The mako shark is a pelagic predator found in temperate and tropical waters globally. Known for its speed and agility, it occupies a high position in the marine food web.
Primary Food Sources
Mako sharks primarily consume fast-moving, schooling bony fish, such as mackerel, tuna, bonito, and swordfish. These calorie-rich prey provide the energy needed for the mako’s active metabolism and bursts of speed. Bony fish constitute over 90% of their diet by weight in some studies.
Cephalopods, including squid and octopus, also form a notable part of their diet. For instance, studies off the California coast indicate that jumbo squid and purpleback squid are primary prey for Pacific shortfin makos. Mako sharks are known to consume approximately 3% of their body weight daily.
Hunting Strategies
Mako sharks are adapted for capturing swift prey, utilizing their speed and agility as primary hunting tools. They are the fastest shark species, capable of reaching burst speeds of up to 46 mph (74 km/h). Their streamlined, torpedo-shaped bodies and powerful tails enable rapid acceleration and sustained high-speed pursuit.
These sharks often employ ambush tactics, approaching prey from below to exploit their blind spot. They may lunge vertically, tearing off chunks of their prey’s flanks and fins to disable them. Their keen senses, including a strong sense of smell and a well-developed lateral line system, assist in locating prey. Mako sharks possess powerful jaws armed with long, pointed, unserrated teeth designed for grasping and tearing slippery, fast-moving targets.
Dietary Adaptations and Influences
A mako shark’s diet varies depending on its size, age, geographic location, and seasonal prey availability. Smaller makos consume smaller fish, while larger individuals can tackle bigger prey like swordfish, marlin, or small marine mammals such as porpoises and dolphins. This shift in diet is sometimes accompanied by a change in tooth morphology, with larger makos developing wider and flatter interior teeth suitable for larger prey.
Geographic location influences prey composition; for example, shortfin makos in the North Atlantic may primarily consume bluefish, while those in the Ecuadorian Pacific might specialize in Humboldt and purpleback squid. Mako sharks are opportunistic feeders, consuming what is readily available if preferred prey is scarce. Their role as apex predators contributes to maintaining ecosystem balance by preying on fast-swimming species.