Endangered Shark Species: 3 Fascinating Facts About The Aquatic Beasts

Let’s not be selfish humans for a moment and give respect to animals around the world for how they help to keep the world flourishing. For starters, you should know more about every shark species for the sole reason that they keep ecosystems in check, which in turn, keeps us humans alive. So, when hearing the news that the mako shark is on the endangered list, I’m wondering how that slipped under the radar.

Yes, even though sharks are apex predators who wouldn’t hesitate to make you their next dinner, if given the opportunity, you should still care about them. Unlike sharks, we know better. Unlike us, sharks didn’t have an Uncle Ben or Uncle Phil to teach them about responsibility. Yet, sharks seem to be performing their roles in preserving the planet better than humans are. 

Evasive Shark Species Thrive in Tropical Water

Of all the various shark species, the mako shark is one of the most elusive predators in the amazing animal kingdom, mostly because of their adaptability. For instance, mako sharks have evolved enough to hunt extremely fast fish, even in the most tropical ocean environments. What’s more? Mako sharks tend to stay out of dodge unless someone’s dumb enough to get too close.

Despite global warming making our oceans hotter, this shark species doesn’t spend much time around humans, which is probably for the best. It’s not like humans and sharks have the greatest of friendships. Unfortunately, that relationship doesn’t seem to be being mended anytime soon, as mako sharks prefer open water away from diving sites.

Who Knew Sharks Were Good at Horse Racing?

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Don’t let the mako shark’s appearance fool you, as what they lack in strength, they make up with speed. You should know that the title for fastest shark species in the world wasn’t given to mako sharks for no reason. This shark species is known to reach maximum speeds of 46 miles per hour, which is equivalent to a horse running on land. 

Mako sharks can thank their tail for their speed, as their crescent shape allows better travel through the water. Yet, if you somehow find yourself in the sights of a mako shark, don’t panic just yet. You wouldn’t want to accidentally drown, especially when you may still have a chance of survival. While mako sharks have quick speeds, keeping up the pace is just as fast.

One Big Apex-Predator Family Reunion

Another impressive fact about these shark species has nothing to do with the mako sharks, but who they share ancestry with. Did you know mako and great white sharks come from the same family? Known as the Lamnidae, this family of shark species consists mostly of fast-swimming predator sharks.

Keep in mind that two species sharing the same family doesn’t make them the same per say. Both mako and great whites are distinct shark species that differ in size. Great white sharks are larger, as they rely on brute strength to hunt, while mako sharks have smaller, streamlined bodies, aiding their speed.

Does The Mako Shark Species Choose Sun Over Ocean?

With that said, you should know the difference between “family” and “genus” within the hierarchical taxonomic ranking. Within the genus level, mako sharks belong in the Isurus genus. Here they are then split into two separate classes: the shortfin and longfin mako sharks. Their name, Insurus, comes from the mako shark’s crescent-shaped tails meaning ‘equal tail.’

The mako Shark’s tail structure is fascinating as the upper and lower lobes are similar in size, notable to sharks that generally rely on speed to catch prey. Furthermore, both shark species desire deep waters rather than deep underwater. Like us humans, even sharks desire to be kissed by the sun. Yet, there are some locations you can go to if you want to see the mako shark for yourself.

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