Short Fin Mako Shark

Fact File:

Common Name(s):

Short Fin Mako Shark

(others: Bonito; Blue Pointer)

Scientific Name:
Isurus oxyrinchus (Rafinesque-Schmaltz 1810)

Usual Size:
Up to 396cm

UK Record Weights from rod/line:

Shore:
V 40lb Qualifying Weight

Boat:
500lb

MAFF Minimum Size: Shore: Boat:

Identification:
Upper body surface cobalt blue with a white underside. Has a single longitudinal keel on the side of the tail root.

Breeding:
Ovoviviparous (live bearing) Litter size between 2 to 4 pups - 92cm at birth. It is believed female Mako Sharks are mature at a length of 240 to 280cm and males at 240cm

Habitat:
Seldom found in waters below 160C, usually at least 180C. Found from the upper layers down to a possible maximum depth of 150m, though oceanic in nature.

Food:
Primarily pelagic fish, Tunas, Mackerels and Squid.

Range:
Found in most tropical and temperate waters and when encountered off our coast (South West - Cornwall) it is believed to be following warm water currents.

Additional Notes:
Weight potential in excess of 1000lbs, thought to be capable of speeds of 50 knots.

REFERENCES: A Field Guide to The Sharks of British Coastal Waters - Vas 1991

FAO Species Catalogue 4 - Sharks of The World - Compagno

Fishes of the North-Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean - Whitehead, Bauchot, Hureau, Nielsen, Tortonese

Key to the Fishes of Northern Europe - Wheeler

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