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Isurus oxyrinchus
Max Length
4.0m
Litter Size
4 to 6 pups
Overview
The fastest shark species, capable of sustained speeds over 35 km/h with bursts above 70 km/h. Endothermic like the great white. A highly migratory open-ocean predator that targets tuna and billfish. Endangered globally.
Habitat
Offshore littoral and epipelagic species found in water warmer than 60ºF [16ºC], from surface to at least 500 ft [152 m].
Distribution
Circumglobal in temperate and tropical seas.
Behavior
The Shortfin mako shark, like the White shark - Carcharodon carcharias, is warm-bodied. This is an extremely active shark. It is the fastest of all the sharks and famed for its spectacular leaps from the sea.
Human Safety
Hyperactive. Danger to humans – unprovoked attacks on swimmers have been documented and the sharks attempted to inflict multiple bites. Unprovoked attacks on divers are rare, probably because the shark is usually found well offshore. However, its speed and aggressiveness, particularly around speared fish, indicate that it should be regarded with caution.
Biology
Recorded
4
Fatal
0
Fatality rate
0.0%
Years
1906–2003
Top countries
Years with most incidents
Appearance
Dentition
Conservation
In 2019, both the shortfin and longin mako shark were listed on Appendix II of CITES.
Counts are based on the species field of the Global Shark Attack File. Identifications by witnesses are often uncertain; treat figures as recorded incidents, not authoritative totals.
Shark Data Lab