Last Updated on 02/18/2024

The longfin mako shark is a powerful, large apex predator that we don’t know too much about. One of the problems that scientists are faced with when studying the longfin is that it has very few distinctive features and its almost complete similarity to the shortfin mako shark makes identification very difficult.

Longfins have a wide distribution, but they are thought to be very rare, the exact size of the longfin population being difficult to assess also because they migrate over large distances. All that scientists know about the habitat of these sharks is that they are pelagic, living in the open seas, probably in most temperate and warm waters. They have been found around the east coast of the United States, around Cuba and Brazil and probably in the Mediterranean and in the Indian Ocean, too. Longfins spend the day in the surface layers of the water and the night in the deeper waters. They are usually found in depth between 110-220 meters.

Lonfins are large sharks, usually growing longer than 2.5 meters, with females being larger than males. Longfins are slimmer and their fins are less developed than in other shark species, which might indicate that these sharks are less active and slower than others. They have a slim body, large eyes and a long snout that is not pointed like in the case of the shortfin mako. Their dentition is very impressive: they have 12-13 rows of teeth on the upper jaw and 11-13 rows on the lower jaw. The teeth are so long that they can be seen even when the shark’s mouth is closed. The first dorsal fin is long, while the second is shorter. Its skin is covered in ridged, toothed dermal denticles. They are of a bluish-gray color, darker on the top and they have white bellies.

Longfins are slow-moving creatures, but they are able to reach considerable speeds on short distances when they are hunting. They primarily attack schools of smaller fish, but they also feed on octopuses and sometimes they prey on larger fish such as swordfish.

Longfins are large and they have very dangerous looks, but they are quite harmless – no attacks against humans have ever been attributed to these fierce-looking creatures. Mako sharks are ovoviviparous, giving birth to live juveniles, usually 2-8 of them in one litter. The embryos develop in eggs, then they hatch and continue to stay inside the mother’s body, feeding on the unfertilized eggs in the uterus. Juveniles are 97-120 cm long when they are born. The length of the gestation period is not known and lifespan related information is not available either, but if longfins resemble shortfins in this regard, they probably have pregnancies that reach about a year and they live for 28-35 years. Sexual maturity seems to be more dependent on size than on age – both male and female longfin mako sharks start reproducing when they reach the length of 2-2.5 meters.

Unveiling the Mysteries of the Longfin Mako Shark

Dive into the deep blue to discover the enigmatic Longfin Mako Shark, a creature that combines the allure of the ocean’s vast mysteries with the precision of evolutionary design. Known scientifically as Isurus paucus, this shark species stands out not just for its sheer speed and agility in the water but also for its unique physiological features that distinguish it from its more famous relative, the Shortfin Mako. Inhabiting the twilight zones of the ocean, these magnificent predators are a testament to nature’s intricate craftsmanship, boasting long, slender fins and a torpedo-shaped body optimized for high-speed hunting.

Anatomy and Physiology

The Aerodynamic Design

Delving into the anatomy of the Longfin Mako Shark reveals a masterpiece of natural engineering. The elongated fins, a hallmark of this species, serve not just for aesthetic appeal but play a critical role in their hydrodynamic efficiency. These fins act like wings, providing lift and stability as the shark slices through the water, reaching speeds that few other fish can match. Their fusiform body shape minimizes drag, allowing them to conserve energy during long-distance pursuits or swift, explosive attacks on prey.

Adaptations for an Aquatic Hunter

The Longfin Mako’s physiological adaptations are a testament to its predatory lifestyle. With a highly developed cardiovascular system and a unique blood-retaining mechanism, this shark can maintain an internal temperature slightly above that of the surrounding water. This endothermic ability grants them the agility and speed necessary for chasing down fast-moving prey like tuna and swordfish. Furthermore, their large, forward-positioned eyes enhance their binocular vision, making them formidable hunters in the dimly lit waters of the open ocean.

Habitat and Distribution

Global Roaming Patterns

The Longfin Mako Shark is a creature of the pelagic zone, preferring the open ocean’s vast, boundless expanses to coastal waters. They are known to inhabit warm temperate and tropical waters worldwide, from the Atlantic to the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Their distribution is largely influenced by water temperature and depth, as they tend to stay in areas where the water is between 18 to 22 degrees Celsius.

Navigating the Open Seas

These sharks are nomadic, constantly on the move in search of food or suitable breeding grounds. Their migratory patterns are still a subject of ongoing research, but tagging and tracking studies have shown that Longfin Makos can travel thousands of kilometers, crossing oceans and hemispheres. This wide-ranging behavior underlines the challenges in studying and managing their populations, as they traverse international waters and multiple jurisdictions.

Diet and Feeding Habits

The Apex Predator’s Menu

At the top of their food chain, Longfin Mako Sharks have a diet that reflects their prowess as apex predators. They primarily feed on a variety of pelagic fish species, such as tuna, mackerel, and occasionally on smaller sharks and cephalopods. Their hunting strategy is a combination of stealth, speed, and raw power, often striking from below with devastating force.

Feeding Mechanics and Strategies

The Longfin Mako’s feeding mechanics are a marvel of evolutionary adaptation. Equipped with sharp, pointed teeth designed to grip and slice through slippery prey, they can make quick work of even the most robust fish. Their powerful jaw muscles and streamlined body allow them to launch themselves out of the water in a spectacular display of power and agility, a tactic often employed to disorient and capture airborne prey like seabirds or leaping fish.

In conclusion, the Longfin Mako Shark is a fascinating subject for both the general public and those with a keen interest in marine biology. Its unique adaptations, global distribution, and role as an apex predator in the marine ecosystem highlight the complexity and interconnectedness of oceanic life. As research continues to unveil the secrets of these majestic creatures, we gain not only knowledge but also a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the need to protect these magnificent sharks and their habitat.

FAQs about Longfin Mako Shark

1. What distinguishes the Longfin Mako Shark from the Shortfin Mako? The Longfin Mako Shark (Isurus paucus) is characterized by its significantly longer pectoral fins compared to the Shortfin Mako (Isurus oxyrinchus). These extended fins contribute to its distinctive appearance and aid in its hydrodynamic efficiency, enabling the Longfin Mako to glide through water with remarkable speed and agility.

2. How fast can a Longfin Mako Shark swim? While not as fast as its cousin, the Shortfin Mako, the Longfin Mako Shark is still an incredibly swift swimmer. It is capable of reaching speeds up to 35 kilometers per hour (22 miles per hour), making it one of the fastest fish in the ocean. This speed is essential for its hunting strategy, allowing it to catch fast-moving prey such as tuna and swordfish.

3. What do Longfin Mako Sharks eat? Longfin Mako Sharks are apex predators with a diet primarily consisting of pelagic fish such as tuna, mackerel, and sometimes smaller sharks and cephalopods. Their sharp teeth and powerful jaws allow them to catch and consume a variety of prey, demonstrating their adaptability and prowess as hunters in the open ocean.

4. Where can you find Longfin Mako Sharks? Longfin Mako Sharks are pelagic and prefer the open ocean, often found in warm temperate and tropical waters worldwide. They are highly migratory, capable of traveling vast distances across oceans, which makes them present in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.

5. Are Longfin Mako Sharks dangerous to humans? While there have been very few reported incidents involving Longfin Mako Sharks and humans, they are powerful and should be respected as wild animals. Most interactions occur in deep waters, far from shore, and they are not typically considered a significant threat to humans. However, their speed and power should not be underestimated, particularly by those in the water with them.