Longfin Mako Shark

About the Longfin Mako Shark

The Longfin Mako Shark is found globally in warm-temperate and tropical waters and is thought to occur in all oceans. The extent of its population size and geographic range remains uncertain because Longfin Makos are often misidentified as Shortfin Makos, which are landed about 1,000 times more often in fisheries.

Biology

Longfin Mako Sharks are usually found in open water, at depths between 0 and 760 metres (0–2,493 ft), although they have been reported as deep as 1,752 m (5,748 ft). They have a long, slender body and large pectoral fins, from which they derive their name. They reach at least 4.27 m (14.0 ft) in length, and mature at approximately 2.45 m (8.04 ft) for both males and females. They are the second-largest members of the Lamnidae family, after Great White Sharks.

It is not yet known whether the Longfin Mako is endothermic (warm-blooded) like its close relatives, the Great White and the Shortfin Mako, which exhibit regional endothermy. Their only natural predator is the Orca (Killer Whale), though smaller Longfins sometimes fall prey to other sharks.

Reproduction

In Longfin Makos, reproduction is ovoviviparous, meaning that eggs hatch inside the mother and pups remain in utero until they are fully developed and ready to be born. The species is also known for exhibiting uterine cannibalism, meaning embryos may eat other embryos in the uterus. Pups are usually born in the winter and females swim to warmer, shallower waters to give birth. They usually produce two to eight pups per litter. At birth, pups measure between 97 and 120 cm (38.2–47.2 in).

Conservation

Longfin Makos are at risk from human fisheries and are caught both as target species and as bycatch. They are retained for their meat, fins and large jaws, which are highly prized. The number of individuals that are finned at sea and discarded is difficult to determine because they are often confused with Shortfin Makos and are not always recorded separately in landing data.

The Longfin Mako is categorised as Endangered by the IUCN because of declines in its global population. The global population is estimated to have declined by 50–79% over the past three generations. The species is also listed in CITES Appendix II, meaning international trade is permitted only with the appropriate CITES permits.

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