The endothermic body of a mako shark helps them to move quickly.It also helps them in regulating the warmth of their blood. So, as a result, the heat that forms gives them the energy to move at a fast pace.When it comes to mako sharks, their gills and flesh are prized for their great quality. As a result, shortfin mako sharks are frequently caught and kept by longline fishermen for commercial purposes. The practice of these activities is bringing down mako shark populations.How fast is the fastest shark?So how fast is this fastest shark in the world?Shortfin mako sharks grow up to 12 ft (3.6 m) in length and weigh approximately 1,200 lb (545 kg), giving them a huge aggressive shark look. Shortfin mako sharks are found globally in temperate to moderate tropical and sub-tropical waters, mainly in the South Pacific.The shortfin mako shark is also known as ’the peregrine falcon of the sea’ because they swim through the temperate waters with ease at approximated speeds of around 60 mph (96 kph). The quickness of this species allows it to chase fast-moving prey such as mackerel and tuna.The Three Fastest Sharks In The WorldAs you are already aware, there are millions of species of sharks in the marine world. And every shark has its unique quality, some are huge in size, whereas some are quick. Some sharks can swim at world-record-breaking speeds that can compete with the speed of a car. Who are these lightning-quick sharks?The first one is the fastest in movement and speed, which is the famous shortfin mako shark that can reach speeds of 60 mph (96 kph).The second-fastest shark predators are salmon sharks, with an approximate speed of 50 mph (80 kph). This pectoral shark species reside in the cold waters of the North Pacific Ocean. As they can regulate their temperature, they can easily stay in these extremely cold and freezing waters.After these two sharks, the third-fastest globally is the famous great white shark. If we look at the body size of this fish, we can see that the great white is the largest in body size compared to the rest of the sharks in the world. The great white shark has a large 15 ft (4.5 m) body.Why should mako sharks scare you as much as great whites?Great white sharks are often are viewed as extreme predators of the ocean, but that is not the case. Yes, the great white species are the largest in water, but they are not expert predators like the shortfin makos. The shortfin makos hunt hard and swim fast, making them hard to beat.Both species of sharks are members of the mackerel family tree. The shortfin mako shark is designed for quickness which gives them an advantage over all other sharks. The shortfin mako shark is formed like a rocket, with a bullet-like nose, small pectoral tail, dorsal fins, and a slender, strong, streamlined body. The nimble blue-fin tuna and swordfish are their primary food sources.Will a mako shark kill you?While the shortfin mako’s agility makes it very dangerous, it also catches the attention of fishers. When a shortfin mako shark is pulled onto a boat, they are incredibly scary to look at, but they have only been blamed for one deadly attack out of nine known deaths.This does not necessarily imply that getting in the water with the mako shark is risk-free. If they start swimming in a famous circular eight pattern and approach you with their mouths wide open, then experts say that’s a good signal that you’re being targeted as their next prey. Even the most inexperienced divers of the water would perceive that as a dead giveaway and swim for their lives.Why are they called ‘cheetah of the sea’?Mako is derived from the Maori term for shark. Sharks are portrayed in various Maori mythology and are regarded as protector spirits by the people of Maori of New Zealand. The teeth of both the famous sharks, mako and the big white, are the prized possession of the Maori people as they use them to make jewelry.The difference is fairly little between the cheetah and mako shark when it comes to speed. The shortfin mako, which is also known as ’the cheetah of the water’, surpasses the in-land cheetah’s peak speed of almost 60 mph (96 kph). In order to put it in context, the shortfin mako travels faster than most freeways and is twice the speed of a skydiver. The only difference between the cheetah and mako is that the mako is larger and has more strong teeth than a cheetah.How can mako sharks swim as fast as 80 mph (129 kph)?Those who know about mako sharks and the speed at which they can swim in the sea always have the same question. The question is, how can they swim as fast as 80 mph (129 kph) in the sea, hunting for prey? What do they have that the other sharks don’t?Minuscule scales are seen in some areas of the shark’s body, such as on the back and fins. These scales can stretch at intervals of more than 40 degrees from the body, thus creating resistance in the opposing flow direction of the water, which results in helping them to move at a fast pace.Conserving SharksSharks have been a subject of fascination for years now, but unfortunately, there has been a lack of conservation awareness.The Shark Conservation Act of 2010 was passed on January 4, 2011, to protect dwindling numbers and the illegal fin trade. You can help this cause by signing an ongoing petition to support the Federal Shark Fin Trade Elimination Act.
The endothermic body of a mako shark helps them to move quickly.
