About Mako Sharks

The mako shark is similar to its cousin, the great white, in that it maintains a higher body temperature than the water it swims in. Utilizing its high metabolic rate, the mako matures more quickly than any of the other sharks in its family and has been known to travel over 1500 miles in a month.

Family, Genus & Species

Mako sharks are part of the Lamnidae shark family, also known as mackerel sharks. The mackerel family includes Great White. They are a pelagic, or open ocean species. Makos are classified under the genus Isurus. There are two types of mako sharks. The more commonly known is the short-fin mako, scientifically known by its Latin name, Isurus oxyrinchus (sharp nosed). The somewhat elusive long-fin mako is called Isurus paucus (meaning "not many"). Mako is a Maori word though its origins are not definitely known.

Description

The short-fin is the smaller of the two sharks. It is characterized by an average length of 6 to 10 feet, weight between 130 and 800 pounds and a spindle-shaped body. The short-fin has a conical snout, white underside and has an indigo hue on top. Short-fins are well known for the exceptional speed and leaping ability. Long-fin makos are distinguished by an average length of 7 to 11 feet on average, a weight of 150 to 850 pounds and a spindle shaped body, a slightly more blunted snout than the short-fin, fins as long as its head and a white underside and bluish black topside. Both species have large eyes, large gills and neither have serrated teeth.

Habitat

Oxyrinchus is found worldwide in temperate seas and seems to not stray below a depth of 500 feet. The short-fin also prefers the open seas, as do many pelagic species, but can often be found near islands though there are exceptions. Long-finned makos are found in warmer waters though to what extent is not known as the shark was only classified as a separate species in 1966. Paucus prefers deeper waters and is often found in the western Atlantic and central Pacific in greater numbers.

Feeding

Makos are apex predators, meaning they are top of the food chain. Because of their speed, makos have a wide variety of menu options are known to dine on the equally fast tuna, squid, blue shark, dolphin, turtle, porpoise, bill-fish, swordfish, sailfish and even herons. Bluefish seems to make up the largest part of their diet along the western Atlantic.

Reproduction

Mako sharks are ovoviviparous. They produce eggs and retain them inside their body while embryos feed on the yolk, or other embryos, until hatching. Hatching actually occurs inside the body and pups are shortly afterward born to their natural habitat. Gestation lasts roughly 15 to 17 months. Though reproduction habits of the mako are not well documented (mothers abort their embryos after capture), it is understood that they usually give birth in warmer, shallower waters.