To see more photographs of the Shortfin Mako Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) click here.

Mako Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus)

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A clear look at a Shortfin Mako Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) quickly picks up the snaggle-toothed gape, long conical snout, large black eyes and the metallic indigo blue colour on the back fading down the sides to a white belly and a tail with almost symmetrical lobes. This species can be found anywhere off Australia except for the Gulf of Carpentaria. They are found throughout tropical to temperate seas of the Atlantic and Indo Pacific.

Anglers count the Mako as a prize catch since their fighting ability is enhanced by spectacular aerial leaps. It is feared to some extent around boats as it has been recorded attacking and damaging craft, an event possibly encouraged by berley and/or electrical fields sensed around metal in the water. On the other hand, Mako Sharks have been hand fed in the open by divers and there are only a few documented attacks on humans, usually related to spear fishing activities. That said, it would be in the interests of divers and swimmers to exit the water when in the vicinity of a mako shark.

This fast-swimming shark eats speedy prey, such as tuna and billfish, with larger specimens also feeding on dolphins. Their speed, in part, is attributed to their being "warm blooded", with their core body temperature being maintained a couple of degrees above the surrounding water temperature. This is achieved by a heat exchange system between the muscles and blood flowing back from the gills. This system has been found in a number of the Mackerel Shark family.

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