Shortfin Mako
A circumglobal open-ocean shark built for speed, the shortfin mako ranges across temperate and tropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
Among the fastest fish in the sea — capable of burst speeds near 45 mph — it's pursued by big-game anglers for the aerial acrobatics and raw power it puts on display when hooked.
Conservation status is serious: the Atlantic population is overfished, and regulations vary significantly by region.
Scientific Name: Isurus oxyrinchus
Also known as Blue pointer, Bonito shark, Mako, Marrajo
- Dark metallic to cobalt blue on the back transitions sharply to white undersides — the color break is crisp and distinctive, unlike the gradual fade on many other sharks.
- Conical, pointed snout; long gill slits; and a strongly keeled caudal peduncle with a crescent-shaped tail built for sustained speed.
- Teeth are smooth-edged, curved inward like daggers with no serrations — a key ID feature separating it from most other large sharks.
- Separated from the longfin mako by noticeably shorter pectoral fins, smaller eyes, and a more streamlined body. Most angler-caught fish run under 300 lbs, though the species can exceed 1,260 lbs and 13 feet.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- A pelagic, open-ocean species found worldwide in temperate and tropical seas — Atlantic from Norway to Argentina, Pacific from the Aleutian Islands to Chile, and throughout the Indian Ocean.
- Spends most of its time in the upper 500 feet of the water column but is capable of diving well past 700 meters; diel patterns show shallower movement at night.
- Prefers offshore waters in the 17–22°C range but tolerates temperatures as low as 5°C, which expands its seasonal range considerably.
- Occasionally moves into coastal zones where the continental shelf is narrow, but it is fundamentally an offshore, blue-water animal.
Specific Spots
- Concentrates in blue water where temperature breaks and current edges push baitfish — sea surface temperature (SST) lines and color changes are the primary locators for offshore mako fishing.
- Rises shallower at night, so dawn and dusk drifts in productive offshore zones tend to put fish in the chum slick more reliably than midday efforts.
- Satellite tagging shows site fidelity to productive offshore zones near seamounts, island chains, and upwelling areas — these recurring features are worth marking across seasons.
Shortfin Mako FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Shortfin Mako?
Chumming with ground tuna or mackerel to draw fish to the boat, then presenting live bluefish (2–5 lbs) or whole rigged baits on a flat line or balloon rig, is the most consistent method in Atlantic blue water.
What do Shortfin Mako eat?
Bluefish, tuna, and squid make up a large share of the diet for smaller and mid-sized fish, which is why live bluefish in the 2–5 lb range and whole squid or mackerel are the go-to baits when chumming. Larger makos shift toward bigger prey: swordfish, billfish, and other sharks.
Where do Shortfin Mako live?
A pelagic, open-ocean species found worldwide in temperate and tropical seas, Atlantic from Norway to Argentina, Pacific from the Aleutian Islands to Chile, and throughout the Indian Ocean.
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