Mako sharks are formidable marine predators, often sparking questions about their aggression. This article explores their characteristics and behaviors, distinguishing predatory instincts from human-defined aggression, and aims to clarify common misconceptions.
Mako Shark Traits
Mako sharks, especially the shortfin mako, possess physical and physiological adaptations for a highly predatory lifestyle. Their streamlined, torpedo-shaped bodies and crescent-shaped tails are designed for exceptional speed, making them the fastest sharks, capable of bursts up to 74 km/h (46 mph). This speed is partly due to their ability to maintain a body temperature warmer than the surrounding water, which enhances muscle efficiency.
Their jaws are equipped with large, unserrated, dagger-like teeth, ideal for gripping slippery and fast-moving prey like mackerel, tuna, and swordfish. An average adult shortfin mako measures around 2.5 to 3.2 meters (8.2 to 10.5 feet) and can weigh from 60–140 kg (130–310 lb), though larger females can exceed 3.8 meters (12 feet) and 550 kg (1,210 lb). These attributes allow them to pursue and capture prey efficiently in their open ocean habitat.
Nature of Mako Behavior
Mako sharks are apex predators whose behaviors are primarily driven by instinct for survival and acquiring food. They are intelligent, possessing the largest brain-to-body ratio among sharks, which aids their hunting strategies. Their hunting technique often involves lunging vertically from below to attack prey, tearing off chunks of flesh to immobilize them before consuming.
Their speed and power are tools for hunting in a competitive marine environment. Mako sharks are opportunistic feeders, consuming a diverse diet that includes fish, other shark species, dolphins, seabirds, and sea turtles. They employ a “hit-and-run” tactic, inflicting a significant blow to their prey before circling back to finish the attack. This is a natural predatory behavior, distinct from unprovoked aggression in a human context.
Mako Interactions with Humans
Interactions between mako sharks and humans are infrequent, with unprovoked attacks being rare. The International Shark Attack File (ISAF) recorded only 10 unprovoked shortfin mako attacks on humans worldwide through 2022, with three being fatal. For context, the odds of being struck by lightning are significantly higher than being attacked by a shark.
Many reported incidents involving mako sharks are considered provoked, often occurring when the shark is harassed, caught on a fishing line, or speared. When a mako is hooked, it may exhibit aggressive behaviors, including leaping high out of the water or into boats, in an attempt to escape. Such reactions are defensive rather than unprovoked aggression. Instances of mistaken identity can also occur, particularly in murky water or low visibility, where a shark might confuse a human swimmer or surfer with its natural prey. Mako sharks generally inhabit open ocean waters and rarely frequent shallow coastal areas where most human recreational activities occur.