Fact File: Common Name(s): Short Fin Mako Shark (others: Bonito; Blue Pointer) Scientific Name: Isurus oxyrinchus (Rafinesque-Schmaltz 1810) Usual Size: Up to 396cm UK Record Weights from rod/line: Shore: V 40lb Qualifying Weight Boat: 500lb MAFF Minimum Size: Shore: Boat:

Identification: Upper body surface cobalt blue with a white underside. Has a single longitudinal keel on the side of the tail root. Breeding: Ovoviviparous (live bearing) Litter size between 2 to 4 pups - 92cm at birth. It is believed female Mako Sharks are mature at a length of 240 to 280cm and males at 240cm Habitat: Seldom found in waters below 160C, usually at least 180C. Found from the upper layers down to a possible maximum depth of 150m, though oceanic in nature. Food: Primarily pelagic fish, Tunas, Mackerels and Squid. Range: Found in most tropical and temperate waters and when encountered off our coast (South West - Cornwall) it is believed to be following warm water currents. Additional Notes: Weight potential in excess of 1000lbs, thought to be capable of speeds of 50 knots. REFERENCES: A Field Guide to The Sharks of British Coastal Waters - Vas 1991 FAO Species Catalogue 4 - Sharks of The World - Compagno Fishes of the North-Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean - Whitehead, Bauchot, Hureau, Nielsen, Tortonese Key to the Fishes of Northern Europe - Wheeler

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