The Two Types of Mako Sharks: Shortfin and Longfin

Two types of mako sharks are known: the common short-fin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) and the rarer long-fin mako (Isurus paucus). Both are the classic cartoon sharks: large, fast, and sleek with big toothy jaws that always show some teeth. Because makos are pelagic (ocean-dwelling) sharks, not much is known about their life cycle and habits.

We know their numbers are declining, probably from overfishing, and research into their habits to improve the management of fisheries is ongoing. Shark research is extreme science: high-tech satellite tracking and DNA studies mixed with long wet days at sea handling live sharks. Dr. Carl Safina's blog has his diary of a shark-tagging expedition with mako pictures. They even made a video of the tagging process. It looks easy, but leave it to the professionals, please.

Makos are among the few sharks that give birth to fully developed young instead of laying eggs. The eggs hatch inside the mother's womb and the embryos develop for months. During her 12 to 14-month pregnancy, the mother mako shark continues to produce eggs, and the developing embryos eat the eggs and perhaps eat smaller embryos. At birth, the newborn shark is about 30 inches long, with a full set of teeth. Makos are believed to give birth in shallow water, and the juveniles stay near shore for a while. (Braz. J. Biol. vol. 62 no.2, May 2002)

Makos are reportedly the fastest shark species, but the reported speed varies. The US Navy reports speeds of at least 50 knots (35 mph or 56 kph) per hour over short distances. Some other sources say 60 knots ... what matters is that makos are faster than a swimming marine biologist.

The Shortfin Mako

The shortfin mako, Isurus oxyrinchus, is a handsome shark. The most striking characteristic is the high contrast between the intensely blue back and the white belly. They have a sharply pointed snout, big dark eyes, and white extending up into the mouth and chin area. The streamlined body holds a crescent-shaped tail fin on a narrow tail stalk.

They are found worldwide in temperate oceans, feeding on schools of fish, squids, and other sharks. Makos are popular for sports fishing because they are a challenge to catch. They can leap 10-20 feet out of the water. Makos are also caught in large numbers by commercial fishermen as a market fish.

The Longfin Mako

The longfin mako, Isurus paucus, is found in warmer water than the shortfin. As the name suggests, the longfin mako has noticeably long pectoral fins (the front pair) - as long or longer than its head. It is darker blue than the shortfin mako, with a dark face and chin.

The longfin was not described in scientific literature until 1966, and even now little is known about its habits and life cycle. Assuming it has habits like the shortfin, the longfin probably approaches land to give birth, and presumably feeds on schools of fish and squid.

The longfin mako is a protected species and should be released unharmed if you hook one.

Avoiding a Mako Shark Attack

The best collection of shark attack data, from the 1580s through last year, lists 8 unprovoked attacks by makos, including 2 fatalities. Why so few attacks? Although mako sharks have all the right equipment to damage or kill humans, they don't hang out in the shallows near shore, so surfers and swimmers are unlikely to encounter them. They don't stay near reefs, so divers seldom see them.

The people most at danger from a mako shark are in deep ocean water, often fishing for the sharks. If you hook a shark and try to pull it into your boat, don't be surprised if it does some damage to you or your boat. A New Zealand fishing magazine has this advice: "Never bring a mako into the cockpit even if it looks dead. ... They are also known to "bite" people even after appearing quite dead for several hours. ... Never grab a mako, or any shark, by the tail as they can bend around and bite with lightening speed."

If you go diving on an open ocean excursion, you are deliberately putting yourself into the mako's realm. Shark Diver Magazine says: "Mako sharks are very bold, very aggressive, and extremely fast. They will swim right up to you, sometimes bumping you, or just swim by to say "hello"- and they may do it over and over again." I would call that curious and confident behavior instead of aggressive. You are something new to examine for threat and food possibilities.

The usual rules for staying out of trouble with sharks apply: Don't be an idiot. Don't dump bloody fish bits into the water before you swim, don't swim or dive alone, and stay alert. If you see a shark, resist the urge to poke it or pet it. Slowly back-fin away from it, watching it as you back away, and get back in the boat as soon as possible.

Related Sharks: Makos are 2 of the 5 species in the Lamnidae or mackerel shark family: The great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) is a greater threat to humans because its habitat overlaps our recreational areas. The salmon shark (Lamna ditropis) and the porbeagle (Lamna nasus) are big and toothy enough to damage humans, but they prefer colder water than human swimmers or divers.