Quick answer
The shortfin mako is the fastest shark in the world, reaching short bursts of about 74 km/h (46 mph). A warm-bodied, open-ocean predator found in temperate and tropical seas worldwide, it has a sleek, torpedo-shaped body built for speed. Shortfin makos are now listed as Endangered.
Key takeaway
The shortfin mako is the fastest shark in the world, reaching short bursts of about 74 km/h (46 mph). A warm-bodied, open-ocean predator found in temperate and tropical seas worldwide, it has a sleek, torpedo-shaped body built for speed. Shortfin makos are now listed as Endangered.
Shortfin Mako Shark overview
Shortfin Mako Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) is a fish listed here as Endangered. Typical weight about 570 kg; lifespan around Around 30 years.
Shortfin Mako Shark ecology
Diet: Carnivore. Habitat: Open temperate and tropical oceans. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Shortfin Mako Sharks and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild shortfin mako sharks are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Endangered. See the full Shortfin Mako Shark profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Built for speed
The shortfin mako has a slender, torpedo-shaped body, a pointed snout, and a crescent-shaped tail that together make it the fastest shark in the sea. Like the great white, it is partially warm-blooded, keeping its muscles warmer than the surrounding water so it can swim in powerful, sustained bursts.
Diet and hunting
Makos are open-ocean hunters that chase down fast prey such as tuna, mackerel, and swordfish, and will also take squid and smaller sharks. Their speed lets them ambush schooling fish from below, and they are known to leap clear of the water when hunting or when hooked.
Sources
Shortfin Mako Shark FAQs
What are key facts about shortfin mako sharks?
The shortfin mako is the fastest shark in the world, reaching short bursts of about 74 km/h (46 mph). A warm-bodied, open-ocean predator found in temperate and tropical seas worldwide, it has a sleek, torpedo-shaped body built for speed. Shortfin makos are now listed as Endangered.
What is the scientific name of the shortfin mako shark?
Isurus oxyrinchus — used in research and conservation listings for shortfin mako sharks.
What do shortfin mako sharks eat?
Shortfin Mako Sharks are described as carnivores, with seasonal and regional variation in Open temperate and tropical oceans.
Where do shortfin mako sharks live?
They are associated with Open temperate and tropical oceans. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of shortfin mako sharks?
Listed in our guides as Endangered. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.