Mako sharks are renowned for their incredible speed and formidable presence in marine ecosystems. Often called the “cheetahs of the ocean,” these powerful predators possess a reputation for being exceptionally fast. A central question arises from this reputation: are mako sharks truly the fastest creatures in the ocean? This article explores the biological mechanisms behind their speed and compares them to other swift marine animals.
Unparalleled Speed and Agility
Mako sharks achieve impressive speeds through specialized anatomical features. Their bodies are streamlined and torpedo-shaped, reducing drag as they move through water. They possess a powerful, crescent-shaped caudal fin, which provides significant propulsion. The skin of a mako shark is covered in millions of tiny, tooth-like scales called dermal denticles. These denticles reduce friction and turbulence, enhancing their hydrodynamic efficiency.
Their unique muscle structure and endothermy are key adaptations. Mako sharks have a high proportion of red muscle tissue, rich in blood vessels, sustaining continuous, powerful contractions. This red muscle is positioned closer to the backbone, insulated by a specialized blood vessel system called the rete mirabile. This system allows makos to maintain a body temperature higher than the surrounding water, a trait known as regional endothermy. This elevated body temperature ensures their muscles operate at peak efficiency, enabling rapid bursts of speed and sustained cruising, with shortfin makos able to cruise around 25-30 miles per hour and achieve burst speeds of up to 46 miles per hour.
Are Makos the Fastest?
While mako sharks are among the fastest marine animals, determining the “fastest” depends on the type of speed measured. They are consistently recognized as the fastest shark species. For instance, shortfin makos can reach burst speeds of 46 mph, significantly outpacing great white sharks (up to 35 mph) and other sharks like threshers (up to 20 mph) or hammerheads (up to 25 mph).
However, when compared to non-shark species, the title of the fastest marine creature becomes more nuanced. Sailfish can reach around 68 miles per hour, while swordfish achieve speeds of approximately 60 miles per hour. Tuna species, such as yellowfin and bluefin, are also exceptionally fast, with speeds reported up to 50 mph. While makos are among the top performers, certain billfish and tuna may exceed their burst speed capabilities. Different measurement methods and conditions can also lead to variations in reported speeds, making direct comparisons challenging.
The Mako’s Lifestyle and Speed
Speed is fundamental to the mako shark’s existence and ecological role as a top predator. Their speed allows them to hunt fast-moving prey, such as tunas, swordfish, and mackerel. They employ ambush tactics, rocketing upwards from below to attack prey at the surface, often leaping out of the water during pursuit. This predatory efficiency is important for their survival in the open ocean.
Speed also aids in other aspects of their life history. While adult makos have few natural predators, their speed allows for rapid evasion if necessary. They are highly migratory, traveling vast distances across ocean basins. Their ability to sustain high cruising speeds enables them to cover thousands of kilometers annually, moving between feeding grounds and adapting to changing environmental conditions. Speed is an integrated component of their life strategy, supporting feeding, movement, and survival.