At a glance
- IUCN category
- EN · Endangered
- Animal group
- Fish
- Population trend
- Decreasing
- FaunaHub record reviewed
- Checked against IUCN
- Matches source — IUCN's 2019 global assessment of Isurus oxyrinchus says EndangeredChecked 2026-10-09 against IUCN's Red List export published 2026-07-28 · assessment
Conservation overview
The shortfin mako is the fastest shark in the world, a sleek, powerful open-ocean predator. It is assessed as Endangered.
It is warm-bodied, which helps power its high-speed bursts.
Range & habitat
Temperate and tropical oceans worldwide.
Major threats
Threats below are drawn from the authoritative sources listed on this page. For the current, complete assessment, see the IUCN Red List.
- Overfishing (targeted and bycatch)
- Demand for meat and fins
- A low reproductive rate
Why it matters
As the fastest shark and a heavily fished apex predator, the shortfin mako is a high-profile case for sustainable management of high-seas sharks.
Sources
Sources for Shortfin Mako
- IUCN Red List — look up Shortfin Mako (authoritative status)
- NOAA Fisheries
- Animal Diversity Web
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is the shortfin mako?
It is widely regarded as the fastest shark, capable of remarkable bursts of speed, helped by its streamlined shape and warm-bodied physiology.
Why is the shortfin mako Endangered?
Published assessments cite overfishing, both targeted and as bycatch, demand for meat and fins, and a slow reproductive rate. See the IUCN Red List.