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Image credit: Photo by Elaine Brewer on Unsplash

Shortfin Mako

Isurus oxyrinchus

The shortfin mako is a sleek, torpedo-shaped shark built for speed. Its metallic blue back and bright white underside provide camouflage in the open ocean. Long, slender teeth protrude even when its mouth is closed, giving it a fearsome appearance. Adults typically grow 2.5–3.2 m, while large females can reach 4 m and weigh several hundred kilograms.
Shortfin makos are solitary predators that feed mainly on fast-moving fish such as tuna, mackerel, and bonito, as well as squid. They are famous for explosive bursts of speed, reaching up to 70 km/h, and for their acrobatic leaps out of the water when hooked on fishing lines. Females reproduce only every 2–3 years, giving birth to litters of live pups.

Where divers may encounter it
Shortfin makos are rarely seen on reef dives but may be spotted in offshore, open-water sites. Known hotspots include the Azores, southern California, Baja California, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Diving tips

  • Stay calm and minimize splashing — makos are sensitive to sudden movement.

  • Encounters are usually brief, so wide-angle setups are best for photography.

  • Never attempt to feed or chase makos; let them approach on their terms.

  • Always follow local dive operator instructions, as sightings are unpredictable.

The IUCN lists the shortfin mako as Endangered worldwide. Populations are in steep decline due to overfishing, bycatch, and slow reproductive rates. It is also included under CITES Appendix II, regulating international trade.

Did you know?

The shortfin mako is the fastest shark in the world, capable of sprinting at highway speeds thanks to its unique muscle structure and crescent-shaped tail.

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