Scientific Name
Isurus oxyrinchus
Common Name
Shortfin mako
Biology
Oceanic, but sometimes found close inshore. Usually in surface waters , down to about 150 m. Coastal, epipelagic at 1->500 m. Isotope analysis has shown that shortfin mako is the highest level fish predator in oceanic waters off eastern Australia. Adults feed on bony fishes, other sharks , cephalopods; larger individuals may feed on larger prey such as billfish and small cetaceans. Ovoviviparous, embryos feeding on yolk sac and other ova produced by the mother. With 4-16 young of about 60-70 cm long. Gestation period lasts 15-18 months, spawning cycle is every 3 years. Some authors have erroneously assumed that two age rings are deposited per year by this species, thus underesti