Shark-mako: photo and description. Shark-Mako Speed in Attack

This is a fairly large shark, which is part of the Herring family. Otherwise, it is called bonito, black-eared, mackerel, and also blue-gray shark. In Latin - Isurus oxyrinchus. Scientists believe that she is a descendant of the ancient species Isurus hastilus, whose representatives reached six meters in length and weighed about three tons. This species of sharks existed in the Cretaceous period simultaneously with plesiosaurs and ichthyosaurs.

Mako is considered dangerous for humans, as it is one of the most aggressive species of sharks. She does not miss almost any prey and attacks, even when full. The jaws of the Mako Shark are a deadly weapon, the fish itself develops a huge speed, therefore it is considered one of the most dangerous sea predators.

Description

There are two types of mako shark - short-fin and long-finned shark . Both are equally dangerous for humans. Fish are almost identical, differ only in the size of the fins. Mako Shark Sometimes reaches four meters in length and weighs up to 400-500 kilograms. Female is larger than males, the largest specimen was caught by French fishermen in 1973. He weighed about a ton and reached a length of four and a half meters. The exact life expectancy is unknown, scientists suggest that it reaches 15-25 years.

The body of the shark has a cylindrical shape. The belly is white, the skin is dark blue on top. The shark of a mako is older, the darker it is. Muzzle pointed, slightly extended forward. The lower part of it is also white. Young individuals can be distinguished by a pronounced black spot at the end of the muzzle, which disappears with age. The eyes of the mako are large. Dorsal fin in front large, behind small. The pectoral fins are of medium size, and the caudal fin resembles its crescent shape. Teeth curved back and very sharp. This structure of the jaws helps to hold the prey tensely.

Reproduction of mako

Shark refers to viviparous species of fish. Sexual maturity in females begins when their body grows to 2.7 m, in males it is an indicator of 1.9 m. Pregnancy lasts 15 months, embryos in the uterus feed on unfertilized eggs. To the light appears up to 18 fry, which reach a length of about 70 cm. The cubs already after birth exist independently. The interval between mating is 1.5-2 years.

Habitat

The shark lives in the waters of tropical and temperate seas. The main areas of its distribution:

• Indo-Pacific;
• Pacific (northeastern);
• Atlantic.

The distribution is extensive: the southern border is near New Zealand and Argentina, the northern boundary is in the area of Nova Scotia. Maca is rare in waters with temperatures below 16 degrees, and then you can see it only in the places where its favorite food is - swordfish. Floats this shark at a depth of 150 m and tries to stay closer to the surface.

Maximum speed of the Mako Shark in attack

Torpedo shape of the body contributes to the swiftness of this fish. The speed of the Mako Shark in an attack on prey reaches 60 km / h. The fish is capable of bouncing over the water surface up to six meters in height. These qualities are proved by the fact that one of the most dangerous predators in the depths of the sea is the Mako shark. Speed it develops due to the shape of the body and a good circulatory system. Unlike other sharks, the muscles of the mako are permeated with a large number of capillaries and are constantly heated by blood circulation. Therefore, they can quickly shrink and contribute to a set of high speed.

This feature of the shark quickly depletes its energy reserves, so the fish is very voracious and constantly needs high-calorie food. Mako is interested in everything that sees on his way, whether it's a living organism or an inanimate object. In 90% of cases out of 100 she tries to taste everything she sees. However, this applies more to fish than to humans.

Attack on the person

The mako shark itself is considered potentially dangerous. In most cases this fish does not perceive a person as food, but there are exceptions. The attack of a Mako Shark on a man sometimes happens. But most often the person is to blame for this. Over the past several decades, 42 attacks have been officially recorded, and eight of them have been fatal . In most cases, the shark attacked the fishermen who were trying to catch it. Sometimes she attacked the boats. In the latter situation, the people themselves who were fishing in front of the shark's nose are also to blame, thus provoking her to attack.

Nutrition and behavioral features

The mako feeds mainly on large fish: mackerel, tuna, etc. Its favorite food is swordfish, which can reach three meters in length and weigh up to 600 kilograms. That is, their dimensions are almost identical. The swordfish comes into conflict with the shark, but almost never wins, as the mako is very energetic and strong.

Predator prefers to attack from below and bites prey in the caudal fin area. It is in this place is the end of the spine and the main joints. Thus, the Mako Shark, the photo of which can be seen in this article, paralyzes its victim and makes it helpless. About 70% of predator food is tuna, but it does not disdain dolphins and other brethren, which are smaller in size. Curious fact: the tuna is able to reach speeds of up to 70 km / h, but the shark catches up with its lightning start. The Mako accelerates to 60 km / h in just 2 seconds.

Enemies and friends

Friends of this predator is not enough. Mark can be fish-cleaners, sticking and pilots. The first help all predators get rid of various parasites that attach to the fins and feed on skin secretions. As for the enemies, they have almost no mako. The shark tries to avoid only the larger of its fellow humans and schooling fish. For example, if the dolphin itself can become its prey, then their flock is able to drive away the predator from its habitat.

Fishing

Intentional capture of this fish is not conducted, sometimes it comes across itself, chasing after prey. However, you can note the delicious mako meat. This shark, like all types of herrings, is suitable for food. But some internal organs and fins are of special value. The liver of this predator is a delicacy.

Although the mako is not a commercial fish, it is of interest for the so-called "hunter-athletes". Predator to the last struggles for his life, than brings a lot of emotions to people trying to catch her. This "sport" is deadly dangerous.

There was a case when the Mako shark approached very close to the beach, and it was shot from a harpoon gun. The fish quickly freed itself from the arrow and rushed to the attack. She jumped straight to the sand and tried to grab the man shooting at her. He was lucky that everything turned out.

The most terrible tragedy in which the Mako shark, a photo of which can be seen in this article, took place near the Australian coast in the middle of the 20th century. Four fishermen peacefully fished the fish, being in a large boat. A sudden flock of makoes attacked them. People tried to sail to the shore, but one predator rammed the boat's side right through and the fishermen found themselves in the water. Only one was able to safely get out on land, the rest were torn and eaten by bloodthirsty makos.

A lot of controversy was going on about this, and there were many versions explaining the behavior of sharks. The majority were inclined to the opinion that people still provoked the attack, because they were fishing in front of the nasal predators, which caused their irritation and aggression.