SHORTFIN MAKO (Isurus oxyrinchus)

Recognition: The shortfin rnako has a conical Snout, short pectoral fins (usually less than 70% of the head length), long and slender smooth-edged teeth and a lunate tail.

Color: Living and freshly caught shortfin makos are deep metallic blue above and white below. After death the color fades to a very dark blue or bluish black. The underside of the Snout and the area around the mouth are white.

Size: Most specimens seen in the U.S. range from 180-250 cm (71-98 in) The largest females mav reach 380 cm (12.5 ft) and weigh 570 kg (1,250 lbs).

Similar species: The longfin mako has much longer pectoral fins and the underside of its snout and the area around the mouth are dusky or blue-black, The porbeagle has teeth with lateral cusps. The white shark has triangular teeth with serrated edges.

Biology: The shortfin mako is found in warm and warm temperate waters throughout the world. It is very common from Cape Cod to Cape Hatteras. It is an oceanic shark at the very top of the food chain. It feeds on fast moving fishes such as swordfish, bluefish, tunas and other sharks.

Economic importance: The shortfin mako is one of the world's great gamefishes. Once hooked it puts up a spectacular fight, often leaping high into the air. It is also one of the most desired sharks for food, its flesh being of excellent quality. It usually commands a higher price than other sharks.

Fishing: The shortfin mako is caught with trolled baits and lures as well as with live or dead bait. It is often caught on swordfish and tuna longlines.

Carcass: Shortfin mako carcasses are easily recognized by the presence of a keel on the caudal peduncle (the area in front of the tail), by their dark blue color above and white below, and by the presence of a wide band of dark tissue on both sides of the body (in steak cut). References