Mako Shark

ID points

• Sharply pointed conical snout, extremely streamlined body
• Slender curved teeth that stay exposed when the mouth is shut
• Prominent keel on the tail base, crescent-shaped tail fin

Basics

Family

Lamnidae

Length

2.5–4.0 m

Depth

0-700 m

Regions

Indo-Pacific reefs · Caribbean & W. Atlantic · Temperate & polar · Open ocean

Distribution

Open ocean of tropical and temperate seas worldwide

Habitat

Open ocean, fast-swimming

Diet

Fish, cephalopods

Easily confused with

Great White SharkGrey back and white belly, the dividing line straight and sharpBlue SharkIndigo blue back and pure white belly with a sharp dividing lineCaribbean Reef SharkStout body, first dorsal fin starting over the rear edge of the pectoral fins

Fun fact

The mako is the fastest shark in the sea, hitting 74 km/h, launching 6 metres clear of the surface, and running a body temperature several degrees warmer than the water around it.