Shortfin mako sharks, often heralded as the ocean’s speed demons, are esteemed as some of the fastest swimmers, reaching astounding speeds of up to 72 km/h (45 mph). Their body, resembling a torpedo, is perfectly adapted for high-speed navigation through the ocean’s depths, aided by their crescent-shaped tail and expansive pectoral fins, which ensure exceptional hydrodynamics.
These sharks are not just built for speed; they are also equipped with a set of jaws that strike terror into the hearts of their prey. Filled with sharp, serrated teeth, shortfin mako sharks are formidable hunters, specializing in capturing fast-swimming prey like tuna and swordfish. Their streamlined physique and powerful bite make them efficient and deadly predators in the marine food chain.
One of the most captivating behaviors exhibited by shortfin mako sharks is their breathtaking breaching displays. These sharks are renowned for their astonishing leaps out of the water, propelling themselves high into the air before crashing back down into the ocean’s depths. While the precise reasons for this behavior remain partially enigmatic, it is believed to serve multiple purposes. Breaching may aid in hunting by allowing them to surprise and ambush prey from below. It could also serve as a means of communication or a method to dislodge parasites that cling to their skin.
Distribution
Atlantic Ocean
Indian Ocean
Pacific Ocean
Mediterranean Sea
Black Sea
Gulf of Mexico
Albania
Algeria
American Samoa
Angola
Anguilla
Antigua & Barbuda
Argentina
Aruba
Australia
Bahamas
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belize
Benin
Bermuda
Bonaire
Brazil
British Virgin Is.
Brunei
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Cape Verde
Cayman Islands
Chile
China
Christmas Island
Cocos Is. (Keeling)
Colombia
Congo-Brazzaville
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cuba
Curaçao
Cyprus
Côte D’ivoire
Dominica
Dominican Republic
East Timor
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Fiji
France
French Guiana
French Polynesia
Gabon
Gambia
Ghana
Gibraltar
Greece
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Guam
Guatemala
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea
Guyana
Haiti
Honduras
India
Indonesia
Iran
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Kenya
Kiribati
Korea
Liberia
Libya
Macao
Madagascar
Malaysia
Maldives
Malta
Marshall Islands
Martinique
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia
Montenegro
Montserrat
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nauru
Navassa Island
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Nigeria
Niue
Norfolk Island
Nort. Mariana Is.
North Korea
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palau
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Peru
Philippines
Pitcairn
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Russia
Réunion
Saint Barthélemy
Saint Helena
Saint Lucia
Saint Martin
Saint Vincent
Samoa
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Sint Maarten
Solomon Islands
Somalia
South Africa
Spain
Sri Lanka
St. Kitts & Nevis
Sudan
Suriname
São Tomé & Príncipe
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tokelau
Tonga
Trinidad & Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Turks & Caicos
Tuvalu
US Virgin Islands
United Kingdom
US Minor Is.
United States
Uruguay
Vanuatu
Venezuela
Vietnam
Wallis & Futuna
YemenAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
