The longfin mako shark is a fascinating species of shark that inhabits the upper mesopelagic during the day, venturing into the epipelagic at night. They can grow up to 14 feet (4.3 m) long, with females being larger than males. Although they are not commonly found in all parts of the world, they are fairly abundant in the western Atlantic, specifically in Gulf Stream waters, northern Cuba to southeastern Florida, and possibly in the central Pacific, near Phoenix Island and north of Hawaii.
Interestingly, there has never been a reported attack by a longfin mako shark on a human. This could be due to their preference for deep waters during the day and their tendency to come closer to the surface only at night. However, it is important to note that all sharks should be approached with caution and respect, as they are wild animals and may become aggressive if they feel threatened.
One of the most notable characteristics of the longfin mako shark is its impressive speed. While not as fast as its close relative, the shortfin mako shark, the longfin mako can still reach speeds up to 35 mph/56 kph, making it one of the fastest sharks in the ocean. Unfortunately, this speed and agility have not been enough to protect the species from human activities such as overfishing.
In March 2019, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) officially listed the mako shark as an endangered species, due to its declining population. This listing comes after its status was updated from “near threatened” to “vulnerable” back in 2007. The longfin mako shark, along with its close relative, the shortfin mako, is threatened with extinction due to overfishing, both as a target species and as bycatch.
The longfin mako shark is a fascinating and elusive species that inhabits deep waters and is capable of impressive speeds. While it has never been reported to attack humans, caution and respect should always be exercised around all sharks. Unfortunately, the longfin mako shark is currently endangered due to overfishing, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect this unique and important species.
Are Longfin Mako Sharks Aggressive?
Longfin mako sharks are known to be highly active and fast swimmers, but there is no evidence to suggest that they are aggressive towards humans. In fact, there has never been a reported attack by a longfin mako shark on a human. These sharks are generally considered to be shy and elusive, preferring to avoid contact with humans whenever possible. While they may be curious about divers or swimmers, they are unlikely to approach them aggressively, and will typically swim away if they feel threatened. That being said, it is important to remember that all wild animals can be unpredictable, and it is always best to exercise caution and respect when encountering any species in their natural habitat.
Where Is The Longfin Mako Shark Found?
The longfin mako shark is commonly found in the western Atlantic, specifically in the waters of the Gulf Stream, northern Cuba, and southeastern Florida. It is possible that they may also inhabit the central Pacific, particularly near Phoenix Island and north of Hawaii. During the day, they prefer to stay in the upper mesopelagic zone, and at night, they venture into the epipelagic zone.
How Fast Are Longfin Mako Sharks?
Longfin mako sharks are known for their impressive speed and agility in the ocean. According to research, these sharks are capable of reaching top speeds of up to 35 mph or 56 kph. This makes them one of the fastest shark species in the ocean. Their long, slender bodies and powerful tails allow them to swim quickly and efficiently through the water. However, it’s worth noting that the shortfin mako shark is even faster than the longfin mako, with top speeds of 45 mph or 70 kph.
Are Mako Sharks Rare?
Mako sharks are considered to be rare due to their declining population numbers. In fact, in March 2019, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) officially listed the mako shark as an endangered species. This means that the species is facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. The mako shark’s population decline is largely due to overfishing, as they are often targeted for their meat and fins. Additionally, mako sharks have a low reproductive rate, which makes it difficult for their populations to recover quickly. It is important to take steps to protect and conserve mako sharks in order to ensure their survival for future generations.
Conclusion
The longfin mako shark is a fascinating and relatively unknown species of shark. While they are not commonly seen by humans, they can grow to be quite large and are known for their impressive speed. Despite their impressive abilities, there has never been a reported attack by a longfin mako shark on a human. However, like many shark species, the longfin mako is now considered endangered and is facing threats to its survival. It is important that we take steps to protect this species and ensure that it continues to thrive in our oceans. By educating ourselves about the longfin mako and other endangered species, we can work towards a more sustainable future for our planet.
