Mako Sharks, belonging to the Isurus genus, are known as the fastest sharks in the ocean, capable of reaching impressive speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. There are two species within the genus: the Shortfin Mako Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) and the Longfin Mako Shark (Isurus paucus). These apex predators are not only famous for their speed but also for their agility and hunting prowess. In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of Mako Sharks, including their physical characteristics, habitat, diet, and conservation status.
What is a Mako Shark?
Mako Sharks are part of the Lamnidae family, which includes other large, fast-swimming sharks like the Great White Shark. These sharks are built for speed, with streamlined bodies and powerful tails that allow them to make sudden bursts to catch prey. Both Shortfin and Longfin Mako Sharks are widely known for their predatory efficiency and remarkable athleticism.
Genus: Isurus
Species: Isurus oxyrinchus (Shortfin Mako) and Isurus paucus (Longfin Mako)
Family: Lamnidae
Lifespan: Around 28–35 years
Conservation Status: Endangered (IUCN Red List for Shortfin Mako), Vulnerable (Longfin Mako)
Physical Characteristics of Mako Sharks
Mako Sharks are easily recognizable due to their sleek, torpedo-shaped bodies designed for speed. Here are some of their defining features:
1. Size:
Shortfin Mako Sharks are typically between 10 to 12 feet in length, with some individuals reaching up to 14 feet. They weigh between 600 and 1,000 pounds.
Longfin Mako Sharks tend to be slightly larger and bulkier but are less commonly encountered.
2. Coloration: Mako Sharks are deep blue to metallic blue on their dorsal (top) side, while their undersides are white, providing camouflage in open water. Their coloration helps them blend with the ocean when viewed from above or below, making them effective hunters.
3. Fins:
Shortfin Mako Sharks have shorter, more pointed pectoral fins, which contribute to their streamlined shape and agility.
Longfin Mako Sharks have longer, broader pectoral fins, which make them less agile but allow them to conserve energy while swimming long distances.
4. Teeth: Both species have long, pointed, and slightly curved teeth that are designed for gripping and tearing flesh. Their sharp teeth help them latch onto fast-moving prey like tuna, swordfish, and other marine creatures.
Where Do Mako Sharks Live?
Mako Sharks are pelagic, meaning they live in open ocean waters far from shore. They inhabit both temperate and tropical waters, preferring water temperatures between 61°F and 75°F (16°C to 24°C).
Regions: Mako Sharks can be found in oceans worldwide, including the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Mediterranean Seas. Some of the highest concentrations of Mako Sharks are found off the coasts of North America, South Africa, Japan, and New Zealand.
Depth Range: Mako Sharks usually stay within the upper 500 meters of the water column but have been known to dive deeper in search of food.
Speed and Hunting Abilities of Mako Sharks
Mako Sharks are renowned for their speed, making them one of the most effective predators in the ocean. They can reach burst speeds of up to 45 mph and leap up to 20 feet out of the water when hunting or hooked by fishermen.
Built for Speed: Their hydrodynamic bodies, crescent-shaped tails, and large, efficient gills allow Mako Sharks to reduce drag and accelerate quickly. They are endothermic, meaning they can regulate their body temperature, allowing them to remain agile and hunt in colder waters.
Hunting Strategy: Mako Sharks are known to use their incredible speed and agility to pursue fast-swimming prey such as tuna, swordfish, and other large bony fish. They often ambush their prey from below, striking quickly before their target can react.
What Do Mako Sharks Eat?
Mako Sharks are apex predators, meaning they sit at the top of the food chain with very few natural threats. They have a carnivorous diet, mainly feeding on a variety of fast-moving fish and marine animals.
Diet: Their primary prey includes tuna, mackerel, swordfish, dolphins, and cephalopods such as squid. The Shortfin Mako is particularly known for hunting fast-swimming prey due to its high speed.
Feeding Behavior: Mako Sharks are opportunistic feeders and tend to chase down their prey, using their sharp teeth and powerful jaws to deliver quick, fatal bites. They also use their speed and agility to outmaneuver prey, making them formidable hunters.
Behavior and Reproduction of Mako Sharks
Mako Sharks are highly active and solitary animals. Their ability to cover vast distances in the open ocean makes them difficult to study, but they are known for their remarkable stamina and hunting techniques.
Social Behavior: Mako Sharks are generally solitary but may gather in feeding areas where prey is abundant. They are known for their aggressive behavior, particularly when hunting or defending their territory.
Reproduction: Mako Sharks are ovoviviparous, meaning that the eggs develop inside the female, and she gives birth to live young. The gestation period is thought to last around 15 to 18 months. Females give birth to 4 to 25 pups, each about 2 feet long, and they are left to fend for themselves immediately after birth.
Lifespan: Mako Sharks live for about 28 to 35 years in the wild, but some individuals may live longer depending on environmental conditions and food availability.
Are Mako Sharks Dangerous to Humans?
While Mako Sharks are not as notorious as Great White Sharks when it comes to shark attacks, they are still considered potentially dangerous due to their speed, power, and aggressive nature. There have been a few recorded attacks on humans, typically involving provoked interactions such as fishing incidents. However, Mako Sharks do not typically target humans as prey.
Interaction with Humans: Mako Sharks are highly prized by sport fishermen for their speed and power. They are often targeted in recreational fishing competitions, but the fight with a hooked Mako can be dangerous, as these sharks are known to leap out of the water when threatened.
Conservation Status and Threats to Mako Sharks
The Shortfin Mako Shark is currently listed as Endangered, while the Longfin Mako Shark is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Both species face significant threats due to human activities, particularly overfishing and the demand for shark products.
Main Threats to Mako Sharks:
1. Overfishing: Mako Sharks are heavily targeted by commercial and sport fisheries. They are valued for their meat, fins, and liver oil, and many are caught as bycatch in longline fisheries.
2. Shark Finning: Like many other shark species, Mako Sharks are hunted for their fins, which are used in shark fin soup, a delicacy in some cultures.
3. Bycatch: Mako Sharks are often caught unintentionally in longline and gillnet fisheries, which target other species such as tuna and swordfish.
4. Slow Reproduction Rate: Mako Sharks have a slow reproductive rate, with long gestation periods and few offspring. This makes them particularly vulnerable to population declines due to overfishing.
Conservation Efforts
Efforts to conserve Mako Sharks have gained momentum in recent years, with various organizations and governments introducing protective measures.
Fishing Regulations: Several countries and international bodies, such as the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), have implemented fishing quotas and regulations to limit the catch of Mako Sharks.
Protected Areas: Establishing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in critical habitats, such as breeding grounds and feeding areas, can help safeguard Mako Shark populations.
Public Awareness: Raising awareness about the importance of Mako Sharks in marine ecosystems and promoting sustainable fishing practices are key steps in protecting this species.
Interesting Facts About Mako Sharks
1. Fastest Shark: The Shortfin Mako Shark holds the title of the fastest shark in the ocean, capable of reaching speeds of up to 45 miles per hour.
2. Leaping Ability: Mako Sharks are known for their acrobatic leaps, often jumping out of the water when hooked by fishermen.
3. Highly Intelligent: Mako Sharks have large brains compared to other shark species, which is thought to contribute to their hunting success and problem-solving abilities.
Conclusion
Mako Sharks (Genus: Isurus) are among the ocean’s most impressive predators, known for their incredible speed, agility, and hunting prowess. Although they are formidable hunters, Mako Sharks face significant threats from overfishing, bycatch, and shark finning. Conservation efforts are critical to ensuring the survival of these remarkable creatures, which play a vital role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. Protecting Mako Sharks through sustainable fishing practices, public awareness, and marine conservation efforts is essential for their future.