Mako shark

Presentation

The Mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), also called the shortfin mako, is a large pelagic shark of the Lamnidae family, a close relative of the great white shark. It frequents temperate and tropical waters of all oceans, including the Mediterranean. Renowned for its exceptional speed, it is considered the fastest known shark. Its fusiform body and musculature adapted to regional endothermy allow it to hunt fast prey such as tuna and swordfish. The species is threatened by overfishing, particularly for its fins and its highly prized meat.

The Mako shark has a spindle-shaped, hydrodynamic body, metallic blue skin on the back and white on the belly. Its thin, long, curved teeth protrude beyond the lips even with the closed mouth, a distinctive trait of the species. It has a counter-current circulatory system that allows it to maintain its body temperature above that of the surrounding water. Its crescent-shaped caudal fin promotes fast and powerful swimming.

Characteristics

Indicative values: they vary by subspecies, sex and region.

Habitat and distribution

The Mako shark lives in temperate and tropical ocean waters, usually offshore and far from shore. It frequents both surface water and depths of up to several hundred meters. It is found in the Mediterranean, including Tunisian waters, as well as in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Ocean. It generally avoids cold waters and shallow coastal areas.

Behaviour

The Mako shark is a solitary swimmer and active predator, capable of long transoceanic migrations. It is known for jumping out of water, especially when captured or stressed. Its behavior is generally discreet towards humans, although rare interactions have been reported with fishermen. It alternates phases of rapid swimming on the surface and deep dives.

Reproduction

The Mako shark is ovoviviparous, with internal embryonic development nourished by oophagy. Females give birth to a litter of 4 to 25 young after a long gestation, estimated between 15 and 18 months. Sexual maturity is late, reached around 18 to 21 years of age in females. This slow reproductive cycle makes the species particularly vulnerable to overfishing.

Peculiarities

The Mako shark is considered the fastest shark in the world, capable of reaching remarkable bursts of speed over short distances. It can also perform spectacular jumps out of the water. Its ability to maintain a body temperature higher than that of the surrounding environment is a rare physiological adaptation in fish.

Threats and conservation

The main threat to Mako shark is overfishing, whether targeted or accidental, particularly linked to the fin and meat trade. Its slow growth and low fertility limit its ability to recover from fishing pressure. Climate change and the degradation of marine habitats constitute additional threats. International protection measures have been put in place to regulate its trade.

References

Profile updated 28 August 2026 · Reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team.