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Fishin' for Facts: Shortfin Mako Shark
        (aka Bonito)

©WhaleTimes

Genus species: Isurus oxyrinchus

Mako sharks reach a maximum length up to 12.5 feet and may weigh as much as 1,000 pounds. The average length is more like 7-8 feet.

Their diet includes a variety of fish including anchovies, mackerel, sardines, tuna, and swordfish and billfish. They eat other sharks including the blue sharks.  Makos also eat squid.

Makos may be eaten by large predators, but are a favorite of many people.

Mako sharks are usually found further out to sea, but can be found inshore. They are found from the surface down to about 150 m (492 ft).

Mako sharks are "mackerel sharks" in the Family Lamnidae. They are a deep blue on their back and sides and white underneath. Makos are also the fastest kind of shark, swimming as fast as 30 mph (48 kph). They may use this speed to catch their fast-swimming prey.  Mako sharks are considered dangerous and have been known to attack swimmers and boats.

At birth, pups are about 28 inches long. Makos are ovoviviparous. That means (very simply described) the female produces eggs, but they remain inside the female. (The shell is just a thin membrane, which is shed.) The pup is nourished by the yolk.  Now, here's the cool part. As the pups mature inside the female, they get extra nourishment by eating the other eggs or pups inside. Yes, really. It is called, "intrauterine cannibalism."  When the time is right, the remaining pups are born live.

Mako sharks are a popular sport fish and are described as exciting and extremely dangerous to catch.