How Fast Can a Mako Swim: And Why Do They Always Look Like They're Late for a Meeting?

The shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) is often hailed as the fastest shark in the ocean, capable of reaching speeds that leave marine biologists and enthusiasts alike in awe. But just how fast can a mako swim? And why does it always seem to be in such a hurry? This article dives deep into the fascinating world of the mako shark, exploring its speed, biology, behavior, and the peculiarities that make it one of the ocean’s most intriguing predators.

The Need for Speed: How Fast Can a Mako Swim?

The shortfin mako shark is a marvel of evolutionary engineering, built for speed and agility. Studies have shown that makos can reach burst speeds of up to 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour), making them one of the fastest fish in the ocean. This incredible speed is achieved through a combination of physiological and anatomical adaptations:

1. Streamlined Body: The mako’s torpedo-shaped body minimizes drag, allowing it to slice through the water with minimal resistance.
2. Powerful Musculature: Its muscles are rich in red muscle fibers, which are highly efficient at sustained, high-speed swimming.
3. Tail Design: The crescent-shaped tail provides maximum thrust with each powerful stroke.
4. Skin Texture: The mako’s skin is covered in tiny, tooth-like structures called dermal denticles, which reduce turbulence and improve hydrodynamics.

But why does the mako need to be so fast? The answer lies in its hunting strategy. Makos are apex predators, preying on fast-moving fish like tuna, swordfish, and even other sharks. Their speed allows them to ambush prey, closing the distance in a matter of seconds. It’s like they’re always in a race against time—or perhaps they just have a very important underwater appointment to keep.

The Mako’s Metabolism: A High-Octane Engine

One of the most fascinating aspects of the mako shark is its endothermy, or the ability to regulate its body temperature. Unlike most fish, which are cold-blooded, makos can maintain a body temperature higher than the surrounding water. This adaptation allows them to swim faster and more efficiently, even in colder waters.

The mako’s endothermy is powered by a specialized network of blood vessels called the rete mirabile, which acts as a heat exchanger. Warm blood from the muscles is transferred to cooler blood returning from the gills, ensuring that the shark’s core temperature remains elevated. This metabolic advantage gives the mako an edge in both speed and endurance, making it a formidable predator.

The Mako’s Personality: Always in a Rush?

If sharks had personalities, the mako would undoubtedly be the Type A overachiever of the group. Its constant state of motion and seemingly urgent demeanor have led some researchers to joke that makos are the “workaholics” of the shark world. Unlike many other sharks, which spend a significant amount of time resting or cruising slowly, makos are almost always on the move.

This behavior is partly due to their need for oxygen. Like all sharks, makos rely on ram ventilation to breathe, meaning they must keep swimming to force water over their gills. Stopping for too long could be fatal. But beyond this physiological necessity, makos seem to have an innate drive to keep moving. Whether they’re chasing prey, patrolling their territory, or simply exploring, makos are rarely still.

The Mako’s Diet: Fast Food for a Fast Shark

The mako’s speed isn’t just for show—it plays a crucial role in its diet. Makos are opportunistic feeders, but they have a particular fondness for fast-moving prey. Their menu includes:

• Tuna: These speedy fish are a favorite, and makos are one of the few predators capable of catching them.
• Swordfish: Despite their size and speed, swordfish are no match for a determined mako.
• Other Sharks: Yes, makos are known to cannibalize smaller sharks, proving that even the ocean’s top predators aren’t safe from their hunger.
• Squid and Octopus: These cephalopods are often caught during nighttime hunts when makos venture into deeper waters.

The mako’s hunting strategy is a blend of speed, precision, and sheer power. They often use their speed to deliver a devastating bite, incapacitating their prey before consuming it. It’s a brutal but effective method, and one that has earned the mako a reputation as one of the ocean’s most efficient killers.

The Mako’s Reproduction: A Speedy Process?

When it comes to reproduction, the mako shark doesn’t slow down. Like other lamniform sharks, makos are ovoviviparous, meaning the eggs hatch inside the mother’s body, and the pups are born live. A typical litter consists of 4 to 18 pups, each measuring about 2 feet (60 centimeters) in length at birth.

Interestingly, mako pups are born ready to swim and hunt, a necessity given their high metabolic rate and need for constant movement. This rapid development is another example of how the mako’s biology is tailored for speed and efficiency.

Conservation Status: Racing Against Extinction

Despite their incredible adaptations, mako sharks face significant threats from human activities. Overfishing, both targeted and as bycatch, has led to a decline in mako populations worldwide. Their fins are highly valued in the shark fin trade, and their meat is considered a delicacy in some cultures.

In 2019, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listed the shortfin mako as Endangered, citing overfishing as the primary threat. Conservation efforts are underway, including stricter fishing regulations and international agreements to protect mako populations. However, the road to recovery is long, and the mako’s future remains uncertain.

The Mako’s Cultural Impact: Speed Demons of the Sea

The mako shark has captured the human imagination for centuries, often symbolizing speed, power, and ferocity. In literature and film, makos are frequently portrayed as relentless predators, embodying the untamed nature of the ocean. Their speed and agility have also made them a favorite among sport fishermen, who prize the challenge of catching such a formidable opponent.

But beyond their cultural significance, makos serve as a reminder of the ocean’s complexity and the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. As apex predators, they play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the oceans, and their decline could have far-reaching consequences.

FAQs

1. How does the mako shark’s speed compare to other fast marine animals?

   • The mako shark is one of the fastest fish in the ocean, but it is outpaced by the sailfish, which can reach speeds of up to 68 miles per hour (110 kilometers per hour).

2. Why do mako sharks need to swim constantly?

   • Mako sharks rely on ram ventilation to breathe, meaning they must keep swimming to force water over their gills. Stopping for too long could result in suffocation.

3. Are mako sharks dangerous to humans?

   • While mako sharks are powerful predators, attacks on humans are extremely rare. They are generally not considered a significant threat to people.

4. What is being done to protect mako sharks?

   • Conservation efforts include stricter fishing regulations, international agreements, and public awareness campaigns to reduce demand for shark products.

5. Can mako sharks be kept in captivity?

   • Due to their need for constant movement and large space requirements, mako sharks are rarely kept in captivity. Most aquariums are unable to provide the conditions necessary for their survival.