Shark
Shortfin Mako
Isurus oxyrinchus
The fastest shark in the sea - a sleek, blue-backed offshore predator built for speed, only rarely coming within reach of the reef.
Also known as blue pointer, mako, mako shark
- Typical size
- Commonly 2-3.2 m
- Habitat
- Offshore and open water
- Depth
- Surface to ~500 m
The shortfin mako is a streamlined, warm-blooded relative of the great white, built for explosive speed and capable of the fastest bursts of any shark. Deep metallic blue above and white below, it is an offshore, open-water hunter of fast prey like tuna and mackerel.
It seldom ventures onto inshore reefs, so on these spot lists it is a rare deep-water or canyon sighting rather than a reef regular. Alert and powerful, it commands respect but is not a habitual threat to divers.