Shortfin mako shark
Isurus oxyrinchus
IUCN Status:Endangered
What do they look like?
Its large, dark eyes and prominent, razor-sharp teeth give it an unmistakable look, perfectly adapted for hunting in the open ocean. Despite its fearsome appearance, their reputation as dangerous to humans is largely undeserved. Attacks from shortfin makos are incredibly rare and out of these, the majority have been classified as provoked.
What truly sets the shortfin mako apart is its speed. It’s one of the fastest sharks in the world, capable of bursts up to 20mph thanks to its hydrodynamic body and strong, crescent-shaped tail.
Where can they be found?
Only to the west of Cornwall and Wales.
Did you know... Mako sharks are ovoviviparous, meaning they give birth to live pups that have hatched from eggs inside the mother. However, scientists have never directly observed a mako shark giving birth in the wild.
Key facts
The shortfin mako shark is the UK's version of the great white shark. It's smaller, sleeker and more streamlined than the great white, but remains a powerful apex predator in its own right. This shark is often seen around UK shores (mainly around south west England and Wales) as they migrate across the Atlantic.
This incredible speed, as well as its ambush tactics of attacking from below its prey, makes it an animal you would hate to cross if you were a fish!
| IUCN status | Endangered |
|---|---|
| Age lifespan | The average lifespan is around 28 -30 years. Males typically have a slightly shorter lifespan than the females. |
| Length | 3.2-4m |
| Speed and distance | They have a formidable speed of around 45mph. Their torpedo-shaped tail helps propel them quickly through the water. |
| Weight | 60–140kg |
| Diet | Meat is on the menu for this marine mammal! They eat fast moving fish such as tuna and mackerel, dolphins and squid, and even birds and other sharks. |
| Habitat | Subtidal, open ocean |
