Shortfin Mako Shark: Key Facts & Natural History

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.

By Kaiser Khan , Founder Last reviewed July 10, 2026 How we research & review

Key takeaway

Overview

Biology

Shortfin Mako Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) is classified as Fish with conservation status Endangered. Typical weight about 570 kg; lifespan around Around 30 years.

Ecology

Diet: Carnivore. Habitat: Open temperate and tropical oceans. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures.

People and this species

Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild individuals are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.

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.

Life cycle

Shortfin makos grow slowly and mature late, and females give birth to live young after a long pregnancy. This slow reproduction means populations recover very slowly once their numbers fall — a key reason the species is now at risk.

Conservation

The shortfin mako is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. It is heavily affected by overfishing, both as a target for its meat and fins and as accidental bycatch in fisheries aimed at tuna and swordfish. International catch limits and stronger protections are now being introduced to help the species recover.

Research notes

Figures for shortfin mako sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus) come from field studies, museum records, and conservation assessments that do not always agree on exact averages. Prefer ranges over single-point claims, and check whether a source describes wild, captive, or mixed populations.

Practical takeaways

If you encounter shortfin mako sharks in the wild, prioritise distance and local guidance. If you care for related domestic or captive animals, match diet and housing to species needs rather than generic pet advice. Share accurate status information (Endangered) when discussing conservation.

Sources

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