Overview
The shortfin mako is the fastest shark in the ocean and one of the fastest fish of all. With a slim, pointed body shaped like a rocket and a stiff, crescent tail, it is built entirely for speed. Its back is a stunning deep blue that shades to silver and white below, and it has large black eyes and a mouth full of thin, pointed teeth that stick out even when its jaws are closed.
Makos chase down some of the quickest fish in the sea, including tuna and swordfish, and they can put on incredible bursts of speed to catch them. They are also famous for their spectacular jumps, launching themselves high out of the water. Like great whites, makos can keep their bodies warmer than the surrounding sea, which powers their muscles for high-speed hunting.
| Where it lives | Open ocean, usually far from shore in warm and temperate water |
| Range | Tropical and temperate seas worldwide |
| Adult size | Commonly 6 to 10 ft (2 to 3.2 m), sometimes larger |
| Diet | Fast fish like tuna, mackerel, and swordfish, plus squid |
| Lifespan | Around 30 years |
| Depth or habitat | Open water from the surface down to several hundred meters |
| Keep at home? | No, an open-ocean speed hunter that needs endless room to swim |
Born to be fast
Everything about the shortfin mako is designed for speed. Its body is smooth and pointed, its fins are stiff, and its tail is shaped like a crescent moon to push it forward with powerful strokes. Its skin is even covered in tiny tooth-like scales that help water slip past more easily. These features let the mako reach some of the highest speeds of any shark when it puts on a chase.
Warm muscles, big bursts
The mako has a special trick that most fish do not. It can keep its swimming muscles warmer than the water around it, a bit like a built-in engine warmer. Warm muscles work faster and more powerfully, which is exactly what a mako needs to sprint after fast prey. This same ability is shared by only a small group of sharks, including the great white.
High-speed hunter
Shortfin makos hunt some of the speediest fish in the ocean, such as tuna, mackerel, and even swordfish. To catch such quick prey, the mako relies on sudden bursts of acceleration and sharp turns. It is also famous for leaping high into the air, sometimes several times in a row, which may help it chase fish or shake free when caught on a fishing line.
Are they dangerous?
Makos are powerful predators, but they live far out in the open ocean and rarely come across swimmers, so bites on people are very uncommon. They are more often encountered by fishing boats. Like other sharks, they are far more of a target for people than a threat, and they play an important role keeping ocean fish populations healthy.
Endangered speedster
Despite their speed, makos cannot outrun overfishing. They are caught in large numbers for their meat and fins and are often caught by accident on lines meant for other fish. Because makos grow slowly and have few young, their numbers have dropped, and the shortfin mako is now listed as endangered. Fishing limits are being put in place to help them recover.
Fun facts
- The shortfin mako is the fastest shark in the world.
- It can leap high out of the water, sometimes several times in a row.
- Makos keep their muscles warmer than the sea to power fast swimming.
- Their pointed teeth stick out even when the mouth is closed.
- Makos chase down some of the ocean's fastest fish, like tuna and swordfish.
Frequently asked questions
How fast can a mako swim?
The shortfin mako is the fastest shark of all and can put on impressive bursts of speed to catch quick fish, though exact top speeds are hard to measure.
How big does it get?
Most are about 6 to 10 ft (2 to 3.2 m) long, and some grow larger.
What does it eat?
Fast fish such as tuna, mackerel, and swordfish, plus squid.
Is it dangerous to people?
Bites are very rare because makos live far out in the open ocean and seldom meet swimmers.
Are makos endangered?
Yes, the shortfin mako is listed as endangered, mainly because of overfishing, so it needs protection to recover.
