Shortfin mako shark

The shortfin mako shark (; Māori: /ˈmaːko/; Isurus oxyrinchus), also known as the shortfin mako, blue pointer, or bonito shark, is a species of large mackerel shark. It is commonly referred to as the mako shark, as is the longfin mako shark (Isurus paucus). The fastest known shark species, able to reach speeds of 74 km/h (46 mph) in bursts, the shortfin mako can attain sizes of more than 4 m (13 ft) in length and weigh over 570 kg (1,260 lb). The species is classified as Endangered by the IUCN.

Distribution

The shortfin mako shark is a cosmopolitan species, inhabiting offshore temperate and tropical seas worldwide.

It is a pelagic species that can be found from the surface to depths of 150 m (490 ft), normally far from land, though occasionally closer to shore, around islands or inlets. The shortfin mako is one of the very few known endothermic sharks, although it is seldom found in waters colder than 16 °C (61 °F).

In the western Atlantic, it can be found from Argentina and the Gulf of Mexico to Browns Bank off of Nova Scotia. In Canadian waters, these sharks are neither abundant nor rare. Swordfish are good indicators of shortfin mako populations, as the former are a source of food and prefer similar environmental conditions. The shark is one of the most commonly found in the waters of New Zealand.

Shortfin mako sharks travel long distances to seek prey or mates. In December 1998, a female tagged off California was captured in the central Pacific by a Japanese research vessel, meaning this fish traveled over 2,776 km (1,725 mi). Another specimen swam 2,128 km (1,322 mi) in 37 days, averaging 58 km (36 mi) a day.

Behaviour

The shortfin mako is a fast, athletic species and is highly sought after as a game fish, particularly notable for its tendency to leap high into the air when hooked. Some cases of shortfin mako jumping into a boat after having been hooked have been reported.