Shortfin mako shark

(Isurus oxyrinchus)

the fastest shark in the world

Diet

Feeds on fast moving prey such as swordfish, tuna, squid and other sharks.

Habitat

A coastal and oceanic species found worldwide in temperate and tropical waters.

Fin-tastic facts

This ocean going predator is a supreme hunter. It hunts some of the fastest fish in the sea, and has evolved to be even faster. They can sprint at 30 mph but no one really knows how fast they can go. But one thing is for sure; this shark was built for speed. Like dimples on a golf ball, this shark has specially textured skin that helps reduce drag even further than normal shark skin, making it go even faster. Being warm blooded, or endothermic, means that its muscles can contract rapidly so it can reach high speeds. But all this comes at a cost to the shark as this means it has a very high metabolic rate in that it burns a lot of energy quickly. So in order to replace that energy they need to eat a lot of food. To ensure a meal, the Mako shark implements certain tactics when hunting. It will often attack and bite off the tail of its prey so that it can’t swim away, and the shark doesn’t have to waste any more energy chasing it. It will also vigorously defend its kill from other predators, as they can’t afford to not eat.