The Shortfin Mako Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), also known as the blue pointer or bonito shark, is one of the fastest and most formidable predators in the ocean. Known for its incredible speed, agility, and razor-sharp teeth, the mako is both an awe-inspiring and dangerous species, particularly for swimmers and divers in open water.

Where to Find the Mako Shark

Makos are cosmopolitan sharks, meaning they are found across the world’s tropical and temperate waters. They prefer offshore regions and deep, open ocean environments, usually far from shore, though they occasionally venture into coastal areas.

In the Pacific Ocean, they are commonly found from Oregon down to Chile, and in the Atlantic, they roam from the U.S. East Coast to Argentina. They also populate waters in the Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, and around Australia and South Africa.

Size and Speed: A Built-for-Hunting Predator

• Average Length: 10 feet (3 meters)

• Maximum Length: 13 feet (4 meters)

• Weight: Can reach 1,750 lbs (800 kg)

• Top Speed: Up to 45 mph (74 km/h) – the fastest recorded shark in the ocean

The mako’s torpedo-shaped body and powerful tail allow it to reach blistering speeds, making it an elite ambush predator. Their speed helps them leap out of the water, sometimes clearing heights of 20 feet (6 meters) or more—a spectacular sight for lucky observers.

Diet and Hunting Behavior

Shortfin Makos are apex predators, with an aggressive and opportunistic hunting style. They have incredibly sharp, serrated teeth designed for gripping and tearing apart their prey.

What They Eat:

✔ Tuna, mackerel, and other fast fish (chasing them down with unmatched speed)
✔ Swordfish and bluefish
✔ Marine mammals, including small dolphins and seals
✔ Other sharks, including smaller makos and even their own species

Makos are aggressive feeders, using their immense speed to strike prey with explosive force. Unlike some sharks that rely on ambush tactics, makos actively chase down their meals, making them one of the most dynamic hunters in the ocean.

Are Makos Dangerous to Humans?

Yes—Shortfin Makos are considered potentially dangerous to swimmers, surfers, and divers. They are not known to actively seek out humans, but their aggression, speed, and curiosity make encounters risky.

Mako Shark Attacks on Humans

According to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF):

• There have been at least 9 recorded fatal attacks attributed to makos.

• They are responsible for over 40 unprovoked attacks worldwide.

• Many of these attacks involve fishing boats or spearfishers, as makos tend to be aggressive when hooked or provoked.

Though makos do not typically target humans as prey, their explosive bursts of energy and powerful bite can be devastating if they mistake a diver or swimmer for food.

A Species in Danger: Mako Sharks and Conservation

The Shortfin Mako Shark: The Ocean’s Speed Demon

The Shortfin Mako Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), also known as the blue pointer or bonito shark, is one of the fastest and most formidable predators in the ocean. Known for its incredible speed, agility, and razor-sharp teeth, the mako is both an awe-inspiring and dangerous species, particularly for swimmers and divers in open water.

Where to Find the Mako Shark

Makos are cosmopolitan sharks, meaning they are found across the world’s tropical and temperate waters. They prefer offshore regions and deep, open ocean environments, usually far from shore, though they occasionally venture into coastal areas.

In the Pacific Ocean, they are commonly found from Oregon down to Chile, and in the Atlantic, they roam from the U.S. East Coast to Argentina. They also populate waters in the Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, and around Australia and South Africa.

Size and Speed: A Built-for-Hunting Predator

• Average Length: 10 feet (3 meters)

• Maximum Length: 13 feet (4 meters)

• Weight: Can reach 1,750 lbs (800 kg)

• Top Speed: Up to 45 mph (74 km/h) – the fastest recorded shark in the ocean

The mako’s torpedo-shaped body and powerful tail allow it to reach blistering speeds, making it an elite ambush predator. Their speed helps them leap out of the water, sometimes clearing heights of 20 feet (6 meters) or more—a spectacular sight for lucky observers.

Diet and Hunting Behavior

Shortfin Makos are apex predators, with an aggressive and opportunistic hunting style. They have incredibly sharp, serrated teeth designed for gripping and tearing apart their prey.

What They Eat:

✔ Tuna, mackerel, and other fast fish (chasing them down with unmatched speed)
✔ Swordfish and bluefish
✔ Marine mammals, including small dolphins and seals
✔ Other sharks, including smaller makos and even their own species

Makos are aggressive feeders, using their immense speed to strike prey with explosive force. Unlike some sharks that rely on ambush tactics, makos actively chase down their meals, making them one of the most dynamic hunters in the ocean.

Are Makos Dangerous to Humans?

Yes—Shortfin Makos are considered potentially dangerous to swimmers, surfers, and divers. They are not known to actively seek out humans, but their aggression, speed, and curiosity make encounters risky.

Mako Shark Attacks on Humans

According to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF):

• There have been at least 9 recorded fatal attacks attributed to makos.

• They are responsible for over 40 unprovoked attacks worldwide.

• Many of these attacks involve fishing boats or spearfishers, as makos tend to be aggressive when hooked or provoked.

Though makos do not typically target humans as prey, their explosive bursts of energy and powerful bite can be devastating if they mistake a diver or swimmer for food.

A Species in Danger: Mako Sharks and Conservation

Despite their fearsome reputation, makos are not invincible—they are classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Threats to Mako Populations:

✔ Overfishing – Makos are highly prized for their meat, fins (shark fin soup), and sport fishing.
✔ Bycatch – Many makos are caught unintentionally in tuna and swordfish fisheries.
✔ Slow Reproduction – They take 8-10 years to mature and give birth to only a few pups at a time.

Final Thoughts: An Unforgettable Encounter

Seeing a Shortfin Mako in the wild is a rare privilege. Their sheer speed, power, and presence make them one of the most thrilling sharks to encounter. However, they are not to be underestimated—they are apex predators built for speed, aggression, and survival.

With conservation efforts underway, the hope is that future generations of divers and ocean lovers will continue to witness these magnificent creatures thriving in the wild. If you ever spot one—consider yourself incredibly lucky.

Despite their fearsome reputation, makos are not invincible—they are classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Threats to Mako Populations:

✔ Overfishing – Makos are highly prized for their meat, fins (shark fin soup), and sport fishing.
✔ Bycatch – Many makos are caught unintentionally in tuna and swordfish fisheries.
✔ Slow Reproduction – They take 8-10 years to mature and give birth to only a few pups at a time.

Final Thoughts: An Unforgettable Encounter

Seeing a Shortfin Mako in the wild is a rare privilege. Their sheer speed, power, and presence make them one of the most thrilling sharks to encounter. However, they are not to be underestimated—they are apex predators built for speed, aggression, and survival.

With conservation efforts underway, the hope is that future generations of divers and ocean lovers will continue to witness these magnificent creatures thriving in the wild. If you ever spot one—consider yourself incredibly lucky.