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Deepseawaters
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Sea SharksShortfin Mako or Bonito Shark
Shortfin Mako or Bonito Shark
Common Name: Shortfin Mako or Bonito Shark
Scientific Name: Isurus oxyrinchus
Description
The body of the shortfin mako
(bonito) shark is elongate but rather stout. The snout is
long and pointed. The first dorsal and the pectoral fins are
large, but the second dorsal and anal fins are very small.
This species is a deep blue or dark gray above and white below.
There is a black spot at the base of the pectorals.
Range
This shark is found worldwide in warm and temperate seas; in the eastern Pacific from Chile to the Columbia River, Washington, including the Gulf of California, but not in the tropics.
Natural History
The diet of this onito shark includes fishes
and squid, often large ones. Whenever possible, the bonito
shark takes its food in one gulp. With its tremendous speed,
it is unquestionably a dangerous shark. Shortfin mako
(bonito) sharks bear live young.
Fishing Information
The shortfin mako (bonito)
shark is one of the larger sharks to inhabit California waters.
By all accounts, it is as dangerous as any shark, and it probably
swims faster than most. The best way to hook a shortfin mako
shark is by trolling with a whole tuna, squid or mackerel.
You can also use lures, and chumming does help. Watch out,
when you catch one, because this is a dangerous fish that
will not hesitate to attack you or your boat
Other Common Names
bonito, mako, mackerel shark, spriglio, paloma, shortfin mako
Largest Recorded
13 feet; 1,000 pounds. 11.5 feet; 1,030 pounds (California). Largest taken by a recreational angler off California; 299 pounds.
Habitat
Pelagic
Environment
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