Shortfin Mako Shark

The Shortfin Mako Shark belongs to the family Lamnidae. The Mako Shark can be found in waters that are both tropical and temperate, swimming in the open ocean. Compared to other sharks, this species of Mako Shark is small. They can get to lengths of 12 ft. and weigh about 1,200 lbs. With no natural predator, the Shortfin Make will use their cylindrical and hydrodynamic body to make them the fastest shark in the world! They can get top speeds of 45 mph.! Along with some other close relatives, they have specialized blood vessel structures (countercurrent exchanger) that allow the shark to maintain a body temperature higher than whatever water surrounds them. This adaptation allows this shark to be a hunter with variety, feeding on different kinds of bony fish. This species of shark is like other sharks and reproduces via internal fertilization and gives live birth. What’s interesting with the Mako is how the mother feeds her young. Since she does not connect her young with a placenta, during the gestation period, she will feed them unfertilized eggs.

Unfortunately, due to commercial fishing, this species of shark is now considered endangered. Since they live in the open ocean, it sometimes gets mistaken for fish like tuna and will get caught in a net or on a hook. With the high value on their fins and meat, most fishermen won’t release them. They will keep the shark just to collect the winnings. This has caused a serious decline in the species. If this is not controlled, we will see a dangerous drop in existing Makos.

The more you know, the better we can do. Share your new fact with a friend (especially our fishermen and women) and let’s help this creature continue to live an abundant life. They deserve it just as much as you and I.

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