Mako Shark

Crew Cuts Off Shark's Head To Save Man

January 27, 2008: A shark's jaws latched so tightly onto a man's leg aboard a fishing boat, that its head had to be cut off to free him. The shark had just been hauled aboard the boar off the Gold Coast. A 20-year-old man from Sydney was bitten by a 9 foot mako shark about 7:30 am on a tuna boat more than 100 nautical miles off Coolangatta.

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MAKO SHARK: "The Fastest Shark in the Ocean"

The shortfin mako can grow to lengths of 13 feet. There is still some uncertainty about its life-span, but it is suspected to reach ages of between 11-23 years. 

As one of the fastest sharks in the ocean, this powerful shark can attain bursts of swimming speeds of up to 40 mph and can leap clear out of the water to heights of up to 20 feet! These qualities have made this species a sought after sport fish in some parts of its range.

The shortfin mako feeds primarily upon bony fish including: mackerels, tunas, bonitos, and swordfish, but may also eat other sharks, porpoises, and sea turtles.

Shortgin mako sharks live in tropical and temperate offshore waters. This shark is seldom found in waters colder than 16 degrees Celsius. The mako, like most sharks, is cold blooded. When the mako starts swimming, its muscles heat up, increasing the overall body temperature, allowing the shark to swim faster.

Distinguishing Characteristics for the Mako:

• Teeth are visible even when the mouth is closed
• Teeth are long and slender with smoothed-edged cusps
• Distinct countershading, dorsally blue and ventrally white
• Moderately short pectoral fins
• Underside of the snout is white
• Lunate tail and caudal keel

INTERESTING CAR:

Chevrolet Corvette Mako Shark 1961

Hammerhead Sharks

AS OF FEBRUARY 19, 2008: ONE OF THE MOST RECOGNIZABLE SHARKS HAS BEEN DECLARED ENDANGERED.

The scalloped hammerhead has fallen victim to indiscriminate fishing and to its valuable fins, which cost up to $800 a kilo in China. This year, the shark will go on the World Conservation Union's Red List of "globally endangered" species, a step below the highest rating of "critically endangered". The 12 foot sharks have almost been obliterated off the US east coast, with a 98% decline since the 1970s.

The Great Hammerhead shark has been known to grow as large as 18 feet, although most Hammerhead sharks only reach about 12 feet long. Hammerhead sharks are found in both open deep ocean and shallow coastal water. During the summer, they may make small migrations towards more northerly areas. The great hammerhead is observed in deep water off the fore reef, in channels, on the reef flat, and in lagoons. Hammerheads are found in tropical waters throughout the world.

 

The Great Hammerhead is a solitary species, rarely seen with other sharks. Scalloped and Smooth Hammerheads on the other hand form small and large schools. Scalloped Hammerhead sharks can often have hundreds of sharks in one school. Other sharks have been known to avoid Great hammerheads and schools of Scalloped hammerheads out of fear of being eaten. Hammerheads often attack and eat other sharks.

It is their flattened wide head that makes the Hammerhead Shark so distinguishable from its relatives. There are a few theories as to why their head is shaped this way. One is for swimming purposes. It is believed that the shape of the head is helpful for turning and also for lift. This would make it easier to swim and also makes it more maneuverable. A second belief on the function of the flatted head involves the Ampullae of Lorenzini (a system of pores densely located around the head and mouth that are their electro receptive system)

Hammerheads are safe for open water diving. Operators often bait the water to attract large schools of Hammerheads. Great Hammerhead sharks are often viewed in deep water a long way from the coast and currents can be strong. Generally, most operators require you to be an experienced scuba diving with at least open water certification. There has only been 12 reported cases of an unprovoked Hammerhead shark attack on a human. Hammerheads will often warn you with threatening postures before attacking.

Recent Hammerhead Articles:

Injured Hammerhead Shark Rescued (Jan 14, 2008)

Female Virgin Hammerhead Gives Birth? (May 2007)

Stop Buying Shark Fin Soup!