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

Revision as of 18:37, 24 September 2006

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.

Anatomy and appearance

With a full-grown length of 9–13 ft (2.75–4 m) it has been reported to weigh up to 1,750 pounds (800 kg) and 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. 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.

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. ^&

Distribution

The shortfin mako is found in temperate and tropical seas worldwide. Some of the largest makos in the world can be found in New England watersTemplate:Fact. The closely related longfin mako shark, Isurus paucus, is found in the Gulf Stream or warmer offshore waters.

Speed

The shortfin mako's speed has been recorded at maintaining the speed of over 22 mph. but can accelerate must fast then that. They have has been reported to swim as fast as 46 mph.^& Shortfin makos can jump up to 20 ft in the air. Due to its speed and agility, this high leaping fish is sought as game worldwide.

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.