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Isurus

Isurus is a genus of mackerel sharks in the family Lamnidae, known commonly as mako sharks, comprising two extant species: the shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) and the longfin mako (Isurus paucus).^[1] These epipelagic predators are distinguished by their streamlined, spindle-shaped bodies, pointed snouts, large eyes, and lunate caudal fins, adaptations that enable exceptional swimming speeds of up to 70 km/h in bursts.^[2] Both species exhibit regional endothermy, allowing them to maintain elevated body temperatures for enhanced metabolic efficiency in cold waters.^[3] Mako sharks of the genus Isurus are highly migratory, inhabiting the upper layers of temperate and tropical oceans globally, with the shortfin mako showing a cosmopolitan distribution and the longfin mako more restricted to subtropical regions like the western Atlantic and Indo-Pacific.^[1] They typically dwell in offshore waters from the surface to depths of around 500 m, though they occasionally dive deeper.^[4] As apex predators, their diet consists primarily of bony fishes such as tunas, billfishes, and cephalopods, hunted using ambush tactics and powerful bursts of speed.^[5] Reproduction is ovoviviparous with oophagy in both species; the shortfin mako produces litters of 4–30 pups after a gestation period of 15–18 months, while the longfin mako has litters of 2–8 pups with gestation period unknown.^[6]^[2] The shortfin mako can grow to a maximum length of 4.45 m and weight over 500 kg, while the longfin mako reaches up to 4.3 m, though it is less commonly encountered and poorly studied.^[1] Both species feature smooth-edged, triangular teeth suited for grasping prey and a single lateral keel on the caudal peduncle for stability during high-speed pursuits.^[7] Coloration is typically metallic blue-gray dorsally fading to white ventrally, providing camouflage in open water.^[8] Isurus species face significant conservation challenges due to overfishing in commercial longline fisheries targeting swordfish and tunas, leading to both being listed as Endangered by the IUCN since 2019.^[9]^[10] Their late maturity (around 7–8 years) and low fecundity contribute to slow population recovery, prompting international management measures like quotas under organizations such as ICCAT.^[11] Despite their commercial value for meat and fins, efforts are underway to mitigate bycatch and promote sustainable practices.^[12]

Taxonomy

Etymology

The genus name Isurus derives from the Greek words isos (ἴσος), meaning "equal," and oura (οὐρά), meaning "tail," alluding to the nearly symmetrical lobes of the caudal fin that distinguish mako sharks within the mackerel shark family.^[13] Isurus was established as a genus by the naturalist Constantine Samuel Rafinesque in 1810, in his work Caratteri di alcuni nuovi generi e nuove specie di animali e piante della Sicilia, with Isurus oxyrinchus designated as the type species by monotypy.^[14] This naming reflected early observations of the shark's distinctive tail morphology, which Rafinesque used to differentiate it from other lamniform sharks.^[13] Over the subsequent decades, several synonyms were proposed for Isurus, often based on incomplete specimens or regional variations, but these were later consolidated under the original name due to taxonomic priority and morphological overlap. Oxyrhina, introduced by Louis Agassiz in 1838 with Lamna oxyrhina (now synonymous with I. oxyrinchus) as the type, became obsolete as a junior synonym following the application of Linnaean priority rules.^[14] Similarly, Oxyrrhina Bonaparte, 1846, and Plectrostoma Gistel, 1848, both referencing the same core species, were rejected for lacking substantive diagnostic differences from Isurus.^[14] Another synonym, Isuropsis Gill, 1862, was erected to accommodate species like Oxyrhina glauca but was reclassified into Isurus after detailed anatomical studies revealed no reliable morphological distinctions, such as in fin structure or dentition, to justify separation.^[14] These reclassifications underscore the evolving understanding of shark taxonomy in the 19th and 20th centuries, prioritizing Rafinesque's original description.^[14]

Classification

The genus Isurus is classified within the kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Chondrichthyes, order Lamniformes, family Lamnidae, and genus Isurus.^[1] This placement situates Isurus among the mackerel sharks of the Lamnidae family, characterized by their streamlined bodies, regional endothermy, and predatory adaptations in pelagic environments.^[15] The genus comprises two extant species: the shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) and the longfin mako (Isurus paucus), both recognized for their high-speed swimming and cosmopolitan distribution in tropical and temperate oceans.^[2] These species are distinguished from other lamnids by specific morphological traits, including lunate caudal fins with nearly equal lobes and a pointed snout.^[16] Historically, the taxonomy of Isurus has undergone revisions to separate it from related genera such as Carcharodon, primarily based on dental and skeletal morphology. Early classifications often synonymized fossil and extant forms under broader categories, but analyses of tooth structure—such as the narrow, smooth-edged, triangular cusps in Isurus lacking serrations—distinguished it from the broader, serrated teeth of Carcharodon.^[17] Skeletal differences, including variations in vertebral calcification and rostral cartilage shape, further supported this separation, as detailed in systematic reviews by Compagno (1984) and Cappetta (1987).^[18] These revisions refined the genus boundaries, excluding forms like Isurus hastalis, now often reassigned to extinct lineages closer to Carcharodon.^[19]

Evolutionary History

Fossil Record

The fossil record of the genus Isurus commences in the Oligocene epoch, with the earliest recognized species being Isurus desori (Agassiz, 1843), known from deposits approximately 33–23 million years old.^[20] This species is characterized by narrow, pointed teeth typical of early mako-like lamniforms and represents the initial appearance of the genus in the paleontological record.^[21] Subsequent species, such as Isurus praecursor (Leriche, 1905), appear in the late Eocene to early Oligocene, though many specimens formerly assigned to Isurus have been reclassified into separate genera like Macrorhizodus based on distinct tooth morphologies, including broader crowns and root structures.^[22] Similarly, numerous Miocene and Pliocene fossils previously under Isurus, such as Isurus hastalis (Agassiz, 1843) and Isurus planus (Brock, 1982), have been transferred to Cosmopolitodus due to serrated edges and triangular forms linking them more closely to the white shark lineage.^[20] These reclassifications reflect ongoing taxonomic revisions emphasizing dental evidence over historical nomenclature.^[23] Fossils attributed to Isurus and its reassigned relatives occur globally in marine sediments, with notable occurrences in North America (e.g., Oligocene formations in South Carolina), Europe (e.g., Miocene deposits in Germany), and Asia (e.g., Eocene to Miocene sites in Japan).^[22]^[24] No verified Isurus remains exist from the Cretaceous period; such pre-Oligocene lamniform fossils, including those once labeled Isurus denticulatus (Glückman, 1957), are now assigned to the distinct genus Cretoxyrhina following detailed skeletal and dental analyses. Approximately 10–15 extinct species have been described within Isurus historically, including I. desori, I. retroflexus (Agassiz, 1843), and I. subserratus (Agassiz, 1843), though the majority are now deemed junior synonyms, invalid, or reclassified, leaving only a few as potentially valid fossils alongside the two extant species.^[25]^[20]

Phylogenetic Relationships

The genus Isurus occupies a basal position within the family Lamnidae, closely related to other genera such as Lamna (porbeagle sharks) and Carcharodon (great white sharks), as supported by analyses of mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequences. DNA studies indicate that Isurus forms a monophyletic clade sister to Carcharodon, with Lamna representing the most ancestral lineage in the family based on nucleotide parsimony. These molecular data highlight Isurus as a foundational branch in lamnid evolution, diverging early from shared ancestors adapted to pelagic lifestyles. Molecular clock estimates place the last common ancestor of Isurus and Carcharodon between 43 and 60 million years ago, corresponding to the Late Paleocene to Early Eocene epochs. This divergence aligns with paleoenvironmental shifts following the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction, enabling the radiation of modern lamnids into open-ocean niches. Phylogenetic relationships within Lamnidae are further corroborated by morphological synapomorphies shared among Isurus and its relatives, including a highly hydrodynamic body form optimized for sustained cruising speeds and a nearly equal-lobed (lunate) caudal fin that enhances propulsive efficiency.^[26] Additionally, the elevated density of ampullae of Lorenzini across the head and body supports precise electrolocation in low-visibility pelagic environments, a trait distinguishing lamnids from more benthic shark families.^[27] Recent genetic analyses in the 2020s, including complete mitogenome sequencing, have reaffirmed the monophyly of Isurus, with high sequence identity (98.4%) across global populations of I. oxyrinchus and consistent clustering within Lamnidae.^[28] These studies also indicate that the modern Isurus lineage diverged from fossil ancestors near the Eocene-Oligocene boundary, around 34 million years ago, coinciding with cooling ocean currents and expanded open-water habitats.

Physical Characteristics

Morphology

The genus Isurus comprises sharks characterized by a streamlined, fusiform body plan optimized for high-speed swimming in pelagic environments. This body shape features a pointed, conical snout that reduces hydrodynamic drag, large eyes positioned laterally for enhanced binocular vision, and five prominent gill slits that facilitate efficient oxygen extraction during rapid movement.^[2]^[29] The caudal fin in Isurus species is lunate with nearly equal upper and lower lobes, exhibiting a heterocercal structure that is functionally symmetrical to support powerful propulsion and maneuverability. A strong lateral keel on the caudal peduncle provides stability and prevents lateral oscillation during bursts of speed.^[29]^[2] Dentition in Isurus consists of large, triangular teeth with single, finely pointed cusps and smooth, razor-sharp edges lacking serrations or lateral denticles, enabling effective grasping and retention of fast-moving prey such as teleosts and cephalopods. These teeth are arranged in multiple rows, typically 12–13 per side in the upper jaw and 11–13 per side in the lower jaw, allowing for continuous replacement to maintain functionality.^[2]^[29] Internally, Isurus sharks possess adaptations for regional endothermy, including a vascular counter-current heat exchange system in the red muscle that elevates tissue temperatures above ambient water levels, supporting sustained swimming speeds and endurance. Additionally, the orbital rete mirabile warms blood supply to the retina and brain, enhancing visual acuity in low-light oceanic conditions by maintaining ocular temperatures approximately 5°C above ambient.^[30]^[31]

Size and Coloration

Species in the genus Isurus attain average adult lengths ranging from 2.5 to 4 meters, with maximum recorded lengths approaching 4.5 meters across both I. oxyrinchus and I. paucus.^[32]^[33] Adult weights typically reach up to 570 kilograms, reflecting their robust, streamlined build adapted for pelagic life. Sexual dimorphism is pronounced, with females growing 10–20% larger than males, often exceeding males in both length and mass at maturity to support greater reproductive output.^[34]^[35] The coloration of Isurus species features a metallic blue-gray dorsal surface that fades to brilliant white on the ventral side, providing effective countershading camouflage against the open ocean backdrop to reduce visibility to prey from above and below.^[36]^[37] Juveniles may exhibit additional markings, such as a dark tip on the snout, which fades with age. This pigmentation pattern enhances their survival in epipelagic environments by blending with the water column. Growth in Isurus is rapid during juvenile stages, with rates up to 30 cm per year in the first few years, as determined by tag-recapture studies and vertebral analysis.^[38] This pace slows considerably in adults, contributing to an overall lifespan of 20–30 years, estimated through annual band counts in vertebrae that serve as reliable age indicators.^[36]^[39]

Species

Shortfin Mako Shark

The shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) is characterized by its slender, spindle-shaped body and short pectoral fins, which are notably shorter than the length of its head, distinguishing it from the longfin mako.^[40]^[37] This streamlined morphology supports its high-speed lifestyle in open ocean environments. The species reaches a maximum total length of up to 4.45 meters (females generally larger than males); maximum recorded weight is around 570 kg.^[2]^[41]^[42] The shortfin mako has a cosmopolitan distribution in tropical and temperate oceanic waters worldwide (see Distribution and Habitat). It prefers waters warmer than 16°C but can tolerate cooler temperatures during migrations.^[43] Unique to the shortfin mako among sharks is its exceptional swimming speed, with sustained rates up to 50 km/h and burst speeds reaching 74 km/h, enabled by specialized red muscle and hydrodynamic denticles.^[41] It is renowned for acrobatic leaps of up to 6 meters out of the water, often during hunting or when hooked, showcasing its agility.^[41]^[44] The diet primarily consists of fast-swimming pelagic fishes such as tuna, billfish, mackerels, and bonito, supplemented by cephalopods and occasionally other elasmobranchs (see Ecology and Behavior).^[40]^[45] Reproduction in the shortfin mako is ovoviviparous, with females giving birth to litters of 4–25 pups after a gestation period of 15–18 months, followed by a three-year reproductive cycle (see Ecology and Behavior).^[2]^[46] Pups are born live at 60–74 cm in length and grow rapidly in their early years. Sexual maturity is attained at lengths of 2.2–2.9 meters, corresponding to ages of 7–9 years for males and 18–21 years for females.^[47]^[40] The shortfin mako is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List based on the 2019 assessment (updated from 2020 regional evaluations), with a median global population decline of over 46% inferred over three generations due to overfishing (see Conservation Status).^[9]

Longfin Mako Shark

The longfin mako shark (Isurus paucus) is distinguished by its more robust, spindle-shaped body and elongated pectoral fins, which extend longer than the head length and feature broad tips, contrasting with the shorter fins of its congener.^[33] The snout is less pointed, the eyes are large, and the overall coloration is dark blue to bluish-black dorsally, fading to white ventrally with dusky markings on the snout and mouth underside in adults.^[48] These adaptations suggest a lifestyle oriented toward deeper, less pelagic environments compared to the shortfin mako.^[49] This species attains a maximum total length of approximately 4.3 m, with females growing larger than males; common adult lengths are around 2.2 m, and newborns measure 97–120 cm at birth.^[33] Weights for typical adults reach about 70 kg, though larger individuals may exceed this, with rarer captures documenting specimens up to 4.3 m. Maturity is reached at lengths of 2.0–2.5 m for females and around 2.0 m for males.^[48] Isurus paucus inhabits tropical and warm temperate oceanic waters across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, with confirmed records from the western Atlantic (e.g., off Florida, Cuba, and Brazil), eastern Atlantic (e.g., off Guinea and Ghana), western Indian Ocean (e.g., near Madagascar), and central Pacific (e.g., north of Hawaii and near Phoenix Islands) (see Distribution and Habitat).^[33] It often occurs in epipelagic to mesopelagic zones, with depth records ranging from surface waters to 1,752 m, though it favors 110–220 m overall.^[49] Swimming speeds are presumed slower than those of the shortfin mako. Its diet consists primarily of pelagic schooling fishes and cephalopods such as squid, reflecting its deeper-water foraging habits (see Ecology and Behavior).^[33] Reproduction is ovoviviparous, with oophagy where embryos consume unfertilized eggs for nourishment; gestation lasts approximately 15–18 months, and litters typically comprise 2–8 pups (see Ecology and Behavior).^[33] Females give birth in nearshore waters, and the species exhibits a low reproductive rate with maturity delayed until several years of age, contributing to slower population recovery.^[49] Population estimates are lower and more uncertain than for the shortfin mako due to its rarity and data deficiencies.^[48] The longfin mako is classified as Endangered by the IUCN Red List since 2019, primarily due to bycatch in pelagic longline fisheries, targeted fishing for fins and meat, and its low intrinsic rate of population increase; as of 2025, limited data indicate populations remain data-poor but stable in some regions with no significant recovery noted (see Conservation Status).^[10] It is listed under CITES Appendix II for monitored international trade.^[33]

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

The genus Isurus, comprising the shortfin mako (I. oxyrinchus) and longfin mako (I. paucus), exhibits a broadly cosmopolitan distribution across the world's oceans, though with distinct patterns between the species. The shortfin mako is panoceanic, occurring in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans within temperate and tropical waters, spanning latitudes from approximately 60°N to 50°S.^[37]^[50] In contrast, the longfin mako has a more restricted range, primarily in tropical and warm-temperate waters of the Indian, Pacific, northwestern Atlantic, and eastern Atlantic Oceans, generally between 35°N and 35°S.^[4]^[51] The Atlantic Ocean holds the majority of records for both species, with abundant sightings in the North and South Atlantic, including the Mediterranean Sea where shortfin makos are frequently encountered.^[52] The Indo-Pacific region also features significant populations, particularly off the coasts of South Africa, India, Sri Lanka, and in the western Pacific.^[53] Migration patterns for Isurus species involve seasonal north-south movements linked to prey availability, enabling transoceanic travels across vast distances. Tagging studies reveal highly migratory behavior, with shortfin makos capable of covering up to 12,000 miles annually in the Pacific and demonstrating site fidelity during migrations.^[54] In the Mediterranean, a 2024 satellite tagging of a juvenile shortfin mako documented travel exceeding 1,200 km over 54 days, highlighting connectivity within regional waters.^[55] These patterns underscore the species' pelagic lifestyle and exposure to international fisheries across oceanic basins.^[56]

Habitat Preferences

Isurus species, comprising the shortfin mako (I. oxyrinchus) and longfin mako (I. paucus), exhibit a distinctly pelagic lifestyle, inhabiting open ocean environments rather than nearshore or coastal areas. The shortfin mako primarily occupies the epipelagic zone, spending most of its time between 0 and 200 meters depth, with mean depths around 68.5 meters and frequent utilization above 90 meters.^[57] In contrast, the longfin mako shows a preference for deeper waters, allocating 42–54% of its time below 200 meters and extending into the mesopelagic zone up to 1,000 meters or more, with recorded depths reaching 1,767 meters.^[58] Both species avoid coastal shallows, favoring offshore pelagic habitats that provide expansive, unobstructed ranges for their highly mobile nature.^[32] Temperature plays a critical role in habitat selection for Isurus, with both species favoring waters between 12 and 28°C, though their regional endothermy—enabled by vascular retia mirabilia that retain metabolic heat—allows tolerance of cooler conditions outside this range. Shortfin makos most commonly experience temperatures of 18–22°C (mean 19.4°C), but can endure from 7.4°C to 29.9°C, using thermoregulatory capabilities to maintain elevated body temperatures during dives into colder layers.^[57]^[32] Longfin makos similarly span 4.0–28.8°C, leveraging endothermy for prolonged stays in cold mesopelagic waters.^[58] This physiological adaptation broadens their vertical niche, distinguishing them from strictly ectothermic elasmobranchs.^[59] Isurus sharks are frequently associated with dynamic oceanic features such as fronts and upwellings, where nutrient-rich waters enhance productivity and concentrate resources. These environments, including shelf-edge fronts and convergence zones, attract shortfin makos to areas like the Subtropical Convergence Zone and Canary Current upwelling system.^[57]^[60] Longfin makos also exploit similar features during their deeper excursions, though data on their associations remain sparser. Recent 2025 research in the Gulf of Mexico highlights potential breeding grounds for shortfin makos in shelf-slope habitats at 100–300 meters depth, particularly in the northwestern region west of the Mississippi River delta, where pregnant females exhibit residency and bite marks suggestive of gestation areas.^[61]

Ecology and Behavior

Diet and Predation

Species of the genus Isurus, including the shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) and longfin mako (Isurus paucus), are apex predators in pelagic marine ecosystems, occupying high trophic positions with diets dominated by fast-swimming prey. Stomach content analyses from fishery bycatch reveal that teleost fishes constitute the majority of their diet, typically around 70-80%, including species such as tunas (Thunnus spp.), mackerels (Scomber spp.), and sauries (Scomberesox saurus). Cephalopods, particularly squids like the jumbo flying squid (Dosidicus gigas), account for approximately 15-20%, while elasmobranchs and other prey groups make up the remaining 10%, with occasional records of cetaceans or sea turtles. The longfin mako exhibits a similar composition, though data are sparser and suggest a preference for smaller schooling fishes and pelagic squids.^[62]^[63]^[64] These sharks employ specialized hunting strategies adapted to their high-speed lifestyle, relying on ambush bursts to close distances on evasive prey, with recorded speeds up to 74 km/h facilitating rapid pursuits. Their protrusible jaws enhance bite efficiency by extending forward during strikes, allowing precise capture of slippery or armored prey, a mechanism observed in lamniform sharks through biomechanical studies. Diet studies, often derived from stomach contents of incidentally caught individuals in longline fisheries, indicate opportunistic feeding with ontogenetic shifts: juveniles consume smaller cephalopods and fishes, while adults target larger teleosts. This predatory role positions Isurus at a mean trophic level of approximately 4.5, reflecting their position as tertiary carnivores in oceanic food webs.^[65]^[66]^[67] As high-level predators, Isurus species experience bioaccumulation of contaminants like mercury in their tissues, with concentrations increasing with body size and correlating to their trophic position, often exceeding safe consumption thresholds for humans. Interspecific predation is limited, with adults rarely targeted due to their size and agility; however, juveniles are vulnerable to attacks from larger elasmobranchs such as great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) or marine mammals like orcas (Orcinus orca). This vulnerability underscores the sharks' role in complex trophic interactions, where they both exert top-down control on prey populations and face risks during early life stages.^[68]^[64]^[37]^[69]

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Species of the genus Isurus exhibit ovoviviparous reproduction, in which eggs are fertilized internally and develop within the uterus without a placental connection to the mother.^[47] Embryos initially rely on yolk sac nourishment, transitioning to oophagy where they consume unfertilized eggs produced by the mother.^[70] This strategy supports the development of relatively large pups, enhancing their survival post-birth. Gestation periods typically last 15–18 months, contributing to a prolonged reproductive timeline.^[47] Sexual maturity in Isurus species is reached at varying ages depending on sex and geographic population, with data primarily available for the shortfin mako; the longfin mako is less studied. For the shortfin mako, maturity occurs generally between 7 and 21 years, with males attaining maturity earlier, around 7–10 years at lengths of 180–200 cm total length (TL), while females mature later, at approximately 19–21 years and 250–280 cm TL.^[71] Fecundity remains low across the genus, with litters ranging from 2 to 25 pups (averaging 10–16 for shortfin mako, smaller for longfin mako at 2–8) produced every 2–3 years due to the extended gestation and a resting period for females.^[47]^[6] This infrequent reproduction underscores the vulnerability of Isurus populations to exploitation, as recovery from losses is slow. The life cycle of Isurus begins with neonates measuring 60–80 cm TL at birth, born live in litters during warmer months in nursery areas.^[72] Juveniles experience rapid growth, gaining about 39 cm in fork length during the first year, followed by slower but steady increases until maturity; males and females grow at similar rates post-maturity.^[73] Lifespan extends to 29–32 years, with senescence typically occurring after 20 years, marked by reduced growth and reproductive output in older individuals.^[74] Breeding migrations in Isurus involve females moving to warmer equatorial or tropical waters to facilitate gestation and parturition, often exhibiting philopatry to specific regions.^[75] Recent genetic analyses from 2025 reveal low connectivity between northern and southern hemisphere populations, driven by female philopatry and limited trans-equatorial dispersal, supporting the need for hemisphere-specific management.^[76] This structure implies discrete breeding units despite the species' pelagic nature.

Conservation Status

Population Threats

The primary threat to Isurus populations, encompassing both shortfin (Isurus oxyrinchus) and longfin (Isurus paucus) mako sharks, is overfishing through targeted capture and bycatch in pelagic longline fisheries targeting tuna and swordfish. Shortfin mako sharks are particularly vulnerable, with post-release mortality rates estimated at 29.4% in pelagic longline operations, contributing substantially to overall fishing-induced mortality.^[77] Bycatch in these fisheries represents a major source of mortality, as mako sharks are often hooked incidentally and suffer high at-vessel mortality rates ranging from 26% to 36% depending on gear and handling practices.^[78] Targeted fishing for their high-value fins and meat exacerbates the pressure, with under-reporting of catches further complicating management.^[79] The 2025 ICCAT stock assessment for the South Atlantic shortfin mako stock indicates overfishing, with fishing mortality (F) exceeding maximum sustainable yield levels (F_MSY) since the 1990s and a median F_2023/F_MSY ratio of 1.052, signaling ongoing exploitation above sustainable thresholds.^[80] Population declines are evident across regions; the IUCN's 2019 global assessment estimates a median 46.6% reduction in shortfin mako abundance over three generations (approximately 72–75 years), with a 60% decline in the North Atlantic and probabilities of 50–79% decline in multiple ocean basins.^[79] Global biomass estimates for shortfin mako remain uncertain due to data limitations, but regional models suggest levels consistent with overexploitation, such as South Atlantic spawning stock fecundity at 94.9% of MSY in 2023.^[80] For longfin mako, population metrics are data-deficient globally, though similar fishing pressures imply comparable declines.^[12] Climate change intensifies these risks by altering ocean conditions, including warming surface waters that shift prey distributions such as those of tunas and cephalopods, potentially forcing mako sharks into higher-risk fishing zones and increasing encounter rates.^[81] Ocean warming also expands juvenile shortfin mako distributions to deeper, less optimal depths while contracting adult core habitats in the North Atlantic. Additional threats include ship strikes, which cause direct trauma in coastal and migratory pathways, though documentation remains limited.^[79] Pollution via plastic ingestion affects Isurus species, with nearly 10% of examined shortfin mako stomachs containing plastic debris, leading to potential internal injuries and reduced fitness.^[82] Habitat degradation from deoxygenation, driven by climate-induced expansion of oxygen minimum zones, further constrains pelagic habitats and exacerbates vulnerability to other stressors.^[83]

Protection Measures

The shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List (A2bd) following a 2019 assessment that documented substantial global population declines driven by fishing pressure.^[84] This status was informed by stock assessments from bodies like the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) and the International Scientific Committee for Tuna and Tuna-like Species in the North Pacific Ocean. The longfin mako shark (Isurus paucus) is classified as Endangered (A2bd) under the same framework, highlighting its rarity, low fecundity, and vulnerability to incidental capture despite limited data on trends.^[85] Both species were added to CITES Appendix II in 2019 to monitor and regulate international trade in specimens, requiring non-detriment findings and permits to prevent unsustainable exploitation.^[86] Fisheries management efforts have focused on retention bans and quotas to curb directed and incidental catches. The ICCAT adopted Recommendation 21-09 in 2021, prohibiting the retention, transshipment, and landing of North Atlantic shortfin mako sharks caught in association with ICCAT fisheries, effective from 2022 to allow stock rebuilding.^[87] In alignment, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) implemented a zero retention limit for shortfin mako in all Atlantic highly migratory species fisheries starting July 2022, extending through at least 2025 pending further assessments.^[88] European Union regulations include species-specific quotas for mako sharks in Atlantic waters, such as the 2023 South Atlantic shortfin mako management plan that sets catch limits to immediately address overfishing while supporting non-detriment findings under CITES. Ongoing research initiatives emphasize tracking and population genetics to inform targeted protections. In 2025, tagging programs in the Gulf of Mexico have identified potential nursery areas for shortfin mako, using satellite and acoustic tags to map juvenile habitats overlapping with fishing grounds.^[72] Complementary genetic studies, including a 2025 bi-organelle genomics analysis, have delineated stock structure and connectivity for mako sharks across the Atlantic, revealing gene flow that supports transboundary management approaches.^[76] Notable conservation successes include bycatch mitigation through gear modifications, such as mandatory circle hooks in certain longline fleets, which have reduced at-vessel mortality for mako sharks by 20–30% in targeted trials by promoting jaw rather than gut hooking. These measures, combined with retention bans, have shown early signs of stabilizing local abundances in managed areas like the North Atlantic.

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Fish Identification
### Summary of Genus Isurus
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Feb 5, 2025 · Genus – Isurus Species – oxyrinchus. Common Names. The shortfin mako's common name is derived from the Maori term mako, which translated means ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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[PDF] Shortfin Mako Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus)
Section I: Biology The Shortfin Mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) is a fast swimmer and has incredible turning agility, and has flexible scales known to bristle ...
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May 29, 2025 · The longfin mako has a slender, torpedo-shaped body with a moderately long conical snout. Like other members of the family Lamnidae, I. paucus ...
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Shortfin mako shark, Isurus oxyrinchus, is listed as an endangered species with declining glo- bal population. Thus, studies regarding its biology and ecology ...
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Exhibit ovoviparity (aplacental viviparity), with embryos feeding on other ova produced by the mother (oophagy) after the yolk sac is absorbed (Ref. 50449).
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A genus with two species of mackeral sharks found worldwide, both in Australia. Single lateral keel on caudal peduncle; teeth long, smooth-edged and lanceolate.Missing: taxonomy biology
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Appearance · Shortfin mako sharks have pointed snouts and long gill slits. · They have dark blue-gray backs, light metallic blue sides, and white undersides.
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[PDF] Shortfin Mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) - Wildlife, plants and species
As a large (maximum length 4.2 m), relatively late-maturing (7-8 yrs) pelagic shark, the species has life-history characteristics making it particularly ...
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[PDF] LONGFIN MAKO ISURUS PAUCUS: THE FORGOTTEN COUSIN
Longfin mako Isurus paucus is a pelagic shark that is found circumglobally in tropical and subtropical waters, and interacts with pelagic longline fisheries ...
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Number of Recognized Species: 2. Synonyms: Genus Oxyrhina Agassiz, 1838: 86, pls. 33-34. Type species: “Lamna oxyrhina Cuvier and Valenciennes,.
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[PDF] paleobiology and taxonomy of extinct lamnid and otodontid
The fossil record of lamnid sharks preserved in the Pisco Formation demonstrates that the modern white shark is more closely related to Isurus (Cosmopolitodus ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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Isurus desori | Shark-References
(Agassiz, 1843). Classification: Elasmobranchii Lamniformes Lamnidae. Reference of the original description. Agassiz, L. (1843)
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[18]
Isurus oxyrinchus-f | Shark-References
Isurus oxyrinchus-f. Rafinesque, 1810. Classification: Elasmobranchii Lamniformes Lamnidae. Reference of the original description. Rafinesque, C.S. ...
[19]
Extinct - complete list | Species - Shark-References
Original description species: (Agassiz, 1835) Genus: Isurus Rafinesque, 1810. Family: Lamnidae Bonaparte, 1835. Order: Lamniformes Superorder: Galeomorphii<|separator|>
[20]
(PDF) Combining morphological and molecular information to infer ...
Eight synapomorphies are detected in Alopiidae, six in Lamnidae, and one for Odontaspididae. In the Bayesian molecular reconstruction consensus tree, Lamnidae ...
[21]
[PDF] Comparative brain anatomy of lamniform sharks (Elasmobranchii
Cetorhinus and Lamnidae (Lamna, Isurus, and Carcharodon) form a derived monophyletic clade ... area and density for ampullae of Lorenzini (Kajiura, 2001 ...
[22]
Three complete mitochondrial genomes of shortfin mako sharks ...
Apr 11, 2022 · This study presents three complete mitogenome sequences of shortfin mako sharks, with lengths between 16,699 and 16,702 bp, and 98.4% identity ...
[23]
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387265039_Macrorhizodus_version_1
[24]
Warm brain and eye temperatures in sharks - PubMed - NIH
Temperatures in the brain and eyes of mako and porbeagle sharks (Lamnidae) are 5 degrees C warmer than the water.
[25]
Patterns of red muscle strain/activation and body kinematics during ...
Specific objectives are to (1) examine longitudinal patterns of RM activation and strain in the mako during steady swimming and clarify modes of transmission of ...
[26]
Isurus oxyrinchus summary page
### Summary for Isurus oxyrinchus (Shortfin Mako)
[27]
Isurus paucus, Longfin mako : fisheries - FishBase
Etymology: Isurus: isos (Gr.), equal; oura (Gr.), tail, referring to caudal-fin lobes of I. oxyrinchus being equal in length (except that they are not; the ...
[28]
Demographic analysis of the shortfin mako shark, Isurus oxyrinchus ...
In this study, a two-sex stage-structured matrix model was constructed to estimate shortfin mako shark demography and population dynamics.
[29]
The Biology and Ecology of the Shortfin Mako Shark, Isurus ...
The shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) is a highly migratory pelagic shark [1] that preferentially inhabits oceanic regions in practically all oceans from ...
[30]
None
### Summary of Shortfin Mako Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus)
[31]
Isurus oxyrinchus (Mackerel porbeagle) - Animal Diversity Web
Scientific Classification ; Class, Chondrichthyes rays, sharks, and relatives ; Order, Lamniformes ; Family, Lamnidae Mackerel sharks or white shark ; Genus, Isurus.Missing: taxonomy | Show results with:taxonomy
[32]
Age validation of juvenile Shortfin Mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) tagged ...
Aug 5, 2025 · Growth rate estimates from 26.5 to 35.5 cm/year were calculated for the first age-class mode (85 cm FL) and from 22.4 to 28.6 cm/year for the ...
[33]
Age, Growth and Spatial Distribution of the Life Stages of the ...
Apr 6, 2016 · The shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) is a highly migratory pelagic shark that preferentially inhabits oceanic regions in practically all oceans.Missing: genus coloration
[34]
Atlantic Shortfin Mako Shark | NOAA Fisheries
Shortfin mako sharks are a pelagic species. Their habitat ranges widely in the upper zones of the oceans. Juveniles are common in coastal waters, from the low- ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[35]
Biology of the Shortfin Mako - ReefQuest Centre for Shark Research
Underwater and unimpeded by a fishing line, the Shortfin Mako has been reliably clocked at 31 miles (50 kilometres) per hour, and there is one claim that this ...
[36]
Isurus oxyrinchus, Shortfin mako : fisheries, gamefish - FishBase
Etymology: Isurus: isos (Gr.), equal; oura (Gr.), tail, referring to caudal-fin lobes of I. oxyrinchus being equal in length (except that they are not; the ...
[37]
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Insufficient relevant content. The provided URL (https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/39341/2903170) links to a page for the Shortfin Mako Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), but the text snippet provided does not contain substantive information about the species. No details on description, size, weight, distribution, traits, diet, reproduction, or IUCN status are included in the given content.
[38]
Shortfin Mako shark - Save Our Seas Foundation
Shortfin makos have a global distribution at tropical and temperate latitudes. They are typically found in water warmer than 16°C, but have been known to dive ...Missing: cosmopolitan | Show results with:cosmopolitan
[39]
Octopus spotted riding on top of world's fastest shark | Live Science
Mar 20, 2025 · Shortfin mako sharks are the fastest shark species in the world, reaching top speeds of up to 46 mph (74 km/h). They can grow as long as 12 ...
[40]
Shark, Mako - SeafoodSource
Jan 23, 2014 · Feeding on some of the world's fastest tunas and billfish, the mako shark is at the very apex of the marine food chain.
[41]
[PDF] shortfin mako | Shark Stewards
Maximum size of a shortfin mako is about 13 ft (400 cm) in total length. They have an estimated lifespan of 29-32 years. The shortfin mako is the fastest ...Missing: weight status credible sources
[42]
Size at maturity and reproductive traits of shortfin mako, Isurus ...
Shortfin mako sharks have a birth TL = 70-74 cm (Semba et al., 2011) and maturity TL = 180-210 cm for males and TL = 256-278 cm for females (Cailliet et al., ...
[43]
Longfin mako shark - Isurus paucus - Shark Research Institute
At birth, the shark is 3.2 to 3.9 ft [97 to120 cm] in length, and matures when it is just under 8 ft [245 cm].Missing: weight sexual dimorphism growth lifespan sources
[44]
Longfin Mako Sharks, Isurus paucus - MarineBio Conservation Society
Longfin mako pups measure 97-125 cm long and about 12 kg at birth. As adults, most measure about 2.2 m long and weigh 70 kg. Their maximum known length is 4.3 m ...Missing: reproduction | Show results with:reproduction
[45]
How Can Mako Sharks Swim So Fast?
Bony fishes, otherwise known as teleosts (tee-lee-osts), such as mackerels, tunas, and swordfish, can make up a shortfin mako's diet. Male and female mako ...
[46]
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Insufficient relevant content. The provided URL (https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/60225/3095898) does not display specific details about *Isurus paucus* (longfin mako shark) in the given text snippet. The text only includes a mailto link and translation feedback options, with no data on IUCN status, population trends, threats, distribution, habitat, biology, size, reproduction, diet, or post-2019 updates.
[47]
First insights into the shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) fine ...
May 3, 2023 · The endangered shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) possibly has the highest energy requirements among lamnids, but our understanding of its swimming behaviour is ...
[48]
Fisheries, Ecosystems and Biodiversity - Sea Around Us
Key Information on Longfin mako (Isurus paucus) ; Trophic level: 4.51 ; Latitude range: Northern limit: -45°S; 45°N; southern limit: 35°S -35°N ; Bottom depth ...
[49]
[PDF] Shortfin & Longfin Mako Shark
The shortfin mako is widely distributed, and can be found in the North Atlantic, South Atlantic, Med- iterranean, Indian Ocean, South Pacific and North.<|control11|><|separator|>
[50]
[PDF] Mako Sharks - CITES
Species distribution The shortfin mako shark Isurus oxyrinchus is highly migratory, found in all tropical and temperate waters (15° to 31°C) of the world ...Missing: fossils | Show results with:fossils
[51]
[PDF] Isurus oxyrinchus, Shortfin Mako - IUCN Red List
Nov 5, 2018 · The Shortfin Mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) is classified as Endangered A2bd, with a 46.6% median population decline, and is a large pelagic shark.Missing: traits 2025
[52]
Mako Shark Tracking off West Coast Reveals “Impressive” Memory ...
Aug 28, 2019 · The largest effort ever to tag and track shortfin mako sharks off the West Coast has found that they can travel nearly 12,000 miles in a year.
[53]
Young Mako Shark Travels 750 Miles, Offering Hope For ... - Forbes
Dec 15, 2024 · Virginia Tech researchers tagged the first mako shark in the Mediterranean, uncovering key movement data critical for conservation.
[54]
New Insights Into the Seasonal Movement Patterns of Shortfin Mako ...
Jan 25, 2021 · In this study, we used satellite telemetry to track the movements of mako sharks in the western Gulf of Mexico between 2016 and 2020.
[55]
Movements, Habitat Use, and Diving Behavior of Shortfin Mako in ...
Jul 27, 2021 · (2021) shortfin makos frequented a wide range of sea surface temperatures ranging from 10.0 to 31.0°C. Casey and Kohler (1992) indicated that in ...
[56]
[PDF] Horizontal and vertical movements of longfin makos (Isurus paucus ...
Dec 20, 2016 · The longfin mako is not directly targeted in any fishery, but is taken as bycatch throughout its range in tropical and temperate waters by.
[57]
Enhanced thermoregulation abilities of shortfin mako sharks as the ...
Aug 29, 2025 · We show that regionally endothermic shortfin mako sharks have enhanced thermoregulatory ability with an order higher warming rate than ...
[58]
[PDF] Regional Essential Fish Habitat Geospatial Assessment and ...
Although infrequently tested, sharks are also associated with SST gradients, fronts, and eddies. ... shortfin mako shark, in the western. North Atlantic Ocean.
[59]
None
Summary of each segment:
[60]
Unexpected Headless and Tailless Fish in the Stomach Content of ...
Feb 12, 2014 · Shortfin mako prefers the Atlantic saurus, Scomberesox saurus, representing 87% of teleost prey and 72.1% of all prey (Table 2). These single ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[61]
Feeding ecology of the shortfin mako shark, Isurus oxyrinchus, in the ...
Dec 21, 2023 · According to the Prey-Specific Index of Relative Importance (PSIRI), the main prey taxa were the ommastrephid squid, Dosidicus gigas (42.57%) ...Missing: sources | Show results with:sources
[62]
Bioaccumulation of mercury in pelagic sharks from the Northeast ...
Feb 19, 2016 · Being top marine predators, the common thresher and shortfin mako are susceptible to bioaccumulation of heavy elements in their tissues. We ...
[63]
Feeding ontogeny and trophic ecology of the shortfin mako shark ...
Dec 10, 2024 · The present study describes the ecology and ontogeny feeding of the shortfin mako shark Isurus oxyrinchus along Baja California Sur, Mexico.Missing: mesopelagic | Show results with:mesopelagic
[64]
Jaw mechanics in macrophagous lamniform sharks and their ...
Sep 4, 2022 · Jaw mechanics of lamniform sharks were examined three-dimensionally to analyze the variability in jaw shape and the evolution of the jaw system.
[65]
Food, Feeding Habits, and Estimates of Daily Ration of the Shortfin ...
Analyses of the stomach contents of 399 male and female mako sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus) ranging from 67 to 328 cm are presented. Samples are from shark ...
[66]
Mercury in blue shark (Prionace glauca) and shortfin mako (Isurus ...
Bioaccumulation of Hg in blue shark and shortfin mako. In both shark species Hg concentration in muscle was positively correlated with size and thus age (Fig.
[67]
Shortfin Mako Shark - Ocean Conservancy
Shortfin mako sharks can swim up to 45 mph. They have strong muscles and a streamlined body that allows them to power through the water in fast bursts.Missing: maximum weight distribution IUCN credible sources
[68]
[PDF] Reproduction and Embryonic Development of the Shortfin Mako ...
Key words: Shortfin mako, Isurus oxyrinchus, Reproduction, Uterine cannibalism. ... We pre- sumed that embryos absorb uterine milk after hatching and up to ...
[69]
Demographic Analysis of Shortfin Mako Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) in ...
As the highly migratory mako shark is found over a wide range of area throughout the South Pacific Ocean, any regulatory theory based on competition for ...Missing: geographic | Show results with:geographic
[70]
Discovery of a potential open ocean nursery for the endangered ...
Jan 16, 2025 · We investigated the spatial distribution of size classes, energy transfer and reproductive states of pregnant females of the endangered shortfin mako.
[71]
Age, growth, maturity, longevity and natural mortality of the shortfin ...
Shortfin makos grow very rapidly initially, increasing by ~39 cm fork length in their first year. Thereafter, males and females grow at similar but slower rates ...
[72]
Shortfin Mako Shark - Sharkwater Extinction
They are rarely found in waters below 16c and they are one of four species of shark known to be endothermic, meaning that they are able to regulate their body ...Missing: tolerance | Show results with:tolerance
[73]
Maturation of female shortfin mako sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus)....
Females complete their reproductive cycle with or without performing large-scale migrations into equatorial waters, giving birth on average to 37 pups after 9– ...Missing: breeding | Show results with:breeding
[74]
Connections Across Open Water: A Bi‐Organelle, Genomics‐Scale ...
Jan 22, 2025 · We investigated the population genetics of mako sharks across the Atlantic using a bi-organelle genomics approach.<|control11|><|separator|>
[75]
[PDF] POST-RELEASE MORTALITY OF SHORTFIN MAKO IN ... - ICCAT
This paper presents data from 128 tags used to determine the post-release mortality (PRM) of the shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus).Missing: expansion Ice Age
[76]
Bycatch survival of shortfin mako sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus) in the ...
At-vessel survival (AVS = 1 – AVM) of mako sharks has been estimated at 0.738 in the Canadian pelagic longline fishery [15], 0.644 in the Portuguese longline ...
[77]
[PDF] Report of the 2025 Shortfin Mako Shark Stock Assessment Meeting
Jun 13, 2025 · The Group noted that shortfin mako nominal catches show a general declining trend since the mid 2010s, with an increasing share of catches from ...
[78]
Sharks, Rays, and Climate Change: Impacts on Habitat, Prey ...
Jul 12, 2023 · Warming ocean temperatures and more intense storms caused by climate change are impacting prey availability and habitat quality for migratory sharks and rays.
[79]
Incidence of plastic ingestion by the shortfin mako, Isurus oxyrinchus ...
Aug 5, 2021 · In 20 stomachs of shortfin mako, nearly 10% of samples contained at least one piece of plastic debris. The ingested plastic debris was found in ...Missing: threats strikes deoxygenation
[80]
You Shall Not Pass: The Pacific Oxygen Minimum Zone Creates a ...
Sep 17, 2024 · The expected expansion of OMZs due to climate change could have considerable impact on future distribution of mako sharks and other pelagic fish ...
[81]
Shark Overfishing Reflected in Updated IUCN Red List
Mar 21, 2019 · 17 of 58 sharks and rays are threatened, with Shortfin and Longfin Makos now Endangered. Slow-growing, unprotected species are most at risk. ...
[82]
(PDF) Isurus paucus-Longfin Mako. The IUCN Red List of ...
Apr 12, 2021 · Shortfin and longfin mako were identified in two samples each, these species were reclassified as endangered by the IUCN in 2019 [43, 44] . In ...Missing: morphology diet
[83]
[PDF] CoP18 Prop. 42 – p. 1 1 Original language - CITES
Mar 6, 2019 · This proposal refers to the inclusion in Appendix II of the shortfin mako shark, Isurus oxyrinchus, (Figure 1 in Annex I) in accordance with ...
[84]
[PDF] 21-09 - ICCAT
CPCs shall implement a prohibition on retaining on board, transhipping and landing, whole or in part,. North Atlantic shortfin mako caught in association with ...
[85]
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Shortfin Mako Shark Retention Limit
Jul 1, 2022 · Commenters supported banning retention due to the ICCAT stock assessment showing that the North Atlantic shortfin mako shark stock is overfished ...