Mako Sharks

Mako Shark Facts:

There are actually two types of Mako Sharks: the Shortfin Mako Shark and the Longfin Mako Shark.

• These sharks have sleek, skinny bodies, with large black eyes, a distinctly pointed nose, and long-pointed teeth.
•  Mako Sharks are in the 'vulnerable' conservation status!!
• On average these sharks are approximately 7-9 ft. long.
• Shortfin Mako Sharks are found in temperate (meaning neither too cold nor too warm waters) as well as tropical seas worldwide.
• Longfin Mako Sharks are found specifically in the Gulf Stream or warmer offshore waters.
• Food preferences: Mako Sharks mainly feed on bony fish (i.e. tuna, swordfish...etc); however Makos have been known to eat other sharks, sea turtles, sea birds, and dolphins.
• Hunting Technique: Makos have a specific way of hunting: they approach their prey from underneath. This gives them the advantage in the sense that they can see what is above them and implement the 'SURPRISE ATTACK.' (This method is almost completely fool-proof).
• Makos are the fastest sharks in the seas; they can reach up to 31 mph and have been seen to have bursts of up to 46 mph!!
• Makos give birth to LIVE YOUNG, and have a gestation period of approximately 15-18 months (almost double a human's gestation period).
• Maximum age recorded: 29 years for males; 32 years for females.
• This species of shark do not do well in captivity, they usually do not last past 1 month, which explains why there are never any Mako Sharks at aquariums.
• The International Shark Attack File has reported that through the duration of 30 years (1980-2010) there have been 42 attacks on humans. 3 OF WHICH WERE FATAL.
• IN GENERAL, THIS SPECIES OF SHARK DO NOT ATTACK HUMANS. THE TIMES WHERE HUMANS WERE ATTACKED, IT WAS ALWAYS DUE TO MISTAKEN IDENTITY---THE SHARK CONFUSING THE HUMAN FOR WEAKENED OR HURT PREY.