Difference between revisions of "AY Honors/Species Account/Isurus oxyrinchus"
| Line 14: | Line 14: | ||
{{Taxobox end}} | {{Taxobox end}} | ||
| − | The '''Shortfin Mako Shark''' (''Isurus oxyrinchus'' "sharp nose"), commonly just called '''Mako Shark''' despite not being the only species of mako, is a large [[shark]] of the [[Lamnidae]] family with a full-grown size of 2.75–3.96m (9-13 feet). It | + | The '''Shortfin Mako Shark''' (''Isurus oxyrinchus'' "sharp nose"), commonly just called '''Mako Shark''' despite not being the only species of mako, is a large [[shark]] of the [[Lamnidae]] family with a full-grown size of 2.75–3.96m (9-13 feet). It has been reported to weigh up to 794kg (1750 pounds) and has a bluish top and a white underside. Although the sexes grow at about the same rate, females are thought to have a longer [[life span]]. Females grow larger and weigh more than the males. Shortfin Makos are renowned for their speed and their ability to leap out of the water. The sharks speed has been recorded at over 22 miles (35.2 kilometers) per hour, with perhaps a burst speed of up to 60 miles (96 kilometers) per hour. The name 'Mako' comes from the [[Maori]] "Blue Lightning" in reflection of its colour and speed. |
| − | This high leaping, boat attacking fish is sought as [[Game (food)|game]] worldwide. Some of the largest makos in the world can be found in [[New England]] waters. | + | This high leaping, boat attacking fish is sought as [[Game (food)|game]] worldwide. Some of the largest makos in the world can be found in [[New England]] waters. The closely related [[Longfin Mako Shark]], ''Isurus paucus'', is found in the [[Gulf Stream]]or warmer offshore waters. Shortfin Makos were popularized in the movie ''[[Deep Blue Sea]]''. |
The Longfin Mako Shark is a yolk-sac oviviparous shark, meaning it gives birth to live young who feed off of a sac full of yolk in the womb. The gestation period for a Mako Shark is 15-18 months. Mako embryo in the female's body literally consume each other to get nutrients. This is called intrauterine cannibalism. | The Longfin Mako Shark is a yolk-sac oviviparous shark, meaning it gives birth to live young who feed off of a sac full of yolk in the womb. The gestation period for a Mako Shark is 15-18 months. Mako embryo in the female's body literally consume each other to get nutrients. This is called intrauterine cannibalism. | ||
Revision as of 16:33, 3 November 2005
Template:Taxobox begin
Template:StatusNearConcern
Template:Taxobox image
Template:Taxobox begin placement
Template:Taxobox regnum entry
Template:Taxobox phylum entry
Template:Taxobox classis entry
Template:Taxobox subclassis entry
Template:Taxobox ordo entry
Template:Taxobox familia entry
Template:Taxobox genus entry
Template:Taxobox species entry
Template:Taxobox end placement
Template:Taxobox section binomial
Template:Taxobox end
The Shortfin Mako Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus "sharp nose"), commonly just called Mako Shark despite not being the only species of mako, is a large shark of the Lamnidae family with a full-grown size of 2.75–3.96m (9-13 feet). It has been reported to weigh up to 794kg (1750 pounds) and has a bluish top and a white underside. Although the sexes grow at about the same rate, females are thought to have a longer life span. Females grow larger and weigh more than the males. Shortfin Makos are renowned for their speed and their ability to leap out of the water. The sharks speed has been recorded at over 22 miles (35.2 kilometers) per hour, with perhaps a burst speed of up to 60 miles (96 kilometers) per hour. The name 'Mako' comes from the Maori "Blue Lightning" in reflection of its colour and speed.
This high leaping, boat attacking fish is sought as game worldwide. Some of the largest makos in the world can be found in New England waters. The closely related Longfin Mako Shark, Isurus paucus, is found in the Gulf Streamor warmer offshore waters. Shortfin Makos were popularized in the movie Deep Blue Sea.
The Longfin Mako Shark is a yolk-sac oviviparous shark, meaning it gives birth to live young who feed off of a sac full of yolk in the womb. The gestation period for a Mako Shark is 15-18 months. Mako embryo in the female's body literally consume each other to get nutrients. This is called intrauterine cannibalism.
The "mako" name was also applied to a 1961 Chevrolet Corvette show car, the "Mako Shark", whose streamlining, pointed snout, and other detailing was partly inspired by the look of that very fast fish. A widespread story has it that GM Design head Bill Mitchell had an actual mako shark mounted on the wall in his office, and ordered his team to paint the car to match the distinctive blue-gray upper surface gently blending into white underside of the fish. After numerous attempts to match the fish's color scheme failed, the team hit upon the idea of kidnapping the fish one night, painting it to match their best efforts on the car, and returning it to the office. Mitchell never realized the difference and pronounced himself pleased with the team's duplication on the car of nature's handiwork. [1], [2]
Related articles
External link
"Lamniformes." Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia E-Book. (requires license to view)
