Mako sharks are powerful marine predators, renowned for their incredible speed in the open ocean. They are among the swiftest inhabitants of marine environments, allowing them to pursue and capture fast-moving prey.
Peak Mako Speeds
The Shortfin Mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) is considered the fastest shark species, capable of remarkable bursts of speed. It can reach speeds of 45 to 46 miles per hour (72-74 kilometers per hour) in short bursts. Some estimates suggest burst speeds could potentially exceed 60 miles per hour, with some reports even reaching 80 miles per hour. While their top burst speeds are impressive, Shortfin Makos typically cruise at a sustained pace of 21 to 31 miles per hour (33-50 kilometers per hour).
The Longfin Mako shark (Isurus paucus) is generally considered a slower swimmer than its shortfin counterpart due to its more slender build and larger pectoral fins. However, Longfin Makos are still swift, with reported top speeds reaching up to 35 to 45 miles per hour.
Biological Adaptations for Speed
Mako sharks possess specialized biological adaptations that enable their exceptional speed. Their body shape is streamlined and torpedo-like, which reduces drag as they move through water. The caudal fin, or tail, is crescent-shaped and vertically elongated, providing powerful propulsion and generating strong thrust with each sweep.
Red muscle, rich in oxygen-carrying myoglobin, fuels the continuous contractions needed for sustained high-speed swimming. Mako sharks also have a sophisticated circulatory system featuring a countercurrent heat exchange mechanism, known as the rete mirabile. This system allows them to maintain a body temperature several degrees warmer than the surrounding water, which enhances muscle performance and reaction times, providing a competitive advantage, especially in colder waters. Additionally, their skin is covered in tiny, tooth-like scales called dermal denticles, which are strategically arranged to reduce turbulence and drag, further contributing to their swift movement.
How Speed is Measured
Measuring the speed of fast-moving marine animals like Mako sharks in their natural habitat presents several challenges. Scientists employ various methods to estimate these speeds, including advanced tracking technologies.
Animal-borne bio-loggers, small devices attached to the sharks, can directly measure swimming speeds, tail-beat frequencies, and even physiological data like muscle temperature. High-speed cameras are also used to capture rapid movements and analyze the mechanics of swimming. Acoustic tracking involves tagging sharks with transmitters that emit signals, allowing researchers to follow their movements and calculate speed over a given distance. Observational estimates, sometimes made from boats based on the shark’s known length and the distance covered, provide additional data, though these can be less precise. The intermittent nature of burst swimming, which occurs over very short durations, makes precise measurement difficult compared to sustained cruising speeds.
Comparing Mako Speed
The Mako shark, particularly the Shortfin Mako, is among the fastest marine animals globally. It outpaces many other large shark species; for instance, the Great White shark reaches burst speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, and the Blue shark up to 43 miles per hour. Thresher sharks are slower at 20-30 miles per hour, and Hammerhead sharks at 25 miles per hour.
When compared to other oceanic predators, the Mako shark holds its own against fast fish like tuna, which can swim between 43 and 47 miles per hour. Some billfish species, such as the Sailfish (up to 68 mph) and the Black Marlin (up to 82 mph), are considered faster in short bursts. Mako sharks are faster than most marine mammals, including dolphins (25-37 mph) and Orcas (34-56 mph burst), although Orcas possess greater endurance.