SHORTFIN MAKO: THE SPEED DEMON SHARK

SHARKOPEDIA : SHORTFIN MAKO SHARK

DID YOU KNOW?

THE SPEEDY SHORTFIN MAKO HAS A SLOWER COUSIN

The shortfin mako has a lesser-known cousin: the mysterious longfin mako, a seldom seen and rarely studied shark. Like its name implies, this shark has longer pectoral fins than its short-finned relative. These long, broad-tipped fins – measuring about the length of the shark’s head – aren’t designed for speed, but rather for slow cruising.

We know that the longfin mako is a slower and less active shark than the shortfin mako, but what else do we know about it? We know that it has larger eyes than its turbo-charged cousin, and that on average it’s a fair bit bigger. It’s also unique among members of its family in that it doesn’t appear to be warm-blooded.

Most of what we know about longfin makos is from specimens caught off the coast of Cuba. Scientists have just recently started tracking these sharks to find out where they go, where they mate, how far they dive and what they’re likely eating. They think longfin makos rely partially on their keen eyesight to prey on schooling fish and squid – including bioluminescent squid – at depth.

Outside of Cuba, the longfin mako is thought to live in deep, tropical waters worldwide. It’s been reported off the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of United States and Canada, and the Atlantic and Indian Ocean coasts of Africa.