The Marvelous Mako Shark
Did you know that mako sharks are one of the top predators in the ocean food chain? In this blog, you can learn all there is to know about the elusive and speedy mako shark – and the cool jewelry that’s made from their teeth. The next time you’re adventuring near open seas, remember these fascinating mako shark facts.
What is a Mako Shark?
Mako sharks, from the genus Isurus, are large, migratory predators that live in the open ocean. It’s important to note that there are two kinds of mako sharks: the shortfin and the longfin. When one refers to mako sharks, they’re typically referring to the most common shortfin. They can grow up to 12 feet long and can live for close to 30 years!
7 Distinguishable Features of the Mako Shark
Makos are one of the more recognizable creatures of the sea, but there are seven features that set them apart from other sharks:
- Crescent-moon tail
- Torpedo body shape
- Large eyes
- Pointed snout with a white underside
- White belly
- Sharp and narrow teeth
- Deep blue hues
Shortfin vs. Longfin Mako Sharks
Longfin mako sharks have longer pectoral fins and larger eyes, a slightly different body shape, and a darker-colored snout than their shortfin relatives. The shortfin is known as one of the fastest sharks in the ocean, reaching speeds of 45 mph, whereas the longfin can only hit 35 mph. Not a lot is known about the biology of longfin mako sharks because you’re more likely to see the popular shortfins swimming around.
Where Are Mako Sharks Found?
Mako sharks are found worldwide, preferring tropical and warm waters. They’ve been spotted in almost every ocean. In the Pacific, they’re seen in Oregon and all the way down to Chile. When they’re spotted in the Atlantic, they’re found from near New England down to the Caribbean Sea. They’ve even been spotted in the Indo-Pacific, from East Africa to Hawaii. Talk about world travelers!
You won’t have to dive deep into finding these stunning creatures—most shortfin mako sharks live near the surface of these oceans. If you’re searching for young ones, juvenile makos are often spotted in southern California during the warmer months, leading scientists to believe that females travel there to have their pups.
How Do Mako Sharks Migrate?
Mako sharks are known for their migration. They’re commonly referred to as the “peregrine falcon” of the ocean, referencing their record-breaking speed. This skill allows them to spread far and wide around the globe at a faster rate than other types of sharks.
Scientists have attributed this to the fact that they’re warm-blooded, meaning they can regulate their own body temperature, giving them more energy and speed to travel long distances.
Mako Sharks Are Known for Leaping
Mako sharks are incredibly well-known for their leaping abilities! Countless fishermen in history have found themselves in a tricky situation when provoking the mako shark—so much so that they’ve jumped aboard their ships! Makos are known for breaching, though it’s debated whether it’s a hunting technique or to dislodge parasites from their skin.
Are Mako Shark Teeth Unique?
When identifying shark teeth, you can see that mako teeth are uniquely long, thin, and dangerously sharp— the perfect weapon for snapping up fish. Compared to other shark teeth, makos are prized in both the science and jewelry business for being completely different. Mako shark teeth are serrated and made from layers of teeth slowly growing around themselves, forming a sharp tip at the end.
If you’ve ever wandered onto a beach, odds are, you’ve tried your luck at searching for shark teeth. Keep your eyes peeled, and you may find the rare, serrated tooth of a mako shark!
What Do Shark Teeth Symbolize?
Many surfers and fishermen adhere to the superstition that wearing shark teeth in the water will bring them good luck and protection. Donning a shark tooth talisman like the Elegant Fossil Mako Pendant is an age-old tradition dating back to ancient Hawaiian lore about a young man battling a sea god. Upon his victory, he came up from the ocean wearing a shark tooth. Years later, shark tooth jewelry is still all the rage.
5 Ways to Show Off Shark Teeth
Whether you’ve found a mako shark tooth walking along the sand, bought one in a gift shop, or found one on our website, here are a couple of different ideas for showing off the magnificent tooth:
- Wear jewelry
- Decorate your home
- Give them as gifts
- Start a collection
- Commemorate your trip
1. Wear Mako Shark Teeth as Jewelry
Using a tooth from the “king of the waters” in shark tooth jewelry is seen as a symbol of victory and power. Perfect for a more masculine accessory, the point of the mako shark tooth gives your jewelry a little edge. Dress a Mako Shark Tooth Pendant up or down and wear it with pride!
2. Use Mako Shark Teeth as Home Décor
Put your new prized possession in a shadow box for protection and place it on any bookshelf or coffee table in your home. Show off the notorious mako shark tooth and learn all the fun facts to entertain your guests!
3. Give a Mako Shark Tooth as a Gift
Gift a wonderful Curved Fossil Mako Tooth Pendant to the seafaring folk in your life. Whether your grandfather is a fisherman or your best friend is a swimmer, these stunning talismans are the perfect way to wish them luck on their oceanic adventures.
4. Start Your Own Shark Tooth Collection
People collect all kinds of things, so why not shark teeth? Use that passion and curiosity by starting out with the renowned mako shark tooth. Pretty soon, you’ll be hunting down different breeds, sizes, and types of teeth to flesh out your stunning collection!
5. Shark Teeth Are the Perfect Souvenir
Why waste money on cheap souvenir tchotchkes when you could own a real shark tooth? Commemorate your oceanside vacation with a natural part of the circle of life. With your very own shark tooth, you’ll feel connected to the ocean even when you’re a thousand miles away.
Mako sharks are some of the most notorious creatures in the ocean. From their daring speeds to their leaping abilities, they’re known far and wide. There’s so much to learn about marvelous mako sharks, and whether you find one of their teeth searching in the sand or shopping on our site, you’ll have a gorgeous accessory!