ANIMAL SPECIES:Shortfin Mako, Isurus oxyrinchus Rafinesque, 1810
The Shortfin Mako is believed to be the fastest of all sharks and can be found worldwide in tropical and temperate waters. Despite being primarily an oceanic species, it is considered to be dangerous to people.
Alternative Name/s
Blue Pointer, Mackerel Shark, Mako, Mako Shark, Snapper SharkIdentification
The Shortfin Mako has a pointed snout and long, slender teeth that protrude from the mouth. The second dorsal and anal fins are small and the caudal fin is lunate. There is a single keel on the caudal peduncle.
The upper surface of the body is indigo blue, abruptly changing to lighter blue on the sides and white below.
Shortfin Makos can be distinguished from White Sharks by several characters. The teeth in the upper jaw are smooth-edged and slender, whereas those of the White Shark are flattened, serrated and triangular (although narrower in juveniles). The colouration of the Shortfin Mako (see above), differs from the White shark, which is blue-grey, grey-brown or bronze above with an abrupt change of colour to white below.
Size range
It grows to about 4 m in length.Distribution
The species occurs worldwide in tropical and temperate waters. In Australia it is recorded from the marine waters of all States, but has not been caught in the Northern Territory.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Shortfin Mako specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
The species occurs primarily in tropical waters (above 16 degrees Centigrade), but is known from both tropical and temperate waters circumglobally. It is found in both oceanic and continental waters.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
Dietary items include mainly bony fishes and cephalopods. Large individuals over 3 m in length are known to take larger prey such as billfishes and small cetaceans.
Other behaviours and adaptations
The Shortfin Mako is believed to be the fastest of all sharks. Like other lamnid sharks, it has a heat exchange circulatory system that enables the body to be warmer than the surrounding water and thus maintain a high level of activity. When hooked, the Shortfin Mako can make spectacular leaps out of the water.
Living with us
Danger to humans and first aid
The Shortfin Mako has been known to attack boats and injure fishers after being hooked. Despite being primarily an oceanic species, it is considered to be dangerous to people. It has been implicated in both fatal and nonfatal attacks on humans.
Classification
- Species:
- oxyrinchus
- Genus:
- Isurus
- Family:
- Lamnidae
- Order:
- Lamniformes
- Class:
- Chondrichthyes
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
- Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, Pp. 1-2178.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Last, P.R. & J.D. Stevens. 2009. Sharks and Rays of Australia. Edition 2. CSIRO. Pp. 644, Pl. 1-91.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
- Stevens, J.D. in Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Pp. 992.
Would you like to add a comment?
Sign up to add comments and find out more about the other benefits you can enjoy.
Would you like to add a tag?
Sign up to add tags and find out more about the other benefits you can enjoy.
A Shortfin Mako Shark at the surface View full size
Nick Wegner
© Nick Wegner
The head of a Shortfin Mako Shark View full size
Nick Wegner
© Nick Wegner
Shortfin Mako vertebra View full size
Carl Bento
© Australian Museum
Shortfin Mako embryo View full size
T. Carter
© CSIRO
Featured product
Field Guide to Australian Sharks & Rays
R.K. Daley, J.D. Stevens, P.R. Last & G.K. Yearsley - Published by CSIRO 2002, (Paperback)
Price: $29.95
Support us
Your support will have a real impact.
Online Shop
Great gifts.
Australian Museum Members
Join today.
Australian Museum Business Services
Professional consulting.
Museum as a Venue
Unique spaces.
Media Resources
Contact Publicity.