Shortfin Mako Shark
Isurus oxyrinchus
Quick answer
The shortfin mako is the fastest shark in the world, reaching short bursts of about 74 km/h (46 mph). A warm-bodied, open-ocean predator found in temperate and tropical seas worldwide, it has a sleek, torpedo-shaped body built for speed. Shortfin makos are now listed as Endangered.
Shortfin Mako Shark facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Isurus oxyrinchus |
|---|---|
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Habitat | Open temperate and tropical oceans |
| Lifespan | Around 30 years |
| Length | Up to 4 m (13 ft) |
| Top speed | Up to 74 km/h (46 mph) |
| Conservation status | Endangered (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Chondrichthyes |
| Order | Lamniformes |
| Family | Lamnidae |
| Genus | Isurus |
Built for speed
The shortfin mako has a slender, torpedo-shaped body, a pointed snout, and a crescent-shaped tail that together make it the fastest shark in the sea. Like the great white, it is partially warm-blooded, keeping its muscles warmer than the surrounding water so it can swim in powerful, sustained bursts.
Diet and hunting
Makos are open-ocean hunters that chase down fast prey such as tuna, mackerel, and swordfish, and will also take squid and smaller sharks. Their speed lets them ambush schooling fish from below, and they are known to leap clear of the water when hunting or when hooked.
Life cycle
Shortfin makos grow slowly and mature late, and females give birth to live young after a long pregnancy. This slow reproduction means populations recover very slowly once their numbers fall — a key reason the species is now at risk.
Conservation
The shortfin mako is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. It is heavily affected by overfishing, both as a target for its meat and fins and as accidental bycatch in fisheries aimed at tuna and swordfish. International catch limits and stronger protections are now being introduced to help the species recover.
Frequently asked questions about the Shortfin Mako Shark
How fast can a shortfin mako shark swim?
Shortfin makos are the fastest sharks on Earth, reaching short bursts of around 74 km/h (46 mph). Their speed helps them catch fast prey such as tuna and swordfish.
Are shortfin mako sharks endangered?
Yes. The shortfin mako is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, mainly because of overfishing for its meat and fins and accidental capture in other fisheries.
How big do shortfin mako sharks get?
Shortfin makos can grow up to about 4 m (13 ft) long and weigh over 500 kg (1,100 lb), though most are smaller.
Do shortfin mako sharks attack humans?
Bites on people are very rare. Makos live mostly in the open ocean away from swimmers, and humans are not part of their natural diet.
What do shortfin mako sharks eat?
They feed mainly on fast-swimming fish such as tuna, mackerel, and swordfish, along with squid and smaller sharks.
How long do shortfin mako sharks live?
Shortfin makos can live around 30 years. They grow slowly and reproduce late, which makes their populations slow to recover.
