The Shortfin Mako Shark: Speed Demon Of The Ocean
The shortfin mako shark is one of the ocean's most fascinating predators, known for its incredible speed and agility. As a member of the mackerel shark family, this species has captured the attention of marine biologists and ocean enthusiasts alike. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about the shortfin mako shark, from its physical characteristics to its conservation status.
Physical Characteristics and Identification
The shortfin mako shark bears a strong resemblance to the closely related longfin mako shark, but the latter species possesses considerably larger pectoral fins, darker coloration around the mouth, and other distinguishing features. The shortfin mako has a streamlined, hydrodynamic body built for speed, with a pointed snout and large, black eyes. Its coloration is typically a brilliant metallic blue on top with a white underside, providing excellent camouflage in the open ocean.
Shortfin mako sharks grow slowly, reaching up to 13 feet long, and can live to be over 30 years old. This slow growth rate and long lifespan make them particularly vulnerable to population decline, as they cannot quickly recover from overfishing pressures.
Growth and Reproduction
These sharks are not able to reproduce until about 8 years old (~6 feet) for males and 19 years old for females. This delayed sexual maturity is one of the factors that makes the species particularly vulnerable to overfishing. Females typically give birth to litters of 4-25 pups after a gestation period of 15-18 months, one of the longest among shark species.
The long maturation period and low reproductive rate mean that shortfin mako populations recover very slowly from depletion. A female mako may only produce a handful of offspring over her entire lifetime, making each reproductive event critical for the species' survival.
Conservation Status
Overfishing of the shortfin mako shark has left it "exceptionally vulnerable" in the north atlantic. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the species as Endangered globally, with some regional populations facing even more critical situations. The North Atlantic population has declined by an estimated 60% over the past 75 years.
The species is primarily taken as bycatch by commercial longliners, but reviews of landings shows mako sharks are increasingly being targeted for their valuable fins and meat. Despite their declining numbers, shortfin makos continue to be caught in significant numbers, both intentionally and accidentally.
Taxonomy and Classification
The shortfin mako shark, also known as the blue pointer or bonito shark, is a large mackerel shark. It is commonly referred to as the mako shark, as is the longfin mako shark. The scientific name for the shortfin mako is Isurus oxyrinchus, with "Isurus" meaning "equal tail" and "oxyrinchus" meaning "sharp snout."
This species belongs to the family Lamnidae, which also includes the great white shark, porbeagle shark, and salmon shark. As a mackerel shark, the shortfin mako shares several characteristics with its relatives, including a torpedo-shaped body, endothermic physiology (ability to regulate body temperature), and a predatory lifestyle.
Basic Facts About Shortfin Mako Sharks
Shortfin mako sharks are remarkable creatures with several unique characteristics:
Lifespan: 30+ years in the wild
Distribution: Found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide
Habitat: Primarily pelagic, but can be found near coastlines
Social behavior: Generally solitary, though may congregate around food sources
Mating habits: Ovoviviparous (eggs hatch inside the mother)
Diet: Primarily fish and cephalopods
Population size and status: Endangered, with declining populations
Wild Nature and Captivity Challenges
Shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) is a fully wild pelagic species with no domestication history. Unlike some shark species that adapt reasonably well to aquarium life, shortfin makos are notoriously difficult to keep in captivity. They migrate long distances and do poorly in captivity—often dying from stress, injuries from collisions with tank walls, or refusal to eat.
This inability to thrive in captivity makes conservation efforts in the wild even more critical. Unlike terrestrial animals that can be bred in zoos or wildlife reserves, the only viable conservation strategy for shortfin makos is protecting their natural habitat and regulating fishing practices.
Speed and Hunting Abilities
Shortfin mako sharks are speed demons of the ocean. They can swim up to 45 miles per hour (that's as fast as a horse can run), making them the fastest shark species in the world. This incredible speed comes from several adaptations: a streamlined body shape, powerful caudal fin, and the ability to partially warm their body temperature above that of the surrounding water.
This comes in handy when they go after fast prey like dolphins, mackerels and other sharks. Their diet also includes tuna, swordfish, and various species of squid. The shortfin mako's speed allows it to chase down some of the ocean's fastest fish, making it one of the ocean's most efficient predators.
Habitat and Distribution
The shortfin mako shark is a large predatory shark that is found in both coastal waters and the open ocean. These highly migratory sharks can reach lengths of 4 meters (13 feet) and weights of 150-400 kilograms (330-880 pounds). They prefer water temperatures between 17-22°C (63-72°F) but can tolerate a wider range when necessary.
Shortfin mako sharks are found worldwide in tropical and temperate seas. In the Atlantic Ocean, they range from the Gulf of Maine to Argentina in the west and from Norway to South Africa in the east. In the Pacific, they're found from Alaska to Chile in the east and from Japan to Australia in the west. They're also present in the Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.
Global Range and Migration
The shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) is found offshore in tropical and warm temperate waters of all oceans, but has been known to travel to cooler waters at times. Satellite tracking studies have revealed that these sharks can travel thousands of kilometers in a single year, crossing entire ocean basins during their migrations.
It is very strong and the fastest known shark, capable of maintaining high speeds for extended periods. This combination of speed and endurance allows shortfin makos to undertake long-distance migrations in search of food, mates, or optimal water temperatures. Some tagged individuals have been recorded traveling over 5,000 kilometers in a single year.
Acrobatic Abilities
The shortfin mako is the fastest recorded shark, capable of leaping great distances out of the water. These aerial displays, sometimes reaching heights of 6 meters (20 feet), are thought to be related to hunting behavior, parasite removal, or simply the shark's high-energy nature. Sport fishermen prize mako sharks for their spectacular jumps when hooked, which can include multiple rotations and flips.
These leaping abilities, combined with their speed and power, make shortfin makos one of the ocean's most impressive predators. Their ability to breach the water's surface also makes them one of the most visible shark species to humans, though such sightings are still relatively rare due to their primarily offshore habitat.
Conservation Challenges and Protection Efforts
The shortfin mako shark faces numerous threats in the modern ocean. Commercial fishing, both targeted and as bycatch, represents the most significant threat to their survival. Their meat is considered high quality, their fins are valuable for shark fin soup, and their liver oil is used in various products. Additionally, they're often caught as bycatch in tuna and swordfish fisheries, where they're either retained for their value or discarded, often dead or dying.
Climate change poses another emerging threat, as warming ocean temperatures may alter their habitat and prey distribution. Ocean acidification could also impact the species they prey upon, indirectly affecting mako populations. Plastic pollution and other marine debris present additional hazards, as makos may ingest plastic or become entangled in discarded fishing gear.
International protection efforts are underway, with the species listed on Appendix II of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), which regulates international trade. However, enforcement remains challenging, and many countries still allow significant mako fishing. Some regional fisheries management organizations have implemented catch limits or complete bans on retaining shortfin makos, but these measures vary widely by region and are not universally adopted.
Conclusion
The shortfin mako shark is a remarkable species that combines incredible speed, predatory efficiency, and a global distribution that spans the world's oceans. However, this iconic predator now faces unprecedented threats from human activities, particularly overfishing. With their slow growth, late maturity, and low reproductive rate, shortfin mako populations are especially vulnerable to depletion and slow to recover.
Conservation of the shortfin mako requires international cooperation, as these sharks cross national boundaries during their extensive migrations. Effective protection will require science-based catch limits, reduced bycatch, and increased public awareness of the species' plight. The future of the ocean's fastest shark depends on our ability to balance human needs with the ecological importance of maintaining healthy shark populations in our global oceans.
