Longfin Mako - Isurus paucus

WHAT TO LOOK FOR
This shark’s snout is not a pointed as that of the shortfin mako shark. Its pectoral fins are as long as its head and relatively broad-tipped.

COLOR
Dusky.

SIZE
At birth, the shark is 3.2 to 3.9 ft [97 to120 cm] in length, and matures when it is just under 8 ft [245 cm]. Its maximum length is 13.7 ft [417 cm].

HABITAT
Poorly known. Possibly epipelagic in deepwater in the open ocean.

DISTRIBUTION
The shark is in oceanic and tropical regions, probably world-wide (though poorly recorded). It is common in the western Atlantic and possibly the central Pacific; but rare elsewhere.

BIOLOGY
General - Warm-bodied shark.
Prey - Feeds on fishes and squid.
Reproduction - Litters of 2-8 pups.

BEHAVIOR
Poorly known. May be a slower swimmer than the shortfin mako shark.

STATUS
Presumed vulnerable to fisheries and likely depleted.