Shortfin Mako Sharks

Shortfin makos are the cheetahs of the ocean: capable of bursts to 70 km/h, the only sharks that routinely breach clear of the water, and one of the few partially warm-blooded fish on the planet. Their muscles run several degrees above ambient water temperature for explosive acceleration.

They're pelagic and rarely seen by divers. The reliable encounter is off Cape Point (South Africa) and the Pacific coast of Mexico, on blue-water charters that chum offshore. Red Sea liveaboards occasionally encounter makos during open-water transits.

Listed Endangered since 2019, with populations crashed from longline fishing and trophy game-fishing. Atlantic catch limits were tightened in 2022. Diving with makos at managed sites helps fund population research.