| Mako Shark | |
|---|---|
| [[Image:Isurus oxyrinchus.jpg | ]] |
| Template:Taxonomy | |
| Binomial name | |
| Isurus oxyrinchus |
The Shortfin Mako Shark (or commonly Mako Shark) is a large shark that can grow upto an average size of 2.75 - 3.75 meters (9-12 feet). It usually weighs around 250 - 700 Kilograms (575-1600 pounds), has a bluish top and a white underside. The females grow larger and weigh more than the males. Although the mako sexes grow about the same rate for their age, the females appear to have a longer life span. Makos are well known for their speed and their ability to leap out of the water. The sharks have an average speed of 22 mph with a burst speed of 60 mph. The scientific name of the Mako shark is Isurus oxyrinchus and belongs to the Lamnidae family.
The term Mako comes from the Maori. It is considered as the high leaping, boat attacking great game fish worldwide. Some of the largest makos in the world can be found in New England waters. There are two species of mako. The other mako species, the longfin, Isurus paucus, is found farther offshore in the Gulf Stream. The mako sharks have been made popular by the movie Deep Blue Sea.
The name was also applied to a 1961 Chevrolet Corvette show car, the "Mako Shark" corvette, whose detailing was partly inspired by the look of that very fast fish.
