The Shortfin Mako Shark: What You Should Know

Needless to say I think if any of us find ourselves face to face with a shark we won't be worrying so much about what type it is, just whether or not it's going to eat us. However, if you are one of those rare breeds that seem to be able to keep their cool no matter what, then knowing what type of shark you are encountering could help you assess your danger level. The Shortfin Mako Shark is not normally known to attack due to its offshore habitat, however there are things you should know in case you come face to face with this aggressive and fast shark.

The Shortfin Mako Shark is primarily found in tropical and temperate seas in water usually warmer than 16 degrees. However, this species is highly migratory and with migrations recorded up to 2,500 miles. Quite often you would spot a Shortfin Mako swimming just below the surface with the dorsal fin visible in warmer waters or will go to depths around 1,300 feet for cooler water. The Shortfin Mako has a long cone-shaped snout, a pectoral fin which is shorted in length than the head and is dark gray/blue to bright blue on the top with a white to off-white underbelly. The first dorsal fin sits just behind the pectorals and there is a second dorsal fin and anal fin which are both very small. The lower jaw has multiple rows of dagger-like inward curved teeth which leave a ragged-edged wound on whatever it bites. The female Shortfin Mako can weight up to 1,100 lbs, often exceeding 13 feet in length and may live 25 years. The males don't have it quite so good. It has been clocked at 31 mph but there have been claims that the Shortfin Mako can actually burst to speeds up to 46 mph. However there are estimates that the top speed may be even higher.

The Shortfin Mako's diet consists of fish such as tunas, mackerel and cod among others. It is also known to feed on other sharks such as blue sharks and hammerheads. It has also been found that they have consumed sea turtles and porpoises. It is believed that Shortfin Mako's attack from below due to wounds and scars found on swordfish and tuna. Makos in South Africa tend to consume rays and it is possible for the larger ones to attack dolphin and even seals.

Attacks by this particular shark is relatively rare and few are reliably reported as most victims would not be able to identify what type of shark attacked them and also the inability to for an expert to examine the teeth marks, which is used quite often to determine the type of shark attack which occurred. Keep in mind though that the Shortfin Mako is a very aggressive shark which will make quick close passes and will approach you to investigate. Since they are not known to attack unless, provoked, I suggest not calling it names or you may lose a limb. If you're in a boat and feel it necessary to taunt them if they are swimming the surface, I suggest you think twice since they have also been known to attack boats. The speed and aggressiveness of this shark make it a much sought after game fish since landing one of these could take the fight of your life. Shortfin Makos will usually repeatedly leap great heights when hooked, sometimes up to 20 feet above the surface. Once you are able to land this big guy on your boat you will want to keep your attention as it could still be a buzz-kill if it has an opportunity to get you and the Shortfin Mako has the highest incident rate of attacks on boats.

If you're still ready to get back to the beach this summer, than keep these things in mind. You have greater odds of getting bit by a dog, a cat and get this, even a squirrel, then you do of getting attacked by a shark. Where you live or vacation is also a determining factor when it comes to shark infested waters. For example, shark attacks happen more than being hit by lightning in California and Florida (555 in FL compared to 449 lightning fatalities) according to Florida Museum of Natural History statistics from 1959-2007 and in Hawaii they had 0 lightning strike fatalities and 97 shark attacks in the same period of time. The Shortfin Mako is also found off the coast of Oregon where there have been more shark attacks than lightning fatalities. Though California has the highest incident rate of shark attacks, mostly due to the large amount of people in the waters off the coast along with surfers, etc., the majority of attacks there are caused by white sharks, not Makos.

There are certain things you can do to minimize your risk of a shark attack. Swim with groups as opposed to being out there alone and do not swim too far from shore. Sharks tend to "hang" in between sandbars and at deep drop offs near the ocean floor so stay away from these areas since they tend to feed here. You should also avoid swimming at night when the sharks senses are more acute and avoid areas where you see lots of diving seabirds. They are usually feeding on bait fish and sharks could be circling underneath for some of those treats. Shiny jewelry could also reflect the light underwater and if a shark spots it, he could easily mistake it for fish scales. I know some of you ladies can't stand to go out without the jewelry on, but really, is it worth it if you're in the ocean. Most of all, if you are bleeding from an open wound, do not enter the water. The shark's sense of smell will lead him right to the blood and you, so why chance it. If you are approached by a shark in an aggressive manner, such as he bumps you or actually bites, hitting it on the snout with an object you have with you may temporarily stop the attack, but you must move to get out of the water as quickly as possible. If you cannot get away, then keep banging it on the nose or claw at its eyes and gills. The shark is not going to stop attacking and showing force and power over him may be the only way it backs off. They will not retreat if you attempt to "play dead" or anything else other than aggressive behavior. Basically, fight for your life and swim away as fast as you can as getting out of the water at this point may be your only hope.

If you're still a little worried about getting bit by a shark, keep in mind that more people have died from sinking in a sand hole to riding their bicycle, so get on out to the beach. Just stay closer to shore, that's all.