a unique feature among sharks.

Two Species:
There are two recognized species—the Shortfin (Isurus oxyrinchus) and the Longfin (Isurus paucus)—distinguished by fin size, eye shape, and habitat preferences.

Wide Range:
Highly migratory, Makos roam vast distances across temperate and tropical oceans, crossing entire basins in search of prey.

Sport Fishing Icon:
Prized by sport fishers for their strength and acrobatics, they are among the most sought-after game sharks.

The Mako Shark’s unmatched speed, spectacular leaping behavior, and global range make it one of the most unique and captivating predators in the sea.