What Divers Should Know About Mako Shark

Mako sharks, belonging to the mackerel shark family, are renowned for their incredible speed and predatory nature. These largely pelagic hunters are among the fastest fish in the ocean, capable of bursts up to 50 km/h (31 mph) as they pursue their prey.

Divers exploring open ocean environments might encounter either the shortfin or longfin mako, the two living species within the genus Isurus. These powerful sharks display a distinctive blue-gray coloration, a common trait among their mackerel shark relatives. Adults typically range from 2.5 to 4.5 meters (8.2 to 14.8 ft) in length, with larger individuals approaching a substantial 680 kg (1,500 lb).