The maximum length of a Short fin Mako shark is 4m., but usually the females grow to 2.6m and the males grow to 2m. The Mako Shark is identified by its white under chin, snow white belly, and a bluish black back. Mako sharks tend to be shy and usually don't attack divers but in some cases they will attack. Their teeth are visible even when their mouth is closed. They have moderately short pectoral fins. This organism makes a living by feeding off of pelagic fish, squid, swordfish, tuna, and other sharks. It also makes a living by staying away from its predators.

 

Sharks provide a valuable balance to the marine ecosystem. In ecosystems where sharks have been overfished, large-scale ecological shifts have been documented. The Mako shark is found all around the world in warm and temperate sea's, in the Pacific from Oregon to even Chile. The population of a Mako shark is unknown but the population is growing. The change contributing is fishermen not fishing as much. Only at certain times of the year they can fish.]

 

Mako's are at the top of their food chain, by eating even their own kind, other sharks. Their razor sharp teeth, fast movements, and their great eyesight allows them to compete for food. They compete with Swordfish and other sharks. Killer Whales and Bigger sharks eat the Mako shark. The way they evade getting eaten is by staying clear of their predators. As I read about this animal, what stood out was that this animal could swim fast and be an awesome predator. I learned that a Shortfin Mako Shark is a dangerous predator and that it has a difficult life because of overfishing and that it does what it can to survive.

 

Author: April H.

Published: 03/2009

 

Sources: "Mako shark." New England shark species. 09 Feb. 2009 http://newenglandsharks.com/shortfin.htm "Shortfin Mako Shark, Isurus oxyrinchus at MarineBio.org." MarineBio.org - Marine Biology, Ocean Life Conservation, Sea creatures, Biodiversity, Oceans research... 09 Feb. 2009 http://marinebio.org/species.asp?id=36 "Shortfin Mako Shark." The Province of New Brunswick Canada. 10 Feb. 2009 http://www.new-brunswick.net/new-brunswick/sharks/species/sfmako.html "FishWatch - Pacific Shortfin Mako Shark." NOAA Fisheries - National Marine Fisheries Service. 10 Feb. 2009 http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/fishwatch/species/pac_shortfin_mako.htm

 

Photo Credit: Andy Murch diver photographer http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Andy_Murch_mako