 © Andy Murch / Elasmodiver.com They're fast. They're acrobats. They're deadly (to their prey). Meet the shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus).
Believed to be the fastest of all sharks (with speed clocking in at 35 km/ph), and can propel themselves out of the water up to six metres. They're the definition of "grace" in the water... and what we're talking about in this bio.  © Masa Ushioda / imagequestmarine.com Shark Week 2016 is in full swing, and they are showcasing one of our favorite sharks: the oceanic whitetip (Carcharhinus longimanus). Sound familiar? Our "Behind the Fins" shark scientist Cassandra Ruck studied them for her MSc degree!
They're slow-moving, but don't let that fool you. They are aggressive and dominate in feeding frenzies, and are known to frequent shipwrecks and air crashes. It is one of the top three common oceanic sharks, which also include the blue shark (Prionace glauca) and the silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis), meaning while all of these sharks face population declines, you could bump into them while out in the open ocean!  © The Fins United Initiative property Arguably the most (in)famous of all shark species... the great white shark. Scientifically known as Carcharodon carcharias, it is well loved by Shark Week specials.
The great white shark was thrust into the spotlight by the movie Jaws, which starred a "killer" great white out for blood. The movie ended with an explosion of said animal (disproven by Mythbusters of actually happening, along with other things from Jaws), and since then people have been either wary or fascinated of this massive animal. In this bio, we'll uncover the animal behind the myth. So buckle up, we're diving in! |
AuthorTFUI Founder Melissa C. Marquez is author of all animal bios and "Behind the Fins" segments. SEE MELISSA'S TEDx TALK HERE:
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