Mako Shark (Shortfin)
Species Facts
Science Name: Isurus oxyrinchus
Size: Grows to an average length of 1.82-3.2 metres (5 ft 12 in-10 ft 6 in) and to a weight of approximately 60-400 kilograms (130-880 lb).
World Record: 553.84 kg (1221 lb 0 oz)
Description

Although both sexes grow at about the same rate, females are thought to have a longer life span, and generally grow larger and more robust. This species grows to an average length of 1.82-3.2 metres (5 ft 12 in-10 ft 6 in) and to a weight of approximately 60-400 kilograms (130-880 lb). The largest reported male specimen weighed 454 kilograms (1,001 lb) and measured 4.02 meters (13 ft), although a near record-sized female shortfin mako measuring 3.96 meters (13 ft) weighted 794 kilograms (1,750 lb). The shortfin is sleek and spindle-shaped with a long conical snout. Mako sharks have a more hydrodynamic shape than any shark other than the salmon shark. Combined with the lamnidae's typical high aerobic muscle mass, this enables its spectacular speed and movements with great agility. It has a crescent shaped caudal (tail) fin. The caudal base has a distinct caudal keel. Its second dorsal fin is much smaller than the first. The apexes of pectoral fin and first dorsal fin are rounded in younger makos. Shortfin mako skin has very abrasive placoid scales to reduce friction during swimming, like the dimples of a golf ball. Distinguishing characteristicsTeeth are visible even when the mouth is closed Teeth are long and slender with smooth-edged cusps Distinct countershading, dorsally blue and ventrally white Moderately short pectoral fins It also looks like a Great White Shark Curved teeth to hold prey

Distribution and Habitat

The shortfin mako inhabits offshore temperate and tropical seas worldwide. The closely related longfin mako shark, Isurus paucus, is found in the Gulf Stream or warmer offshore waters. It is a pelagic species that can be found from the surface down to depths of 150 meters (492 ft), normally far from land though occasionally closer to shore, around islands or inlets. One of only four known endothermic sharks, it is seldom found in waters colder than 16 C (60.8 F). In the western Atlantic it can be found from Argentina and the Gulf of Mexico to Browns Bank off of Nova Scotia. In Canadian waters these sharks are neither abundant nor rare. Swordfish are a good indication of shortfin makos as the former is a source of food and prefers similar environmental conditions. Shortfin makos travel long distances to seek prey or mates. In December 1998, a female tagged off California was captured in the central Pacific by a Japanese research vessel, meaning this fish traveled over 1,725 miles (2,776 km). Another swam 1,322 miles (2,128 km) in 37 days, averaging 36 miles (58 km) a day.

Sources

wikipedia.org