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Shortfin Mako
LamniformesAttack Relevant

Shortfin Mako

Isurus oxyrinchus

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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

Tropical & subtropical seas worldwide

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

Diet
Fish (including fast-swimming species such as tuna, bonito and swordfish), squid and smaller sharks.
Reproduction
Ovoviviparous
Birth Size
80cm
Male Maturity
1.9m

Appearance

Shortfin Mako illustration
Dorsal
Metallic blue to dark gray above; white below

Dentition

Upper jaw
Large awl-shaped non-serrated grasping teeth.

Conservation

In 2019, both the shortfin and longin mako shark were listed on Appendix II of CITES.

Sources:sharksorg

Recorded incidents involving the shortfin mako

Recorded

4

Fatal

0

Fatality rate

0.0%

Years

1906–2003

Top countries

Years with most incidents

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many shark attacks have been recorded involving the shortfin mako?
4 incidents in the Global Shark Attack File mention the shortfin mako, of which 0 were fatal (0.0%). Note that witness species identifications are often uncertain, so this is the count of recorded incidents.
Where do most shortfin mako incidents occur?
The countries with the most recorded shortfin mako incidents are United States, South Africa, Israel.
Is the shortfin mako dangerous to humans?
The shortfin mako is considered relevant to human-shark incidents and has been recorded in the Global Shark Attack File. As with any large shark, encounters in the wild should be avoided.
Where does this species data come from?
Species profiles are compiled from peer-reviewed taxonomy and published references. Incident data is sourced from the Global Shark Attack File and joined to species records by name match.
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