Shortfin Mako Sharks

Shortfin mako sharks, also known as blue pointer or bonito sharks, are a species of large mackerel sharks. These endangered sharks range throughout tropical and temperate seas. Learn more about this fast-swimming animal.

(updated July 19, 2022)

June 11, 2019

By: Discovery

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Shortfin Mako Sharks

Shortfin mako sharks cruise at speeds of 22 miles per hour when hunting, but can achieve bursts of 60 miles per hour.

Shortfin Mako Sharks

There are two types of mako sharks, one is is the shortfin mako shark – Isurus oxyrinchus – and the other is the longfin mako shark – Isurus paucus. The shortfin mako shark is the fastest shark around.

Shortfin Mako Sharks

Similar to the great white sharks, mako sharks are partially warm blooded which enables them to hunt in cooler water temperatures.

Shortfin Mako Sharks

The shortfin mako shark is hunted for sport due to its size and speed, sadly they face the possibility of extinction since they are hunted for their meat which some consider tastier than other sharks.

Shortfin Mako Sharks

Some mako sharks hunt for swordfish, but they also go after squid, tuna, and bill fish.

Shortfin Mako Sharks

Mako sharks are speedy and tenacious and can leap up to 20 feet out of the water.

Shortfin Mako Sharks

Ernest Hemingway wrote about Mako Sharks in the novel that won him a Pulitzer Prize, ‘The Old Man and The Sea.’

The shortfin mako shark is also known as the blue pointer or bonito shark.

Shortfin Mako Shark

Shortfin mako sharks mate via internal fertilization and give live birth to a small number of shark pups

Shortfin Mako Shark

Shortfin Mako Shark or the Isurus oxyrinchus, are highly migratory and can travel across entire oceans.

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