Species profile
Shortfin Mako
Isurus oxyrinchus
At a glance
Shortfin Mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) is an IUCN Endangered shark or ray regulated in 8 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
Confirmed by 51 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with California, Massachusetts, and Florida the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Listed under MSA and CITES — verify protected-species rules with the issuing agency before retaining or handling.
Notable details
- The fastest shark species, capable of sustained speeds near 35 mph with higher burst speeds.
- Shares the family Lamnidae with the great white shark, making the two close relatives.
- Can leap 20 feet or more out of the water, putting on dramatic aerial displays when hooked.
- Endothermic physiology keeps its muscles and brain warmer than the surrounding seawater.
- Currently listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to overfishing pressure.
Where Shortfin Mako are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Shortfin Mako
Protected status
- Atlantic HMS zero retention (shortfin mako, effective Jul 2022) — must release unharmed.
- CITES Appendix II (Shortfin mako). CoP18 (2019).
Always verify protected-species rules with the issuing agency before retaining or handling.
Background
The shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), also known as the blue pointer or bonito shark, is a large mackerel shark. It is commonly referred to as the mako shark, as is the longfin mako shark (Isurus paucus). The shortfin mako is on record as the fastest-swimming shark, capable of bursts of speed up to 18.8 metres per second (68 km/h; 42 mph).
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Shortfin Mako article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other sharks & rays on CatchRules
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.