Also known as
- Longfin Mako US
- Big-eye Mako US
Identification
A sleek warm-blooded oceanic shark built for cruising the deep open-ocean column. More slender and longer-finned than shortfin mako. Females grow larger than males.
- Exceptionally long pectoral fins — length equal to or greater than head length (the diagnostic separator from shortfin mako)
- Dark indigo-blue back grading sharply to a clean white belly
- Long conical snout with prominent dagger teeth visible when the mouth is closed
- Large eyes positioned forward on the head — adapted for low-light deep-water hunting
- Slender, streamlined body engineered for sustained cruising
Where it holds
- Oceanic
Behaviour
A poorly studied deep-water oceanic shark — more solitary, more migratory, and far rarer than its shortfin relative. Hunts cephalopods, small sharks, and pelagic baitfish in cool oceanic waters from 100-500m+, with warm-blooded physiology supporting activity in 12-20°C (54-68°F). Long pectoral fins suggest a cruise-oriented hunting style adapted to low-light depths. Found across tropical and warm-temperate oceans but rarely encountered near shore.
Diet: Small Tunas, Mackerel, Bonito, Oceanic Squid
How it's caught
Line Fishing
Trolling
Almost always an incidental capture while trolling for tuna, billfish, and shortfin mako along deep offshore current edges and seamounts. Slow-troll large skirted lures or rigged whole bonito at 6-8 knots. 2m of 300-400lb single-strand wire trace mandatory. Identify pectoral-to-head ratio at the boat before any handling decision.
Live Lining
Incidental capture while drifting live baits for swordfish, tuna, and shortfin mako in deep oceanic water. Suspend a 1-3kg live bonito, mackerel, or small tuna at 30-100m on heavy stand-up tackle. 2m of 300-400lb single-strand wire trace; 12/0-14/0 circle hooks.
