Difference between revisions of "AY Honors/Species Account/Isurus oxyrinchus"

From Pathfinder Wiki
 
(One intermediate revision by the same user not shown)
Line 22: Line 22:
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Sharksportal}}
 
{{Sharksportal}}
 +
 
The '''shortfin mako shark''', ''Isurus oxyrinchus'', ("sharp nose") is a large [[shark]] of the [[Lamnidae]] family. Along with the closely related [[longfin mako]], ''Isurus paucus'', it is commonly called just '''mako shark'''.  They are known to be incredibly fast swimmers with superior lateral movements.
 
The '''shortfin mako shark''', ''Isurus oxyrinchus'', ("sharp nose") is a large [[shark]] of the [[Lamnidae]] family. Along with the closely related [[longfin mako]], ''Isurus paucus'', it is commonly called just '''mako shark'''.  They are known to be incredibly fast swimmers with superior lateral movements.
 +
 
==Anatomy and appearance==
 
==Anatomy and appearance==
−
<!--  Commented out because image was deleted: [[Image:Mako shark overview.jpg|left|thumb| A shortfin mako shark.]] -->
+
<!--  Commented out because image was deleted: [[Image:Mako shark overview.jpg|left|thumb|A shortfin mako shark.]] -->
−
[[Image:Close up of mako shark head 005.jpg|left|thumb| A close-up of a shortfin mako shark's head.]]
+
[[Image:Close up of mako shark head 005.jpg|left|thumb|A close-up of a shortfin mako shark's head.]]
−
With an average full-grown length of 1.82&ndash;2.42&nbsp;m (6&ndash;8&nbsp;ft)<ref><http://www.sdnhm.org/kids/sharks/shore-to-sea/mako.html></ref>, it can also grow to 3.9&nbsp;m (13 feet) long<ref><http://www.new-brunswick.net/new-brunswick/sharks/species/sfmako.html></ref> and has been reported to weigh up to 800&nbsp;kg (1,750&nbsp;lb). It has a bluish back and white underside. Although the sexes grow at about the same rate, females are thought to have a longer [[life span]], and grow larger and weigh more than the males.  Shortfin makos are renowned for their speed and their ability to leap out of the water. In fact, there are cases when an angry mako will jump out of the water and into the boat after it has been caught on the hook. Mako sharks have a better hydrodynamic shape than all other sharks, and this, combined with the lamnidae's typical high aerobic muscle mass, reflects in the spectacular speed and agility of both the longfin and shortfin makos{{Fact|date=February 2007}}.
+
With an average full-grown length of 1.82&ndash;2.42&nbsp;[[metre|m]] (6&ndash;8&nbsp;[[foot (measurement)|ft]])<ref><http://www.sdnhm.org/kids/sharks/shore-to-sea/mako.html></ref>, it can also grow to 3.9&nbsp;m (13 ft) long<ref><http://www.new-brunswick.net/new-brunswick/sharks/species/sfmako.html></ref> and has been reported to weigh up to 800&nbsp;[[kilogram|kg]] (1,750&nbsp;[[pound (mass)|lb]]). It has a bluish back and white underside. Although the sexes grow at about the same rate, females are thought to have a longer [[life span]], and grow larger and weigh more than the males.  Shortfin makos are renowned for their speed and their ability to leap out of the water. In fact, there are cases when an angry mako will jump out of the water and into the boat after it has been caught on the hook. Mako sharks have a better hydrodynamic shape than all other sharks, and this, combined with the lamnidae's typical high aerobic muscle mass, reflects in the spectacular speed and agility of both the longfin and shortfin makos{{Fact|date=February 2007}}.
  
−
The shortfin mako shark is a sleek spindle shaped shark with a long conical snout. This shark has short pectoral fins and a crescent shaped caudal (tail) fin. There is a distinct caudal keel on the caudal base. Its second dorsal fin is much smaller than the first. The teeth are slender and slightly curved with no lateral cusps, and are visible even when the mouth is closed. There is marked countershading on this shark: dorsally it is a metallic indigo blue while ventrally it is white.
+
The shortfin mako shark is a sleek spindle shaped shark with a long conical snout. This shark has short [[pectoral fin]]s and a crescent shaped [[caudal fin|caudal (tail) fin]]. There is a distinct caudal keel on the caudal base. Its second [[dorsal fin]] is much smaller than the first. The teeth are slender and slightly curved with no lateral cusps, and are visible even when the mouth is closed. There is marked countershading on this shark: dorsally it is a metallic indigo blue while ventrally it is white.
  
 
==Naming==
 
==Naming==
Line 37: Line 39:
  
 
==Distribution==
 
==Distribution==
−
The shortfin mako is found in temperate and [[tropical]] seas worldwide. The closely related longfin mako shark, ''Isurus paucus'', is found in the Gulf Stream or warmer offshore waters.
+
The shortfin mako is found in offshore temperate and [[tropical]] seas worldwide. The closely related longfin mako shark, ''Isurus paucus'', is found in the [[Gulf Stream]] or warmer offshore waters.
  
−
Shortfin mako sharks live in tropical and temperate offshore waters. They are a pelagic species that occur from the surface down to depths of 150 meters or 490 feet. This shark is seldom found in waters colder than 16 degrees Celsius or 61 degrees Fahrenheit.
+
They are a pelagic species that occur from the surface down to depths of 150 m or 490 ft. This shark is seldom found in waters colder than 16° [[Celsius|C]] (61° [[Fahrenheit|F]]).
  
−
The shortfin mako is found worldwide. In the western Atlantic it can be found from Argentina and the Gulf of Mexico to Browns Bank off of Nova Scotia. In Canadian waters these sharks are not abundant as they prefer warm waters, but neither are they rare. Shortfin makos are often found in the same waters as swordfish as they are a source of food and both fish prefer similar environmental conditions.
+
In the western [[Atlantic]] it can be found from [[Argentina]] and the [[Gulf of Mexico]] to Browns Bank off of [[Nova Scotia]]. In [[Canada|Canadian]] waters these sharks are not abundant as they prefer warm waters, but neither are they rare. Shortfin makos are often found in the same waters as swordfish as they are a source of food and both fish prefer similar environmental conditions.They like sprite and vanessa stinks.
  
 
==Behavior==
 
==Behavior==
−
The shortfin mako's speed has been recorded at 50&nbsp;km/h (31&nbsp;mph) and there are reports that it can achieve bursts of up to 74&nbsp;km/h (46&nbsp;mph).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elasmo-research.org/education/shark_profiles/i_oxyrinchus.htm|title=Biology of the Shortfin Mako|publisher=ReefQuest Centre for Shark Research|accessdate=2006-08-12|author=R. Aidan Martin}}</ref> Shortfin makos can jump up to 9&nbsp;m (28&nbsp;ft) in the air. Due to its speed and agility, this high-leaping fish is sought as [[Game (food)|game]] worldwide.  This shark is highly migratory. They are also one of four warm-blooded sharks which helps them in their speed.
+
The shortfin mako's speed has been recorded at 50&nbsp;[[km/h]] (31&nbsp;[[mph]]) and there are reports that it can achieve bursts of up to 74&nbsp;km/h (46&nbsp;mph).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elasmo-research.org/education/shark_profiles/i_oxyrinchus.htm|title=Biology of the Shortfin Mako|publisher=ReefQuest Centre for Shark Research|accessdate=2006-08-12|author=R. Aidan Martin}}</ref> Shortfin makos can jump up to 9&nbsp;m (28&nbsp;ft) in the air. Due to its speed and agility, this high-leaping fish is sought as [[Game (food)|game]] worldwide.  This shark is highly migratory. They are also one of four warm-blooded sharks which helps them swim fast.
  
−
There is still some uncertainty about its life-span, but it is suspected to reach ages of between 11-23 years.
+
There is still some uncertainty about its life-span, but it is suspected to reach ages of between 11 to 23 years.
  
 
==Reproduction==
 
==Reproduction==
 
The shortfin mako shark is a yolk-sac [[Ovoviviparity|ovoviviparous]] shark, meaning it gives birth to live young who feed from a sac full of yolk in the womb. The gestation period for a mako shark is 15 to 18 months.  Shortfin mako embryos in the female's body consume each other to get nutrients. This is called [[intrauterine cannibalism]].
 
The shortfin mako shark is a yolk-sac [[Ovoviviparity|ovoviviparous]] shark, meaning it gives birth to live young who feed from a sac full of yolk in the womb. The gestation period for a mako shark is 15 to 18 months.  Shortfin mako embryos in the female's body consume each other to get nutrients. This is called [[intrauterine cannibalism]].
  
−
Female shortfin makos usually become sexually mature at a length of 3 meters. Developing embryos feed on unfertilized eggs in the uterus during the gestation period of 15–18 months. The 4–18 surviving young are born live in the late winter and early spring at a length of about 70 cm, but have no placental connection during development (ovoviviparity). It is believed that females may rest for 18 months after birth before the next batch of eggs are fertilized.
+
Female shortfin makos usually become sexually mature at a length of 3 m. Developing embryos feed on unfertilized eggs in the uterus during the gestation period of 15 to 18 months. The 4 to 18 surviving young are born live in the late winter and early spring at a length of about 70 [[centimetre|cm]], but have no placental connection during development (ovoviviparity). It is believed that females may rest for 18 months after birth before the next batch of eggs are fertilized.
  
 
Male shortfin makos reach sexual maturity within 4 years.
 
Male shortfin makos reach sexual maturity within 4 years.
Line 64: Line 66:
  
 
==Mako sharks in popular culture==
 
==Mako sharks in popular culture==
−
 
 
* Three genetically engineered mako sharks are the chief antagonists of [[1999 in film|1999]] [[science fiction]]/[[horror film]] ''[[Deep Blue Sea]]''.
 
* Three genetically engineered mako sharks are the chief antagonists of [[1999 in film|1999]] [[science fiction]]/[[horror film]] ''[[Deep Blue Sea]]''.
 
* A female mako shark also starred in Mathias Bradley's novel, ''Mako: Journey of Discovery'' as the human-friendly ''Sunyui''. In the sequel, ''Mako: Journey of Discovery 2: Sunyui's Family'', ''Sunyui'' becomes the main star at SeaWorld, Japan, along with her mate, ''Rio''. In the end, ''Sunyui'' mates with ''Rio'' and she has two litters of three pups during her two pregnancies.
 
* A female mako shark also starred in Mathias Bradley's novel, ''Mako: Journey of Discovery'' as the human-friendly ''Sunyui''. In the sequel, ''Mako: Journey of Discovery 2: Sunyui's Family'', ''Sunyui'' becomes the main star at SeaWorld, Japan, along with her mate, ''Rio''. In the end, ''Sunyui'' mates with ''Rio'' and she has two litters of three pups during her two pregnancies.
−
*A Mako shark is also seen on [[Jackass 2]]:The Movie, one of the stars kicks one in the head while being used as human bait in a skit.
+
* A mako shark is also seen on [[Jackass 2]]:The Movie, one of the stars kicks one in the head while being used as human bait in a skit.
−
* A Mako shark appeared in Ernest Hemmingway's novella, "The Old Man and The Sea"
+
* A mako shark appeared in Ernest Hemmingway's novella, "The Old Man and The Sea"
 
* Mako sharks were mentioned in Life of Pi, by Yann Martel.
 
* Mako sharks were mentioned in Life of Pi, by Yann Martel.
  

Revision as of 19:21, 26 February 2008

Template:Taxobox Template:Sharksportal

The shortfin mako shark, Isurus oxyrinchus, ("sharp nose") is a large shark of the Lamnidae family. Along with the closely related longfin mako, Isurus paucus, it is commonly called just mako shark. They are known to be incredibly fast swimmers with superior lateral movements.

Anatomy and appearance

A close-up of a shortfin mako shark's head.

With an average full-grown length of 1.82–2.42 m (6–8 ft)&, it can also grow to 3.9 m (13 ft) long& and has been reported to weigh up to 800 kg (1,750 lb). It has a bluish back and white underside. Although the sexes grow at about the same rate, females are thought to have a longer life span, and grow larger and weigh more than the males. Shortfin makos are renowned for their speed and their ability to leap out of the water. In fact, there are cases when an angry mako will jump out of the water and into the boat after it has been caught on the hook. Mako sharks have a better hydrodynamic shape than all other sharks, and this, combined with the lamnidae's typical high aerobic muscle mass, reflects in the spectacular speed and agility of both the longfin and shortfin makosTemplate:Fact.

The shortfin mako shark is a sleek spindle shaped shark with a long conical snout. This shark has short pectoral fins and a crescent shaped caudal (tail) fin. There is a distinct caudal keel on the caudal base. Its second dorsal fin is much smaller than the first. The teeth are slender and slightly curved with no lateral cusps, and are visible even when the mouth is closed. There is marked countershading on this shark: dorsally it is a metallic indigo blue while ventrally it is white.

Naming

The name "mako" comes from the Māori language, but the etymology is unclear.& A typical gloss given for "mako" is "large blue shark". The term entered the English language in 1727. It can also mean "man-eater". &

Diet

The shortfin mako feeds mainly upon bony fishes including mackerels, tunas, bonitos and swordfish, but may also eat other sharks, porpoises and sea turtles.

Distribution

The shortfin mako is found in offshore temperate and tropical seas worldwide. The closely related longfin mako shark, Isurus paucus, is found in the Gulf Stream or warmer offshore waters.

They are a pelagic species that occur from the surface down to depths of 150 m or 490 ft. This shark is seldom found in waters colder than 16° C (61° F).

In the western Atlantic it can be found from Argentina and the Gulf of Mexico to Browns Bank off of Nova Scotia. In Canadian waters these sharks are not abundant as they prefer warm waters, but neither are they rare. Shortfin makos are often found in the same waters as swordfish as they are a source of food and both fish prefer similar environmental conditions.They like sprite and vanessa stinks.

Behavior

The shortfin mako's speed has been recorded at 50 km/h (31 mph) and there are reports that it can achieve bursts of up to 74 km/h (46 mph).& Shortfin makos can jump up to 9 m (28 ft) in the air. Due to its speed and agility, this high-leaping fish is sought as game worldwide. This shark is highly migratory. They are also one of four warm-blooded sharks which helps them swim fast.

There is still some uncertainty about its life-span, but it is suspected to reach ages of between 11 to 23 years.

Reproduction

The shortfin mako shark is a yolk-sac ovoviviparous shark, meaning it gives birth to live young who feed from a sac full of yolk in the womb. The gestation period for a mako shark is 15 to 18 months. Shortfin mako embryos in the female's body consume each other to get nutrients. This is called intrauterine cannibalism.

Female shortfin makos usually become sexually mature at a length of 3 m. Developing embryos feed on unfertilized eggs in the uterus during the gestation period of 15 to 18 months. The 4 to 18 surviving young are born live in the late winter and early spring at a length of about 70 cm, but have no placental connection during development (ovoviviparity). It is believed that females may rest for 18 months after birth before the next batch of eggs are fertilized.

Male shortfin makos reach sexual maturity within 4 years.

Distinguishing characteristics

  • Teeth are visible even when the mouth is closed
  • Teeth are long and slender with smooth-edged cusps
  • Distinct countershading, dorsally blue and ventrally white
  • Moderately short pectoral fins
  • Underside of the snout is white
  • Lunate tail and caudal keel

Mako sharks in popular culture

  • Three genetically engineered mako sharks are the chief antagonists of 1999 science fiction/horror film Deep Blue Sea.
  • A female mako shark also starred in Mathias Bradley's novel, Mako: Journey of Discovery as the human-friendly Sunyui. In the sequel, Mako: Journey of Discovery 2: Sunyui's Family, Sunyui becomes the main star at SeaWorld, Japan, along with her mate, Rio. In the end, Sunyui mates with Rio and she has two litters of three pups during her two pregnancies.
  • A mako shark is also seen on Jackass 2:The Movie, one of the stars kicks one in the head while being used as human bait in a skit.
  • A mako shark appeared in Ernest Hemmingway's novella, "The Old Man and The Sea"
  • Mako sharks were mentioned in Life of Pi, by Yann Martel.

Notes

  1. ↑ <http://www.sdnhm.org/kids/sharks/shore-to-sea/mako.html>
  2. ↑ <http://www.new-brunswick.net/new-brunswick/sharks/species/sfmako.html>
  3. ↑ "Maori language - a glossary of useful words from the language of the Maori New Zealand". http://www.maori.info/maori_language.htm. Retrieved 2006-08-11.
  4. ↑ "Online Etymology Dictionary". http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=mako. Retrieved 2006-08-11.
  5. ↑ R. Aidan Martin. "Biology of the Shortfin Mako". ReefQuest Centre for Shark Research. http://www.elasmo-research.org/education/shark_profiles/i_oxyrinchus.htm. Retrieved 2006-08-12.

References

Template:Wikispecies

External links

ca:Solraig de:Kurzflossen-Mako es:Isurus oxyrinchus fr:Requin mako ko:청상아리 it:Isurus oxyrinchus nl:Kortvinmakreelhaai ja:アオザメ no:Makrellhai pt:Tubarão-mako sk:Mako rýchly fi:Makohai sv:Makohaj vi:Cá mập mako vây ngắn zh:尖吻鲭鲨

Retrieved from "https://wiki.pathfindersonline.org/index.php?title=AY_Honors/Species_Account/Isurus_oxyrinchus&oldid=58242"