Shortfin mako - factfile

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The Evening Standard
  • Shortfin makos are the fastest species of shark, able to swim at 60mph, around the top speed of a cheetah, the fastest land animal.
  • Renowned for their endurance, they can swim more than 1,320 miles - the equivalent of London to Athens - in just 37 days.
  • Makos can make spectacular leaps out of the water, reaching heights of 20ft.
  • Killed for their tender meat in Asia, they are the tenth most endangered creatures on Earth.
  • Makos are found worldwide, usually in temperate and tropical seas.
  • They can elevate their body temperature, enabling them to swim in cold water.