shortfin mako

Scientific name Isurus oxyrinchus
Descriptor Rafinesque
Year of description 1810
IUCN category EN
Family Lamnidae
Genus Isurus
Isurus oxyrinchus Isurus oxyrinchus

Introduction

Isurus oxyrinchus, commonly known as shortfin mako, is a salt water fish.

Who is it?

Morphology

  • Average size
    270 cm
  • Maximum size
    500 cm
  • Longevity
    32 year
  • Shape
    Rectangular
  • Average size
    270 cm
  • Maximum size
    500 cm
  • Longevity
    32 year
  • Shape
    Rectangular

How to recognize the shortfin mako ?

The shortfin mako measures between 270 and 500 cm. This fish is unicolore with a predominantly bleu and gris body.

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • diet
    carnivorous
  • Sociability
    solitary
  • territorial
    No
  • Way of living
    diurnal

The shortfin mako hunts in the stalk and is one of the predators of its biotope. Opportunistic, it does not hesitate to attack any smaller animal nearby.

The shortfin mako is a fish solitary naturally found close to the surface. This species is carnivorous .

Although the shortfin mako is non-territorial, it is sometimes aggressive towards other species.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    ovovivipare

The shortfin mako is a fish ovovivipare.

Risks for humans

  • Venomous
    No
  • Bite
    Yes

This species can attack if it feels threatened. It is important to be particularly vigilant especially during dives or fishing sessions.

Where to find it?

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Temperature
    24 - 28 °C
  • Depth
    1 - 500 m
  • Environment
    Active pelagic

Biotope presentation

The shortfin mako is most often found at a depth between 1m and 500m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths.

Species of the same biotope

To go further

Species of the same family

To read on the web

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Adrien Falzon

Adrien Falzon

Benoit Chartrer

Benoit Chartrer

Silvia Gomez

Silvia Gomez

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.

Bibliographic references

Reproduction and Embryonic Development of the Shortfin Mako, Isurus oxyrinchus Rafinesque, 1810, in the Northwestern Pacific - Shoou-Jeng Joung - Hua-Hsun Hsu - Zoological Studies - 2005.

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