The mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus—meaning “sharp nose”), or blue pointer, is a large mackerel shark. It is commonly referred to as the mako shark together with the longfin mako shark (Isurus paucus). The Shortfin Mako is a fairly large species of shark. An average adult specimen will measure around 3.2 m (10 ft) in length and weigh from 60–135 kg (130–300 lb). Females are larger than males. The largest “mako” taken (not verified between the two species) on hook-and-line was 600.32395 kg (1,323.4878 lb), caught off the coast of California on June 4, 2013. Larger specimens are known, with a few large, mature females exceeding a length of 3.8 m (12 ft) and a weight of 570 kg (1,300 lb). The longest verified length for a Shortfin Mako caught off France in September 1973, was 4.45 m (14.6 ft). The Shortfin Mako is cylindrical in shape, with a vertically-elongated tail that assists its highly hydrodynamic lifestyle. This species' color is brilliant metallic blue dorsally and white ventrally, although coloration varies as the shark ages and increases in size. The line of demarcation between blue and white on the body is distinct. The underside of the snout and the area around the mouth are white. Larger specimens tend to possess darker coloration that extends onto parts of the body that would be white in smaller individuals. The shortfin mako inhabits offshore temperate and tropical seas worldwide. The closely related longfin mako shark, Isurus paucus, is found in the Gulf Stream or warmer offshore waters. It is a pelagic species that can be found from the surface down to depths of 150 m (490 ft), normally far from land though occasionally closer to shore, around islands or inlets. One of only four known endothermic sharks, it is seldom found in waters colder than 16 °C (61 °F). Shortfins consume 3% of their weight each day and take about 1.5–2 days to digest an average-sized meal. The Shortfin Mako is the fastest species of shark. Its speed has been recorded at 50 kilometres per hour (31 mph) with bursts of up to 74 kilometres per hour (46 mph). Though scientists are still in debate over exactly how fast the shortfin mako shark can swim, some suggest that they can reach 100 kilometres per hour (62 mph). This high-leaping fish - they can leap approximately 9 metres (30 ft) high or higher in the air - is a highly sought-after game fish worldwide. There are cases when an angry mako jumped into a boat after having been hooked.

mako_shark.txt · Last modified: 2014/01/21 20:52 by grinder
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