The Mako Shark

Mako sharks use their powerful tails to speed after prey. Dive into the exciting world of mako sharks.

Mako sharks, shortfin mako and longfin mako, belong to the family Lamnidae, which also includes the great white shark. Makos have very ancient origins, appearing in prehistoric oceans between 40 and 60 million years ago. The elegant shape, the curved prominent teeth and the tail shaped like a halfmoon make them unmistakable. The shortfin mako can be considered among the fastest of all sharks, since it can reach speeds of 35-56 km/h and can jump out of the water to more than 6 meters in height. Makos have the speed and agility to catch fast swimming prey, such as tunas, swordfishes and dolphins. Some makos have been found with a swordfish bill driven into their body after fighting with prey. Makos are considered dangerous animals: attacks on divers, swimmers and boats are known, but are rare because these predators prefer offshore waters. The shortfin mako is fished all over the world and is prized for the high quality of its meat. Moreover its fighting temper makes it one of the most sought-after prey by the sport-fishermen.

Said to be the fastest shark of all, the mako shark can cut through water at 40 miles per hour. Perhaps more impressive is the hang time achieved when the torpedo-shaped fish launches up to 20 feet above the surface of the water. This book explores all the stunts of the speedy mako shark.

Dive into this title to meet mako sharks. Complete with a More Facts section and bolded glossary terms. Young readers will gather basic information about mako sharks through easy-to-read, simple text alongside stunning full-bleed photographs. Aligned to Common Core standards and correlated to state standards. Abdo Kids is a division of ABDO.

Follow the fastest shark in the ocean as it hunts for swordfish.

Describes the characteristics, behavior, diet, and life cycle of mako sharks.

Introduces reader to the life cycle, habits, and habitat of the mako shark.

The mako shark is the fastest species of shark in the world. Readers will delight in learning compelling facts about this speedy shark, including its diet, anatomy, behavior, as well as its amazing ability to swim quickly and jump high into the air. This volume includes a graphic organizer of fast and fun facts about the mako shark, which is sure to spark readers’ interest. Engaging text is paired with brilliant color photographs to give readers an exciting and easy-to-grasp learning adventure.

Describes the appearance, habitat, and behavior of mako sharks.

Mako sharks are known for their speed. They swim faster and jump higher than any other shark. Find out more in Mako Shark, one of the titles in the Sharks series.