Shortfin Mako is a type of shark species typically found in coastal waters. The spelling of this word is based on the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription of the sound. The IPA representation of "sh" is /ʃ/, the "or" sound in "short" is /ɔː/, "t" is represented as /t/, "f" is /f/, "i" sounds in "mako" is represented as /i/ and "a" is /əʊ/. Therefore, the spelling of Shortfin Mako is based on the phonetic sounds that combine to make up this distinct and powerful species of shark.
The Shortfin Mako (Isurus oxyrinchus), also known as the Bonito Shark, is a large species of shark that belongs to the Lamnidae family. It is widely recognized for its remarkable swimming abilities and unique physical characteristics.
The Shortfin Mako is primarily found in temperate and tropical oceanic waters around the world, including the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. It is known for its slender and streamlined body, which enables it to reach incredible speeds. With its long, conical snout, large eyes, and sizable mouth filled with sharp, triangular teeth, it is an apex predator perfectly adapted for hunting. Its distinctive blue coloration on its back and white underside contribute to its overall stealth and camouflage in the open ocean.
Reaching an average length of 2.5 to 3.5 meters (8 to 11 feet) and weighing up to 571 kilograms (1,258 pounds), the Shortfin Mako is one of the fastest species in the ocean, capable of swimming at speeds exceeding 45 miles per hour (72 kilometers per hour). It possesses a highly developed, crescent-shaped tail and paired pectoral fins, allowing it to swiftly maneuver while chasing prey or escaping threats.
Shortfin Makos are known for their opportunistic feeding behavior, preying on various marine species, including bony fishes, squid, and even other sharks. Despite their fierce reputation, they are not considered a significant threat to humans and generally avoid interactions with human activities.
However, due to their high commercial value for their meat, fins, and liver oil, Shortfin Makos face considerable fishing pressure. They are frequently targeted by both commercial and recreational fisheries, which has led conservation organizations to label them as vulnerable or endangered in certain regions
The word "Shortfin Mako" is a combination of two terms: "shortfin" and "mako".
The term "shortfin" describes the short pectoral fins of the species. The word "short" originates from the Old English word "sceort", meaning "not long" or "brief".
"Mako" is derived from the Maori language, which is indigenous to New Zealand. In Maori, "mako" refers to a species of shark. The Maori people have a long history of fishing and have specific names for different types of sharks they encountered, including the shortfin mako.
Therefore, the etymology of "Shortfin Mako" arises from the English term "shortfin", referring to the shark's physical features, and the Maori word "mako", representing the species of shark itself.