Introducing the mako shark
A member of the Lamnidae family, the mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) is found in the Mediterranean, North and South Atlantic, and even in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Its pointed snout contains numerous hook-shaped, fine teeth curved towards the inside of the mouth. The mako shark's belly is light, with a solid color tending towards blue-gray. The mako shark's first dorsal fin is rounded. Its imposing black eyes can be terrifying.
The average size of a mako shark is around 2m50. It can reach 5 meters in length and live for over 30 years.
Habitat and behavior
The mako shark is a semi-pelagic shark. It swims in shallow waters or at the surface on bottoms no deeper than 400 meters. It is not uncommon to encounter a mako shark close to the coast, depending on where you are in the world. Like most shark species, the mako shark suffers from overfishing, and its populations are steadily declining across much of the globe. In the Mediterranean, its numbers have fallen by almost 99% in 200 years!
A solitary shark, the mako is an outstanding predator, feeding mainly on fish and cephalopods, although it may attack other shark species to feed on them. With its hydrodynamic body, it swims at 50 km/h and can exceed 100 km/h top speed, making it one of the fastest fish.
A dangerous shark?
The mako shark, like most other shark species, can be dangerous. It can attack humans when it feels in danger or is injured.
Fishing for mako sharks
It's very rare to catch a mako shark off the French coast. However, it does happen that a mako shark will attack the fish at the end of your line - thrills guaranteed! In this case, if you handle it, you must take great care and release it quickly, as it is unfortunately an endangered species that plays an important role in the balance of the oceans.
