Scientific name:
Isurus oxyrinchus Identification:
One keel on each side of caudal peduncle; tail lunate; teeth long and curved for grasping prey; dorsal coloration blue, white ventral surface. Size:
Brith 65 cm (25.6 inches), maximum length 3.9 m (12.9 ft). Range:
Worldwide in all tropical and temperate seas. Depth range from surface to 152 m (501 ft). Biology:
An oceanic shark that has been encountered in kelp beds and near reef dropoffs. Active, thought to be fastest of all shark species. It will leap clear of the water's surface by several body lengths. Diet varies in different locations; off New South Wales, Australia and the northeastern United States feeds primarily on bony fishes (mackerals, tuna, bluefish, anchovies, lancetfish, cod, sea bass, swordfish), while off South Africa feeds most on small sharks and rays. Remains of marine mammals, squid, and salps also found in mako stomachs. Teeth of large adults have broader cusps are better suited for cutting up larger prey items than those of juveniles. When bait is not present, usually very wary; even in baited situations it can be hesitant to appraoch and take a bait. It is quick and frenetic, and may make close passes at the diver when bait is present; it should be treated with considerable caution. Possible threat display consists of jaw gaping and figure eight swimming. Implicated in attacks on divers and swimmers.