Unsupported Browser Detected

Internet Explorer lacks support for the features of this website. For the best experience, please use a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.

Shortfin Mako Shark

Shortfin Mako Shark

Isurus oxyrinchus

Side-profile illustration of a bluish gray shortfin mako shark with white underside and pointed snout. Sides are light metallic blue and eyes and pectoral fins smaller (compared to longfin mako shark). Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Jack Hornady

Protected Status

CITES Appendix II
Throughout Its Range

Quick Facts

Region
New England/Mid-Atlantic, Pacific Islands, Southeast, West Coast

About the Species

The shortfin mako is a large and highly migratory shark that occurs across all temperate and tropical ocean waters. 

Scientific Classification

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Chondrichthyes
Order Lamniformes
Family Lamnidae
Genus Isurus
Species oxyrinchus

Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 11/10/2022

Featured News

Lemon shark caught in GULFSPAN.jpg Previously tagged lemon shark Negaprion acutidens recaptured during survey
Feature Story

Debunking Common Shark Myths

New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Graphic showing multiple shark species underwater.
Feature Story

Celebrating 30 Years of Atlantic Shark Management

New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Close-up of Great White Shark
Feature Story

Sharpen Your Shark Facts

New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Two blacktip sharks swimming Blacktip sharks. Credit: iStock.
Podcast

Atlantic Sharks: 30 Years of Successes and Lessons

New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
View More News

Related Species

Management Overview

In November 2022, NOAA Fisheries determined that the shortfin mako shark does not warrant listing under the Endangered Species Act.

Key Actions and Documents

Actions & Documents

12-Month Finding on a Petition to List the Shortfin Mako Shark Under the Endangered Species Act

We, NOAA Fisheries, have completed a comprehensive status review under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for the shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) in response to a petition from Defenders of Wildlife to list the species. After reviewing the best…
Notice,
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
Published

Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 11/10/2022