Shortfin Mako Shark

The shortfin mako shark is a large, fast-swimming pelagic shark found in temperate and tropical waters throughout the world's oceans, widely regarded as the fastest shark species and among the fastest fish in the sea, capable of short bursts well in excess of 40 kilometres per hour. It has a slender, torpedo-shaped body built for speed, a pointed snout, large black eyes, and a metallic blue back that fades to white underneath, along with long, narrow teeth that remain visible even when its mouth is closed. Unlike most fish, it maintains a body temperature warmer than the surrounding water through a specialized network of blood vessels, an adaptation that supports its high-speed hunting of fast prey such as tuna, swordfish and other sharks. It is also noted for its ability to leap high out of the water, particularly when hooked by anglers, making it a prized and challenging game fish. Slow to reproduce and heavily targeted by commercial fisheries for its meat and fins, the shortfin mako has undergone steep population declines and is classified as endangered.