Mako Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus)

Isurus is a genus of mackerel sharks in the family Lamnidae, commonly known as the mako sharks. There are two living species, the common shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) and the rare longfin mako shark (Isurus paucus), and several extinct species known from fossils.

Distribution

Offshore temperate and tropical seas worldwide.

Size

Average full-grown length of 1.82–2.8 m (6–9.2 ft) and weight of approximately 200 kg (440 lb)

Conservation

Vulnerable

Facts

Believed to be one of the fastests sharks, the shortfin mako's speed has been recorded at 50km/h (31 mph), and there are reports that it can achieve bursts of up to 74km/h (46mph). It can jump up to 9m (28ft.) in the air.

Danger stats

Low. The ISAF statistics on attacking species of sharks purports that between 1580 and 2007, the shortfin mako has had only eight unprovoked attacks on humans (with two ending in fatality) and twenty boat attacks.