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Mako shark Facts

Mako shark Facts
Mako shark, also known as grey-blue shark, is a close relative of great white shark. This shark can be found in the oceans around the world. Mako sharks can survive in warm and cold waters. They are equally well adapted to the shallow coastal waters and deep waters of an open sea. Mako sharks are targeted by recreational anglers. They are rarely hunted because of their skin, fins, teeth and oil, but unfortunately they often end up trapped in fishing nets by accident (bycatch). Mako sharks are listed as vulnerable, which means that they may become endangered in the near future.
Interesting Mako shark Facts:
On average, mako sharks are 6 to 9 feet long and weigh around 375 pounds. Large specimens can reach 12 feet in length and 1000 pounds of weight. Females are larger than males.
Upper part of the body is dark blue, metallic blue or grey colored. Belly is always white colored.
Mako shark has conical head and large, round eyes. Body is streamlined and ends with crescent-shaped tail.
Mako shark has long, thin, sharp and slightly tilted teeth that are visible even when shark keeps the mouth closed. Teeth are arranged in 12 to 13 rows in the upper jaw and 11 to 12 rows in the lower jaw.
Mako shark does not have swim bladder. It needs to swim all the time to maintain buoyancy.
Mako shark is a true carnivore (meat-eater). It feeds on fish (tuna, mackerel, scomber, herring and swordfish), birds (that are resting on the surface of the water) and floating carcasses of whales.
Mako shark are very aggressive toward humans. They usually attack humans in self-defense.
Main predators of mako sharks are larger shark species, swordfish and groups of dolphins.
Mako sharks live in symbiosis (mutually beneficial relationship) with small fish which remove parasites from the shark's body.
Mako shark is the fastest known shark species. It normally swims at the speed of 35 miles per hour, but it can accelerate to the speed of 60 miles per hour during the hunt.
Mako sharks are able to leap 20 to 30 feet out of the water. This behavior is still a mystery for researchers.
Mako sharks are fast and agile creatures thanks to dense capillary network in the muscles. Increased circulation of blood (through capillaries) elevates body temperature and ensures greater mobility of the animal.
Mako sharks swim at least 36 miles daily to find food.
Females are ovoviviparous, which means that eggs develop inside of the mother's body. Gestation period lasts 18 months and ends with 4 to 18 babies called pups. They are 28 inches long at birth. Males reach sexual maturity at the age of 8 years, females at the age of 18 years.
Mako shark can survive 28 to 35 years in the wild.


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