Overview
The shortfin mako shark is characterized by their sleek, fusiform body, a long, pointed snout, and a distinctive, crescent-shaped tail. Their dorsal fin is short and triangular, giving them their name. They are distinguished from other mako sharks, such as the longfin mako, by their shorter pectoral fins and their more robust build.
Commonly found in:
- United States
- Mexico
- Cuba
- Bahamas
- Dominican Republic
- Puerto Rico
- Brazil
- Argentina
- South Africa
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Japan
- South Korea
- China
- India
Over the past 118 years, there have been 12 recorded attacks by Shortfin Mako Sharks. Of these attacks, they have occurred at sea and at the following beaches:
Size and Weight
- Size: Males average between 6-8 feet when mature; females average between 8-10 feet when mature
- Weight: Males typically weigh 300-400 pounds; females typically weigh 600-1,300 pounds
- Swimming speed: Both sexes can reach speeds up to 45 mph
Interaction with Humans
- Interaction with Humans: Rarely aggressive, but can be dangerous if provoked
- Avoidance: Stay out of offshore waters, avoid areas with schools of fish
- Activity: Most active during day and night, with peak activity at dawn and dusk
Lifespan and Diet
- Lifespan: Males live 20-30 years; females live 30-35 years
- Diet: Primarily fish and squid; hunts by chasing prey at high speeds
Migratory Patterns
Shortfin Mako Sharks exhibit extensive migratory patterns throughout the year. They typically start their migrations in temperate waters and move towards tropical regions. In the Atlantic, they travel from the northeastern United States and Canada to the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. In the Pacific, they migrate from California and Japan to areas near Hawaii and sometimes as far as New Zealand. These sharks also undertake trans-oceanic migrations, crossing entire ocean basins. Their movements are influenced by water temperature, prey availability, and reproductive cycles.
